Handmade, Authentic, and One-of-a-Kind!
Turkish rugs are an essential part of everyday life in Turkey. One can see them in every room in any given house in any part of the country.
Even though there are plenty of replicas manufactured in factories due to their low cost, there is still an appreciation for handmade vintage pieces that had been skillfully crafted and woven for weeks to months.
These Turkish rugs are often an invaluable part of a newly wedded bride’s dowry. They can be seen decorating the houses of many families, often being displayed in their full glory either on the ground or attached to a wall.
The fame of these decorative pieces has been quite widespread for the last millennia. An increase in global connectedness meant that anyone can now get their hands on one of these pieces wherever in the world they may be, and sometimes without even actually visiting remote villages in Turkey.
It has never been easier to own a vintage Turkish rug and to experience the beauty and luxury these rugs provide.
Let us now jump into the world of Turkish rugs to better understand their value and how they can be used to make one’s home or office look better than ever.
Weaving is one of the oldest forms of art because it did not necessarily start as an art form when it was first invented many millennia ago.
Turkic tribes living in the vast steppes of Siberia had to endure extreme cold and hot temperatures, depending on the time of the year and the day. This meant that their homes, which were basically huge round-shaped tents, had to be isolated well at all times. They first used wool and similar animal products to keep the walls of the tents well-padded, but that was not necessarily good enough. It could strengthen the tent’s structure and make the hot and arid winds of the wastes less of an issue, but it was not the best when it comes to keeping the tent warm on cold winter nights.
Eventually, the migratory Turks found a way to weave the wool using small knots, crafting a fabric that is less porous than any of its alternatives.
The oldest example of a Turkic rug was found in Pazırık in southern Siberia and is named after the location as well. The Pazırık rug was found by Soviet archaeologist Sergei Ivanovich Rudenko and is believed to have been crafted around the 5th - 3rd century B.C.
It measures 189 cm x 200 cm (some publications have it at 183 cm x 196 cm and 183 cm x 200 cm), but what makes it truly special, other than its age, is its complexity. The Pazırık rug has around 3600 Turkish (Gördes) knots, i.e., 3600 knots per dm², a feat that is unmatched today. That is why Pazırık rug is not only the oldest known Turkic rug in existence but also likely the best when it comes to how meticulously a rug is woven.
The art of weaving slowly made its way south, and that is why we see Turkic rugs popping up with different styles all over Central Asia starting by the 3rd century A.D.
Some of these rugs can be found as south as India. Then we see the Turkic rugs making an appearance in the Arabic courts starting with the Abbasids in the 9th century. This was around the time when most Turkic tribes were converting to Islam and getting to be known more as “Turkish” rather than “Turkic” in academic records.
Also, at this point in history, these rugs started to have more ornamental value than practical ones. Now, Turks were more or less settled in the lands that they have conquered. They carried their nomadic art forms and transformed them to be used indoors. This meant that smaller rugs were introduced for the rooms in the houses, and bigger ones for mosques, both of which now hold an important place in Turkish society.
11th century witnessed the rise of the Seljuk Empire, which introduced the Turkish rugs to the Anatolian peninsula, where most of these woolen artworks are crafted today.
A few centuries later, during the reign of the Ottoman sultans in the region, the Turkish rugs were introduced to the Westerners, mostly noblemen from wealthier European countries who could actually afford them.
By the 15th century, certain European nobles now have their rooms decorated with the finest Turkish rugs. Well-decorated Turkish rugs became a much sought-after gift in these times. Sultans could be seen giving some rugs that were woven in a decade to their best commanders, or to an unruly nobleman as lip service.
Rugs never lost their value as royal gifts throughout the lifespan of the Ottoman Empire and were even used as gifts on the state level after the Turkish Republic was proclaimed in 1923.
Today, Turkish rugs know no boundaries. They find their way with ease into the global market where there is always a huge demand for them amongst those that are looking for a truly awe-inspiring decorative piece in their homes.
Although there are factory-made Turkish rugs nowadays, the vintage ones that came around several decades ago are almost always guaranteed to be hand-knotted and one-of-a-kind.
The technique that is used to craft a vintage hand-knotted Turkish rug is what sets it apart from all other options, and it's also because of this that no two Turkish rugs share the same characteristics.
Before the actual weaving process, the wool is treated and spun properly to make it workable with the loom. Traditionally, artisans spun wool by hand and the same can be said for the wool used in vintage rugs.
The wool is dyed in the required colors by submerging them into cauldrons with dye, checking so often to make sure the desired shade is achieved. It is then hung out in the sun to dry before it can finally be used for weaving.
A layer of woolen threads is placed in the loom. Depending on the planned size of the rug, several artisans can actually work on it, given the bigger size of the loom.
The loom can vary from region to region or village to village but is essentially a structure consisting of two horizontal beams parallel to each other. It is at these beams that the vertical strands of the rug foundation called warp are attached.
Part of the loom is varagele, a movable wooden structure that is used to spread the threads out and keep them in line. Thanks to varagele, the threads do not tangle with the artisan's fingers allowing them to weave knots easily. The atkı is then there to hold the knots in place. Sometimes this atkı is an actual thin stick while sometimes it's merely a different type of thread that ultimately just becomes part of the rug.
A kirkit, which basically looks like a wooden comb, is used to push the knots down to meet up with the rest of the already woven rug. This process makes the knots stronger and makes up space for the new knots to be made.
Artisans’ work at the loom comes to an end once they cannot make any more knots on it. A rule of thumb is that the more knots per dm² are, the better. That is why, although thicker knots would mean a job getting done faster, it translates to a rug that would be valued cheaper than if it was woven with more knots.
The weaving process is often followed by thorough washing and sun drying. Sometimes, it is stretched to flatten out the pile and trimmed to match all thread lengths.
This whole arduous process that can take anywhere from months to years is how vintage Turkish rugs have been crafted since times immemorial.
The material used in a Turkish rug is one of the most important criteria in determining its value. Natural materials are more durable and can guarantee decades to centuries of life for a rug. Authentic Turkish rugs can be categorized through the material used for their knots and can be either a Turkish wool rug or a Turkish silk rug.
With either wool or silk as the knots, it is common for vintage Turkish rugs to have cotton used as a warp. Cotton is a strong fiber that can allow tighter knots to be made without the warp breaking. This is a case of wool on cotton or silk on cotton Turkish rug. There are also those that are made entirely by wool or by silk often referred to as wool on wool or silk on silk Turkish rugs, respectively.
The advantages of natural materials over synthetic ones also apply to dyes. The use of flowers, roots, insects, and other vegetables as dyes has been practiced since ancient times and has endured in many villages in Anatolia. Natural dyes don't come off and get even more beautiful as years pass by.
The availability of materials to be used as dyes is greatly dependent on what is available locally, subject to the climate of the area. A few of the most commonly used are as follows:
One of the most striking features of Turkish rugs is the motifs that are found on them. It is these motifs that turn an otherwise everyday object into a beautiful piece of art. These symbols are often altered a bit from one village to another, but their meaning stays the same no matter how they are depicted. The exact number of motifs and their combinations are unknown, but the following is a glimpse into the world of symbology in Turkish rugs.
Elibelinde (Hand on Waist)
This motif symbolizes femininity, pregnancy, and motherhood. As an extension, it also symbolizes happiness, wealth, luck, and joy.
Koçboynuzu (Ram)
This one is often used together with the Elibelinde motif, and as one may guess, it symbolizes masculinity. It also stands for courage and power.
Bereket (Plenty)
Depending on the exact figure, this group of symbols often symbolizes everlasting happiness or never-ending plenitude.
Saçbağı (Hair Tie)
This motif symbolizes a will to marry and is often found on rugs which are found in the dowers of young women waiting to get married.
Küpe (Earring)
These earring-looking motifs symbolize sexuality. As a matter of fact, young unwedded ladies would often wear one to show their desire to be married.
Pıtrak (A Type of Weed)
Pıtrak is a type of weed that is commonly found in Anatolian farms. Its spikes also symbolize plenitude.
El (Hand)
It is believed that hand is the organ that makes the difference between humankind and the rest of animals, which is why it is depicted a lot on rugs.
Muska (Amulet)
These charms are used to protect its owner from the “evil eye.” The idea is that once they are woven on a rug, the rug becomes a shield against bad charm.
Göz (Eye)
Nazar or more commonly known as the “evil eye” is one of the oldest beliefs in Turkish folklore. It is often used as a motif to work as a charm against itself.
Yılan (Snake)
Animal motifs are quite common in Turkish art forms. Snake, in particular, symbolizes strength, immortality, and the creation of Earth.
Kuş (Bird)
Birds in all shapes and sizes are very welcome additions to any Turkish rug. They mostly symbolize love, freedom, and longing.
Suyolu (Water Way)
This motif is rather self-explanatory to say the least. Turkic tribes would often migrate alongside waterways, so they thought that it was only natural to put it on their rugs as well.
Kurt Ağzı (Wolf’s Mouth)
Wolf is one of the centerpieces in Turkic culture as it featured in myths regarding Turks for many millennia. It symbolizes protection and optimism.
Damga/İm (Stamp)
Turkic tribes, families, states, etc. would often have their own stamps, thus it was a part of everyday life. Some of these can be seen being used as motifs on rugs today.
Akrep (Scorpion)
Scorpion, depicted quite differently on rugs, often symbolizes the soul of Satan. It is not the most beloved animal in Turkish mythology. It also symbolizes ill intent.
Rugs, like any other decorative pieces in a house, are susceptible to getting dirty. It is crucial to know how to clean them properly, as doing it in a less than ideal way could destroy and damage the pile and its overall look.
Whether it is a solid or a liquid that dirtied the rug, it is imperative to act quickly. Clean everything up as soon as possible so that stains do not sink into the fibers, potentially becoming part of the rug forever.
If a liquid stained the rug, make sure to immediately clean up as much as you can using a towel of any sort. If it is something solid like food crumbs, pick up as much of the residue as possible and vacuum the rest of it whenever necessary.
If something persistent requires washing the rug, you can do so easily without resorting for professional help yet. Ensure that the water you will use is neither too cold nor too hot as both can create issues with the wool and the dyes used in crafting the rug. For the soap, opt for a natural one that's mild and gentle, or shampoo with near-neutral pH can be used too.
If there's a need to wash the whole rug, here are simple steps to follow so you can do it yourself:
Time is of the essence, and the sooner you clean up spills that cause stains, the greater the chances of preventing permanent damage to your precious rug. This is where the tip about Acting Fast matters the most.
Do not let any spill go untreated and be allowed to dry. Blot up as much of the spill as possible by using a cloth or paper towel. Once you have rinsed out as much spill as possible, it's now time to add some power to spot cleaning:
Always remember to not scrub the rug too hard as it may not only cause the stain to spread, it can also disrupt the natural leaning position of the wool fibers thereby damaging the rug's pile.
To conclude spot cleaning, use a sponge to rinse the affected area with clean water. Finally, dry everything thoroughly with an absorbent cloth or another sponge.
Unable to remove the stains, dirt, or bad odor yourself? Or are you simply uncomfortable doing things yourself? Then it's probably time to opt for professional rug cleaning services.
Turkish rugs are valuable items, and seeking professional help is a good way of ensuring that both the firmness of knots and the vibrancy of colors are preserved for many years to come.
It is no secret that rugs, in principle, are crafted to serve practical purposes in a house such as keeping the room warmer by acting as a padding on the floor. However, that hardly means that they cannot serve a decorative purpose.
Given the richness of their motifs and vibrancy of their colors, it is hard not to use Turkish rugs in ways to enhance the room and tie everything together.
The following are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the ways one can use Turkish rugs for decorative purposes. In reality, the possibilities are endless!
Turkish rugs are great to use as a centerpiece in any large room, especially when they are not surrounded by any other contacting furniture. That way, they can be seen in all their glory. When used alongside design elements that share a common color palette, these rugs can become an indistinguishable yet indispensable part of your room, which elegantly completes its look.
If you want your Turkish rugs to be more of a “pop”, then it would be wise to use them in rooms with a more modern monochrome design. That way, the rug, which is more often than not a combination of a plethora of vibrant colors, will simply shine among all the other furniture in the room.
This could be especially useful in an office environment where there may not be much room for any other decorative elements because of the boring office furniture already there, allowing the Turkish rugs to bring life into an otherwise soulless-looking place.
If the Turkish rug has a motif that you very much adore, perhaps the wisest way of displaying it would be to hang it on a wall. This would make it easier for everyone to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into the rug since they can actually get close and personal to feel the rug.
Moreover, hanging a rug would be a great solution to cover up a wall completely if you have no other furniture to make it work with the rest of your design choices.
Last but not least, in a more practical context, this can be used to weaken the strength of cold winds that blow right into your home if that is one of your issues.
The price of a Turkish rug is not something set in stone and can vary considerably based on the following questions:
Where and when was the rug crafted?
How big is the rug?
What materials and dyes are used?
What are the motifs used and how complex are they?
Who is selling the rug?
More questions along these lines can be added to the list, but it should now be clear that there is no easy way of gauging the exact price of a handmade Turkish rug. Likewise, there is no specific price range that one can guarantee you to find a good rug everywhere in Turkey as prices change wildly from city to city and from time to time.
The economic hardships of the last few years in Turkey meant that many cooperatives working with traditional looms and villagers went bankrupt. This made it even harder to talk of an industry standard when it comes to pricing Turkish rugs.
Finding Turkish rugs physically in Turkey can prove more difficult than first imagined since the factory-manufactured ones are much cheaper, thus dominating the markets. When you want to experience the luxury of Turkish rugs, you are of course looking for the vintage and antique ones.
If you do not go to the source of these rugs, which is the central Anatolian region with all of its small villages tucked away in the wilderness, you will not be able to get a good price at all.
Sellers in touristy places and big cities such as in Istanbul often charge up to 60 percent more than the village prices. The same can be said for local shops in other countries where prices for rugs have inflated due to several middlemen. Buying it online from reputable Turkish shops that obtain rugs straight from villagers would be a lot cheaper.
Do not be easily discouraged though if you plan to visit Turkey and end up buying Turkish rugs in various shops around big cities. The prices are often written openly, meaning that one can still find a bargain and a tourist cannot be overcharged easily.
If one happens to go to an actual Turkish village, or a town nearby, in which these rugs are still made, it is theoretically possible to find Turkish rugs at the best prices. Theoretically hardly means certainly though.
It is possible to get on the good side of the seller and get a vintage rug for a bargain, but chances are one can end up paying more than the actual amount, especially if the seller understands that you are an outsider looking for a Turkish rug for decorative purposes, which automatically means that “you are rich.” It is better to leave this bargaining to a professional and then buy the rug from that intermediary.
Moreover, vintage and antique Turkish rugs you may end up getting straight from these villages usually still needs a lot of cleaning and reconditioning. Of course, this is something you need to consult with the professionals and will definitely cost a significant amount of money.
For a casual buyer, it would be wise to get in touch with intermediaries that seek out the best deals for foreigners to get the best rug from their money. These intermediaries being referred are those that travel to villages to secure vintage and antique beauties, recondition them, and clean them professionally before being offered to customers.
Remember that these intermediaries are also the same people that often sell Turkish rugs wholesale to businesses that offer such rugs to several other shops or to local customers. With several middlemen involved, the price of those rugs start to inflate.
For those on the more extreme end of the market, it would be better to ask for the guidance of an appraiser to find the perfect antique Turkish rug. This is a more niche market suitable for only a few select people out there interested in Turkish rugs in a more serious manner. The price limit is virtually none existent as antique pieces certainly cost a lot, demanding thorough planning before moving on with the investment.
Turk Rugs brings a collection of beautiful vintage rugs that are of hand-knotted and hand-woven types, and made from organic sheep wool and dyed using all-natural (vegetable) dyes.
Each rug is sourced directly from the villages in Turkey and delivered straight to your doorstep i.e. skip the entire layers of the traditional distribution channels that inflate prices and enjoy lower prices on authentic vintage rugs.
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