The History of Rugs

Turkish rugs and kilims have a long and fascinating history, extending back to the early centuries.  While nobody is sure exactly where the technique of weaving first started, it is believed to have its origins in Central Asia. Nomadic tribes called Yoruks migrated from Central Asia in search of more fertile land, and, on their journeys, learned to use goat hair to make the tents which provided protection from the severe weather conditions.  As goat hair is longer and stiffer than sheep's wool, it was, and still is, more suitable for the flatweave techniques used to ensure these nomadic tents were very nearly waterproof.  Goat hair was also used to make the rugs the nomads used to provide insulation from the damp floors of their tents, and, as time went on, wall coverings as well.  These rugs are called Kilims.

The nomads adapted the flatweave technique to make everyday items such as saddlebags for their horses and camels, cradles for their babies, door coverings and blankets. 

As they refined their techniques, the Yoruks began to add pile to the flatweave rugs, providing a further degree of comfort.

Catal Huyuk in Anatolia is one of the oldest known urban settlements in the world, with archeological evidence indicating that the city was established sometime around 4000 BC.  Traces or wall paintings contain designs that are still incorporated into traditional Turkish kilims.  Evidence also suggests that kilims themselves may have been hung on walls of the settlement.

The art of weaving was expanded in Anatolia by the Selcuks in the 11th and 12th centuries, during the height of the Selcuk Empire.  Later, during the Ottoman era, Turkish tribes began to settle down and built small villages and towns. 

In the 13th century, the popularity of Turkish rugs spread to regions outside Anatolia, following Marco Polo's descriptions of the beautiful rugs he saw in Anatolia.   By the time of his visit, the Seljuk capital of Konya was a major rug producer. 

Turkish rugs began appearing in Western paintings in the 15th and 16th centuries, and, in the 19th century, the first carpet workshop was established at Hereke, 60 kilometres from Istanbul, where large carpets were produced to decorate the Ottoman palaces.  These Hereke rugs became known throughout the region for their exceptionally fine handwork and intricate designs, and used as gifts for European royalty and aristocracy, and demand for Turkish rugs from other regions including Usak and Bergama grew.

 Hereke

The finest silk rugs are produced in Hereke, where the knotting is so tight that you will find over 1 million knots per square meter.  Wool and cotton rugs are also produced here, with the highest quality wool rug having between 360,000 and 400,000 knots per square meter.    Traditional Hereke designs include the Seljuk Star, Seven Mountain Flowers, and the Tulip.