A Guide to Traditional Turkish Carpets and Rugs

Turkey is known for its beautiful and intricate carpets and rugs that are handcrafted by skilled artisans. Each piece is unique and tells a story of Turkish culture and history. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, exploring the country’s traditional carpet and rug art is a must. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the different types of Turkish carpets and rugs, their history, and where to find them.

Types of Turkish Carpets and Rugs

Turkish carpets and rugs come in different types, each with its unique style, design, and weaving technique. Some of the popular types include:

Kilim: A flat-woven rug that is made without knots. Kilims are known for their bold geometric patterns and bright colors.

Hereke: A type of silk carpet that is hand-knotted in the town of Hereke near Istanbul. Hereke carpets are famous for their intricate designs and fine quality.

Oushak: A type of rug that is hand-knotted in the town of Oushak in western Turkey. Oushak rugs are known for their soft pastel colors and bold patterns.

Sivas: A type of rug that is hand-knotted in the town of Sivas in central Turkey. Sivas rugs are famous for their intricate floral designs and bright colors.

Bergama: A type of rug that is hand-woven in the town of Bergama in western Turkey. Bergama rugs are known for their tribal designs and earthy colors.

History of Turkish Carpets and Rugs

The art of carpet and rug weaving has been a part of Turkish culture for centuries. Turkish carpets and rugs have a rich history that dates back to the Seljuk Empire in the 11th century. During this period, Turkish carpets and rugs were used to decorate palaces and mosques. They were also traded as luxury goods along the Silk Road. In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire became a major center for carpet and rug production. Today, Turkish carpets and rugs are still highly prized for their quality and beauty.

Where to Find Traditional Turkish Carpets and Rugs

If you’re interested in buying a traditional Turkish carpet or rug, there are many places in Turkey where you can find them. Here are some of the best places to look:

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul: The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It has over 4,000 shops, including many carpet and rug stores. You can find a wide range of carpets and rugs here, from traditional to modern.

Kapalıçarşı, Istanbul: Kapalıçarşı, also known as the Covered Bazaar, is another popular shopping destination in Istanbul. It has over 2,500 shops selling everything from jewelry to textiles. You can find many carpet and rug stores here as well.

Cappadocia: Cappadocia is another great place to find traditional Turkish carpets and rugs. Many of the small towns in the region have carpet and rug stores where you can find unique pieces.

Konya: Konya is a city in central Turkey that is known for its carpet and rug production. You can find many carpet and rug stores here, as well as a carpet museum that showcases the history of Turkish carpet weaving.

Antalya: Antalya is a coastal city in southern Turkey that has a rich history of carpet and rug weaving. You can find many carpet and rug stores here, as well as a carpet museum that displays a large collection of Turkish carpets and rugs.