Turkish Carpets

Carpet-weaving dates back to pre-Islamic times. We know the rugs were common during the Byzantine Empire. The earliest known existing antique Turkish rug dates back to the 13th century, but there's evidence of these rugs in archaeological excavations as far back as 7,000 BC. Because different groups had their own designs, this art form recorded the political and ethnic history of the area. 

Although sometimes all oriental rugs are mistakenly referred to as "Turkish," true Turkish carpets have distinctive characteristics of designs, colors, dyes, materials, and techniques. These rugs are usually made of wool and cotton. No silk carpets came from Turkey until 1870, and it wasn't until the early 1900's that the weavers there began to use silver and gold threads. At that time some of the patterns also became influenced by other rug-producing countries. The yarns are tied with a symmetrical double-knot to make all sizes, from pillow-size to room-size.

When the Western world became interested in Turkish carpets, production and prices escalated. They are appreciated, not only for their usefulness but also as art. The distinctive Turkish colors and designs are sought after. Weavers still make them today very similarly to the way they were made in the past.

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