Turkish Rugs

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is A Turkish Rug?

  Turkish rugs, often known as Turkish carpets, are woven in Turkey.

  Most surviving Ottoman rugs made before 1800 came from workshops in Bergama, Gördes, Lâdik, Ushak and other Anatolian cities. Some early village and nomadic rugs exist, but their dating and provenance are challenging to determine.

  The earliest rugs were probably made of wool or cotton yarns on a loom similar to the one used for making kilims (pile-woven floor coverings). The first rugs were probably flat pieces with no pile and may have been used for bedding or wall hangings.

  Original Name: فرش ترکیه، قالی ترکیه

  Alternative Name(s): Turkish Carpet

• The History Of Turkish Rugs

  The first Turkish rugs date from the thirteenth century Seljuk dynasty. Some of the carpets' designs hint at Turkmen's origins or influences, representing Turkish culture.

  On the west side of the Sea of Marmara, modern Turkey contains Istanbul (previously Constantinople), the surrounding European area and Anatolia's massive Asiatic territory on the east side of the Sea of Marmara. 

  By the mid-17th century, most rugs had become rectangular, with a central medallion design surrounded by an ornamental border. This is called a "medallion" because it resembles the shape of a medallion coin.

  By the late 17th century, some rugs began to be covered with silk or velvet. These became popular among wealthy Turks who could afford them. Silk was also used to make the borders.

  In the 18th century, the use of silk increased. In addition, many new designs appeared. Many of these were based on European patterns.

  The Hereke Imperial Manufacture was established in 1841 by the Ottoman sultan Abdülmecid I to create all the textiles for his Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus. He assembled in Hereke the finest artists and carpet weavers of the Ottoman Empire, where they started making fine rugs and enormous carpets with distinctive designs known as Hereke Rugs. When the Ottoman sultans finished building the Dolmabahçe Palace, they would give Hereke rugs as gifts to particular visiting monarchs, nobles and statesmen.

  Rug weaving continued until the end of the 19th century. The last major rug weavers were women. Most of the rugs produced during this period were small household items such as mats and tablecloths.

  After 1900, the production of rugs declined rapidly. Many rug makers fled Istanbul during World War I and settled in Germany. After the war, they regained their skills and started producing large rugs again.

  Today, the best rugs come from the Karamanli region of eastern Turkey. There are about 30 villages where rug-making continues today. Rug-making has even spread into nearby Armenia. Even though most of the antique Turkish rugs are from Turkey, not all of them are. Some came from Anatolia, Persia, Afghanistan and other neighbouring countries.

• How Are Turkish Rugs Made?

  A rug is a handmade item comprised of two parts: the rug's skeleton, which is made of horizontal and vertical threads called "wefts" and "warps," and the rug's "pile", which is made by knotting various thread colours to resemble a picture. There are two knotting methods that can be used to create motifs:

  • Turkish, double or symmetrical knotting - Two warps are used to create each knot. Each end of the pile thread is wrapped completely around the two warps in this type of knotting before being drawn down and cut. Ghiordes knots, in contrast to other knots, wrap the weft (crosswise) yarn around two warp (lengthwise) yarns, adding lushness and durability.

  • Single (Persian) or non-symmetrical knotting. The thread is wound completely around one warp, and the other end is placed right next to the other warp. After that, the ends are clipped and pushed down.

  The symmetric knot is generally employed on Turkish carpets, with some exceptions.

  The following list contains the steps for weaving a Turkish carpet:

  1. The weaving process begins at the loom's base. At the lower edge, the flat woven element is first woven.

  2. The weaver next constructs a knot on two warps using a piece of wool that matches the pattern.

  3. The weaver uses a knife to cut the extra wool.

  4. The weaver passes a weft thread between the front and rear warps after completing one row of knotting. The weft threads strengthen the carpet's weaves.

  5. After that, the weaver will fiercely beat the row of knots and weft down with the "kirkit" (a heavy comb-like tool) to achieve the necessary tightness and make the knots and weft compact.

  6. After completing step 5, the weaver trims any extra coloured threads with a pair of movable scissors to get a uniform pile thickness.

  7. The carpet is finished by repeating this technique.

• The Characteristics Of Turkish Rugs

  Turkey has long been regarded as one of the world's leading producers of Oriental rugs. Over the years, Turkey has been attributed to the development and growth of folk art weavings. Turkey's weavers were highly skilled and innovative, employing innovative designs and techniques.

  Turkish rugs are created from the finest materials available. Cotton and wool-cotton blends are far less valued than hand-spun wool and silk. You can immediately tell the difference between silk and cotton rugs.

  Turkish carpets are available in a wide range of hues, so you can choose the colour scheme that best suits your preferences. Look for a rug dyed with natural colours that lasts longer and does not fade easily. Chemical dyes tend to look washed out.

  They're frequently utilised as miniature rugs and wall hangings, which, combined with the appropriate furniture, give an impressive touch to the middle eastern style.

  Many experts can identify a rug's origins and the story it tells just by looking at it. Usually, the stories are those that the creators, who are primarily women, desire to speak. Look for the tale in a Turkish rug to learn more about its meaning.

  Because they are antique art pieces, older carpets are more valuable than newer ones. Newer carpets may be of good quality, but they lack the inherent value of older rugs.

  Hand-knotted rugs are more expensive than machine-made rugs, but the quality difference is noticeable. Handmade carpets are becoming increasingly rare in today's world.

  A handmade rug may have some idiosyncrasies, but these add to its overall appeal. Every traditional Turkish rug has a unique story to tell. You may learn about the place where they were manufactured, the rug's age, the people who made it, and what was going on in their country at the time with the many details present in some carpets.

• Turkish Rugs Are Made From The Finest Raw Materials

  Most rugs are woven on a wool foundation, while cotton foundations have become more popular since the turn of the century. Unplied wefts usually have two shoots between each row of knots. Turkey has produced some silk rugs as well.

  Fine silk spun by silkworms into their cocoons is used to make Turkish silk rugs. Silk is strong, flexible and has high tensile strength. A silk rug is typically seen as more opulent than one made of cotton, wool or animal hair.

  Standard Colours

  The colours are muted, and two tones of the same colour are commonly juxtaposed. Almost all areas of the carpet have various designs and embellishments.

  Patterns, Styles & Common Designs

  Most Turkish rugs from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries are coarsely woven, with a knot density of fewer than 50 knots per square inch. The symmetric knot is employed on this rug type with few exceptions. Handwoven Turkish rugs vary not only in their knotting methods but also in their themes, which frequently depict the location in which they were manufactured and can be realistic or stylised, geometric or figurative.

  Medallions are more common in a prayer rug than all-over patterns.

  Weaving Technique

  The symmetrical Turkish/Gordes/Double knot involves looping the yarn around two warps and then pulling it between them, naturally creating a more durable rug.

• Traditional Turkish Rugs vs Contemporary Turkish Rugs

  The characteristics of both contemporary and traditional carpets are distinct, but how does a rug fit into any of these categories? When you go out and look for carpets for your house or place of business, you might find the following information useful.

  Traditional Rugs

  Traditional rugs frequently have a rich history, with designs and production methods being passed down from one generation to the next. Most traditional rugs in use today have their roots in Europe and Asia in the 18th century. That is why Persian or Oriental carpets are frequently used interchangeably with traditional rugs. As a result, their patterns are based on ancient patterns that give a room timeless beauty and grandeur.

  Traditional rug colour palettes are typically determined by the dyes readily available during the period. Rich reds, blues and golds are common colours in traditional Turkish carpets, but earthier hues like orange, brown and green, which can be produced with vegetable dyes, are more common in tribal-style rugs. Traditional rug designs frequently contain straight lines, floral motifs, medallions in the centre, and complicated geometric shapes like diamonds, hexagons, and octagons.

  Contemporary Rugs

  Like modern art, contemporary rugs frequently have striking hues, unusual patterns, or even graphic designs. They can appear free-form but generally take an architectural and modern approach. However, a contemporary rug's appearance and texture are very different from a traditional rug's. They may still have retro shapes and patterns. A modern room is an ideal match for contemporary carpets. The geometric style is the most popular contemporary rug design, which is still in demand today. Because of their simplicity, they can be produced in practically any quality, from tufted and machine-made materials to fine hand-knotted materials like those found in London House Rugs.

  However, the manufacture of abstract designs has greatly increased in recent years, largely due to advancements in rug design technology. The most effective abstract designs will incorporate a huge variety of hues into a seamless spectrum. This makes them simple to include in contemporary settings, and you may draw colour inspiration from them to create an entire colour palette.

  Transitional Rugs

  The best elements of classic and modern design are combined in a transitional rug. They incorporate fashion-forward designs and colour palettes from current offers while drawing influence from the traditional floor coverings' classic designs.

  There are many styles of rugs beside the ones we've covered here. However, generally speaking, most rug designs fit into these big categories. Generally speaking, the key to selecting the ideal style of rug for your property is to match it to the traditional or modern design of your current furniture or the property itself. Then, you can select the adequate type of rug accordingly.

• Types Of Turkish Rugs

  Turkish rugs are divided into four categories: Hali, Kilim, Cicim and Sumak. The Hali is the thickest of the four, but the others are all flat weaves made without knots.

  Hali

  A Hali rug is a soft knotted rug that is typically made using Turkish or Ghiordes knots. Hali rugs are big, thick and are usually used in bedrooms, living rooms and hallways.

  Hali Rugs come in many different colours and designs and can be found in all shapes and sizes. However, the most common size for a Hali rug is 6 feet by 8 feet.

  Kilim

  The term "Kilim", which has its roots in Turkey, is a piece of hand-woven fabric made utilising a flat weaving technique and lacking any pile. This term refers to more than just rugs: kilims are also utilised as wall art, hangings, tablecloths, bedspreads, upholstery for furniture and even bags.

  The simple and striking geometric patterns on kilim rugs make them distinctive. They are also known as "slit-woven" fabrics. This is due to a design element you'll see if you look closely: tiny vertical gaps between the various coloured regions and where the colours converge along the margins of the patterns.

  Cicim (or Jijim)

  Cicim, often written jijim, is a handmade rug-like spread or hanging manufactured in Anatolia from a variety of coloured strips that are woven together on a small loom using regular cloth weave. While on the loom, the patterns of this Anatolian rug are often created by brocading. However, some details may be embroidered afterwards.

  In a mainly balanced or weft-faced plain ground weave, additional coloured yarns are woven into the conventional warp and weft system using the extra-weft semi-wrap float technique. The resulting pattern looks like couched satin stitch because it creates solid lines over the plain ground weave, and it has even been incorrectly described as a style of embroidery used on plain weave flat-woven rugs.

  The Turkish word Cici (little and exquisite) is supposed to have inspired the name, along with the first-person possessive suffix im. The term "jajim" or "jejim" is used in Iran to designate a type of warp-faced weave that results in narrow strips sewn together after being produced.

  Cicim carpets are comparable to Sumak rugs but feature additional brocade methods that are unique to the tribes and villages of central Anatolia.

  Sumak (or Soumak)

  Soumak is a kind of flat weave that resembles kilim in some ways but differs in that it has a thicker, stronger weave, a smooth front face, but also a ragged back, as opposed to kilim's smooth front face and back. Soumak is typically woven with additional weft threads as continuous supports, lacking the slits that distinguish kilim. In order to provide strength and an embroidery-like design, the technique requires wrapping coloured weft threads over and beneath the warp threads.

  Other hand-knotted carpets are not constructed the same way as Soumaks. These carpets are made using an intricate and old construction method that results in a thick, sturdy and incredibly long-lasting flat-weave rug.

  Patchwork Rugs

  Patchwork rugs are made from various 30-90 year-old Turkish carpets that have been cleansed, repaired and woven together to form the Patchwork floor decoration (which resembles floor tile work). This is another way to take advantage of the traditional designs and give them a new life, generally with a mix of vintage carpets from small villages and regions.

• What Makes Turkish Rugs Special?

  They have decorated the palaces of sultans and queens, served as the basis for fairy tales and legends and padded the footsteps of countless generations. When the Turks of the Seljuk Empire first started weaving these bright carpets in Anatolia in the 13th century, they were known as Turkish rugs. With their ruby reds and misted blues, intertwined botanical patterns, and rhythmic geometries, Turkish rugs are just as popular today as they were then.

  Since the 13th century, geography, customer demand, technology and other factors have all had an impact, but the rugs have continued to reflect rich, ancient cultural and artistic traditions.

  Exquisite hand weaving method

  Antique Turkish carpets are well-known not only for their remarkable patterns and gorgeous colour combinations but also for their special weaving method. The symmetrical knotting method, also known as double knotting or the Turkish knot, is generally used in Turkish rugs. Each knot is created using this method on two warps. The pile thread is wrapped completely around the two warps on either end before being pulled down. Each Turkish rug is made using a method that has been refined and passed down through the generations, keeping it true to its origins.

  Beautiful patterns

  Antique Turkish rugs have a one-of-a-kind combination of traditional themes and motifs, such as the wheel of fortune, which represents prosperity, the ram horn, which represents power, the chest, which represents dowry, and the eye, which is used to ward against evil. Turkish rug designs are not just merely ornamental: they also express specific aspirations for a house or a family. They assert that every ancient rug is special and that the designs have a narrative. Each eye-catching design on Turkish rugs denotes a distinct meaning, and each pattern represents an emotion or a natural occurrence. Traditionally, weavers infuse their emotions and wishes for things like love, prosperity, good fortune and health into their designs.

  High quality and excellent technique

  An old Turkish rug's reverse reveals its true quality because it exhibits the skilled weaving method that was employed. The intricate design's prominence at the back is a hallmark of its exceptional quality. Their distinctive quality makes our carpets at London House Rugs stand out and make them an appealing and unique addition to your house.

  The number of knots increases proportionately to how noticeable the pattern is on the rug's reverse, increasing the overall knot count. Turkish rugs with a greater knot count are typically more expensive because the weaving process requires more time for the elaborate designs. A rug must contain at least 500 knots on average or more to be considered a good-grade rug.

  Made with premium materials

  High-grade wool, silk and cotton combined with natural colours are used to create a fascinating Turkish rug. Turkish rugs are distinguished by their distinct aesthetics, vivid hues, and high level of durability due to the ideal fusion of quality materials. Typically, Turkish carpets are comprised of silky, lustrous wool, fine silk and premium cotton. These materials can be used separately or in combination. Turkish rugs are exceptionally durable and can survive for many years thanks to natural materials. Fine silk spun by silkworms into their cocoons is used to make Turkish silk rugs. Silk is strong, flexible and has a high tensile strength. A silk rug is typically seen as more opulent than one made of cotton, wool or animal hair.

  Turkish wool carpets are frequently woven from the fleece of lambs or sheep. A number of things affect the quality of wool. It varies depending on the type of sheep, the local environment and the time the sheep are sheared for their wool. Because the sheep are nourished adequately in fields with plenty of greenery and water, they are healthier and produce wool of higher quality in colder climates. The major reason wool is used so frequently in old Turkish rugs is that it has many advantages. Turkish wool rugs are extremely durable and have a natural sheen that enhances their beauty. In addition, it is flexible, simple to weave and colour-accepting.

  Bold hues created from natural dyes

  Natural dyes sourced from plants, minerals and animals are used to create the vast range of hues found in Turkish rugs. The unlimited colour options for dyeing the threads give the weaver more freedom to use her creativity and produce stunning works of art. Some Turkish rugs feature a straightforward striped design made up of several vibrant colours. Perfect for use as a tablecloth, upholstery, draperies or flat weave rug. Turkish rugs' beautiful hues are naturally obtained from dyes originating from plants, roots, flowers, animals, insects and minerals.

  Natural colours include red, navy blue, yellow, brown, grey and black. Turkish rugs' most cherished aesthetic features are the mixes of these strong, vibrant hues. This historic approach, which was widely employed in Anatolia, has persisted over time and is still being continuously modified to accommodate modern carpet-making methods. The main advantages that natural dyes have over synthetic dyes are that they are more durable and that exposure to direct sunshine makes them shine brighter and become more vibrant.

  Turkish Rugs are versatile

  They can be used in various ways, from flooring to hangings for wall decor and even as table coverings.

  The most common use for Turkish rugs is on the floor. The rug's design will determine how it should be placed. If the rug has a lot of patterns or colour variations, then it may need to be centred. If the rug is a solid colour, then it can be centred or left alone.

  Another way to use a Turkish rug is as an accent piece. This could be done by placing it on top of another rug or by using it as a base for other items such as pillows, lamps or accessories.

  When choosing a place for your Turkish rug, consider its purpose. For example, if you want to use it as a decorative item, then choose a spot where it won't get dirty. However, if you plan to use it as a functional item, ensure it is cleanable.

  If you're looking for a unique gift idea, then look no further than Turkish rugs. These pieces of art are not only beautiful rugs but also very useful.

  The design possibilities that a Turkish Rug offers are endless

  The designs and patterns of the rugs can be as unique or traditional as you like, making them perfect for any room on your property.

  If you're looking to create a statement piece that will make an impact on visitors, then these are the rugs for you!

  London House Rugs have a wide range of colours available, so there is something for everyone.

  Turkish Rugs are timeless

  They have a rich history and culture and are beautiful to look at throughout the ages.

  Rug-making is an ancient art form that has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years.

  Turkish rugs age beautifully because they are constructed of high-quality natural materials that only get brighter and more glossy with time, having a history of standing the test of time due to their great strength and longevity. As a material for floor covering or as an additional accessory to a room, they can withstand the wear and tear of each use.

  Turkish rugs are still in fashion when used as interior decor. No matter what the prevalent style in your property may be, a Turkish rug can adapt. It has been demonstrated to last for decades, not just years.

  Turkish Rugs are evolving

  The Turkish rug industry is one of the most important industries in Turkey, and it has been growing steadily for over a century. The first rugs were made from wool, but today's rugs can be made from any number of materials, including cotton, silk, polyester or even nylon.

  Today's rugs have become more sophisticated than ever before. They come in many different shapes, sizes, colours and patterns. Some rugs are designed to fit into specific rooms, while others are meant to serve as both indoor and outdoor furniture.

  Today's rugs are available in various designs, styles and colours. You can find them in traditional designs like floral, animal, abstract, tribal, folkloric and geometrical motifs. Modern designs are also inspired by nature, architecture, fashion and pop culture.

• How Much Do Turkish Rugs Cost?

  Turkish rugs can sometimes be quite expensive, but their exceptional beauty makes them worthwhile as an investment. Turkish and other traditional rugs are prized as extremely expensive decorative items, and just like fine art, their value increases over time.

  The cost of carpets varies depending on the carpet's kind and quality. Additionally, some salespeople price rugs based on the number of knots. The great quality of handmade Turkish rugs would explain their high cost.

  The priciest is typically composed of silk and has a significantly different appearance from wool or cotton, typically with a lovely sheen. Dye, colour and pattern: colour is very important, and the kind of dyes employed determines the shade and overall appeal.

  Turkish rugs can range in price from £50 to £50000, depending on design, materials and age.

• Why Choose London House Rugs?

  You've come to the right place if you're looking for a Turkish rug! From a floor runner, a small Kilim rug, a huge area rug or a Turkish Oushak rug, London House Rugs offers a wide variety of vintage Turkish rugs. You will likely discover a Turkish rug for any room in your house, whether you're looking for one with a simple geometric pattern or one with many different colours.

  We've spent more than four decades honing our method and cultivating long-term, ethical connections with weavers all around Asia.

  A London House rug is subject to rigorous sourcing, manufacturing and finishing procedures to assure quality and beauty.

  We spend a lot of time looking for the most beautiful antique carpets and developing long-term ethical relationships with weaving cooperatives in North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and India.

  Our store has a massive assortment of new and antique rugs in various sizes offering you several choices for a vintage rug.

  Please look at some of our recent projects to get a sense of the wide range of services we offer, including everything from a single hearth rug for your house to a hundred handcrafted Persian carpets for a hotel rollout.

  Because we have over 40 years of experience, we can help you in selecting the ideal antique rug for your space. Whether it's a Persian rug, an antique Turkish Oushak or another oriental rug, you can be certain that we can help you find that special rug to add a special touch to your property.

  It is never difficult to turn a simple setting into a vibrant haven when magnificent patterns and deep colour palettes of a Turkish rug are present.

  With so many options for hues and patterns, incorporating them into interior design is simple. No matter what style dominates your property - classic, traditional, eclectic, modern, bohemian, minimalist - our rugs may be used in a variety of room settings. With a Turkish rug, the pattern possibilities are essentially endless.