Carry traditional Turkish culture to your home with rugs
Traditional Turkish rugs and kilim rugs constitute one of the important components of Turkish cultural life. The rugs are so renowned that when world famous artists or statesmen visit İstanbul, they almost certainly take a trip to the Grand bazaar to buy a couple of Turkish rugs. Turkish rugs, either hand-woven or flat-weave, have distinctive varieties according to the region they are made. Rug weaving has an important place in the traditional craftsmanship of the country. Central Asian Turkish tribes, Islamic art, Roman and Armenian cultures are thought to have influence on the motives and figures of the rugs. The fame of the Turkısh rugs started to expand in the West in the Middle Ages; they are treasured as symbols of status, prestige and wealth.
Rug weaving was widespread in the traditional Anatolian culture and it was an income generating craft especially for young women. Hereke rugs, Bergama rugs, Konya rugs, Kayseri rugs, Milas rugs, Uşak rugs are among the outstanding regional varieties of famous Turkish rugs. In addition to regional variations, there are also distinctive varieties in terms of weaving techniques; rug, kilim, cicim, sumak and zilli are well-known products of unique weaving techniques. These varieties are all woven with “kirkitli weaving” technique and the “Turkish” or double knot. In the traditional rugs, cotton or lamp’s wool are used, while, rugs woven with wool and natural plant dye gain value in time. In addition to these two materials, in the last century silk rug weaving has also developed and today silk rugs are the most expensive rugs. Designs of the Turkish rugs, which outshine other oriental rugs with the grandeur of their figures and colors, are usually made by the women who weave them.
Because of their popularity, it is possible to find a Turkish rug store in almost every shopping center in Turkey. In these stores, you can view them personally and choose the style and size of your rug. When purchasing, it is especially important to know if it is hand-made or not as that makes an important price difference. For this reason, do not forget to do a thorough research and collect information about the quality and price before shopping for a rug. If you have a chance to visit different cities in Anatolia during your Turkey trip, you can get a chance to buy from small local producers. For higher budget choices, it would be more appropriate to visit famous rug dealers of Grand Bazaar in İstanbul. Turkish rugs are one of the most beautiful keepsakes of Turkish culture you can take with you and enjoy in your home.