Rug Origins: Turkish Rugs

Turkish rugs are among the finest in the world and its history will reveal how it has evolved from being an essential nomadic household implement to being a highly sought after piece of art that collectors and homeowners are willing to shell out a fortune for.

Origin of Turkish Rugs

While it’s clear that rug weaving was already present in ancient Anatolia during the Neolithic age, the oldest surviving Turkish carpets came from the early 13th century and found in the city of Konya in Turkey. Formerly known as Iconium in Roman times, It’s one of the oldest cities in the country that is still inhabited today. When the Seljuk dynasty came and defeated the Romans, Konya became the center of Turkish rug production.

The rugs produced during this period were often oversized and could reach up to six meters in length. This would suggest that the carpets were made using large looms that was close to impossible for nomadic tribes to transport. It meant villages and settlements were configured to become rug weaving centers allowing artisans to work year-round without moving from one place to another.

Aside from having intricate floral and geometric patterns, Turkish rugs also became well-known for its sturdiness. Weavers used a symmetrical knot called ‘Ghiordes’ which meant ‘Turkish’ thus the reference to all rugs using the same technique as having Turkish origins. This type of knot made for thicker rugs which is also the reason why so many antique Turkish rugs 100 years or older are still in pristine condition even today.

Nowadays, Turkish rugs continue to rival Persian carpets as far as consumer demand goes. They have diverse designs and patterns which give designers and homeowners flexibility in decorating their favorite spaces. 

Author: Carlo Vincent Mollenido