Vintage turkish rugs are among the most desirable pieces of hand-knotted carpets. They are highly decorative and a staple in many designers’ collections due to their ability to tie rooms together with their rich, intricate designs, lush materials and mellow color palettes. From rustic kilims to refined sultanades, these rugs are essential for those looking to create an elegant and pulled together look in their home.
Although it was the Persians who first introduced the art of weaving knotted pile rugs in the Islamic world, it is largely the Turkish people and their related groups from Central Asia who mastered and developed the craft over the centuries, and it is they who created the rug designs that are still popular today. These rugs, whether in the flat woven kilim style or the more lushly designed hali styles, are known for their textured weaves and motifs that are based on traditional local patterns.
These rugs also feature some of the best quality wool on the market, and they are made using the traditional techniques of rug production in Anatolia, which means they are durable enough to withstand wear and tear in high traffic areas. As well as being incredibly luxurious, Turkish rugs are also extremely versatile and can complement a wide range of decorating styles.
The earliest Turkish rugs date back to the thirteenth century, during the reign of the Seljuk Turks. This is when the most elaborate patterns and fine compositions were produced, proving that the weaving skills in Turkey were already mature at this time.
With the coming of the Ottoman Empire, the carpets in Turkey began to shift from nomadic to sedentary, with geometric patterns becoming the norm. Then in the seventeenth century, Turkish rug production saw a major turning point with the popular niched prayer design emerging.
No matter where you go in the world, there is a Turkish rug waiting to be discovered that will bring your interior design to life. The colors and textures of these rugs can complement any style, from the polished elegance of Oushak to the tribal chic of Hereke.
The best way to care for vintage turkish rugs is to clean them on a regular basis. However, it is recommended that you use a professional rug cleaner, as vintage rugs have delicately woven colors and weaves which can be easily damaged by too much water or harsh chemicals.
When cleaning your Turkish rug, make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat. This can cause the colors to fade and the fibers to break. You can prevent this by using a low suction setting on your vacuum cleaner, and you should always avoid rubbing a rug with a sharp object like a chopping board as this can cause the strands to break.
It is also important to keep in mind that vintage turkish rugs are delicate and should be treated with great care. This is because they were designed long ago, and their colors may have faded over the years. This natural aging can add to the beauty of the piece, and it should be appreciated rather than shunned as imperfections.