The rich cultural heritage of Turkey has had a direct impact on the country’s rug weaving industry. Vintage Turkish rugs, as a result, are typically one-of-a-kind pieces that can be treasured for their historical verisimilitude. Aside from their elegance and class, these floor coverings also serve as temperature controllers, natural humidifiers and comfort providers.
Originally, carpet production in Turkey started as a utilitarian endeavor. The region was a cradle for nomadic tribes and they needed something to cover their tent floors with while being portable enough for easy transportation. It was at this time that the first rugs were woven using wool from sheep herded by the roving tribes. The carpets’ earliest versions were often asymmetrical, featuring simple field patterns with winding detail elements. Eventually, however, the designs were made more sophisticated and this is when we see a transition to the vintage Turkish rugs we know today.
The transition occurred around the thirteenth century, with the Seljuk rule starting to fade in favor of the original Ottoman Empire that lasted for centuries. With these socio-political changes, the trade between Asia and Europe began to flourish. This allowed for more intricate and sophisticated carpets to be made by the original rug weavers of the area. The designs of these new rugs were a combination of the traditional folklore and Islamic influences, which came from the original settlers of the region as well as from their Eastern neighbors.
It was during this period when the earliest vintage turkish rugs that are known to exist were woven. These were the guls and prayer rugs that were featured in many of the Renaissance paintings by European masters such as Memling, Lotto, Bellini and Hans Holbein. In the seventeenth century, the rugs were restyled with more ornate patterns and central medallions to make them fit into the new aesthetics of the times.
After the Ottoman era ended, rug production in Turkey continued to evolve and change with the influence of the Timurid rulers. These developments included a move toward more elaborate patterns, as well as the emergence of niched prayer designs. The Timurid era was when the original rug weavers of Turkey really began to come into their own and shaped the iconic styles that are so well loved even to this day.
Today, there are various types of vintage turkish rugs available and they can be found in both antique and modern homes. The majority of these rugs are created using hands-pun and hand-knotted techniques. They may also be overdyed to bring out the original color or to add a hint of color that is not found in the original piece. Some of these rugs are also produced using a blend of cotton and synthetics in order to create a rug that is both affordable as well as durable. This allows for more people to afford and enjoy this luxuriously elegant flooring option. These rugs are also able to be machine-washed which makes cleaning them much easier.