Turkish Carpets – The Whole Story That Combines Historical Charm with Aesthetic Quality
Turkish carpets are one of the rare carpets that combine beauty with history; they are also the best way to create a masterpiece for your home with quality and artistic charm. If you have heard about Turkish carpets for the first time, I promise you that you will feel delightful while reading this complete guide to Turkish carpets. Let’s start to educate and surprise you.
What is the history of Turkish carpets? This is the first question that may cross your mind as you learn more about these carpets.
The Turkish carpets are the most antique and oldest carpets you will hear about. Their history dates back to the Turks’ nomadic tribes, where the Turks used to live in tents, and weaving natural carpets is all that the Turks are really clever at.
You may wonder why. This is simply because they need carpets for everything: flooring, tent sides, tables, and even using them as small mats. Therefore, all Turkish carpets are made by the hands of Turkish women, taking a lot of effort and time and using natural components from threads, colors, and even inspirations. They aim to produce quality yet beautiful carpets that move easily, comfort their feet, and please their eyes.
What are the different types, styles, and colors of Turkish carpets?
As we have already said, Turkish carpets are a historical functional element in Turkish life; they have evolved through the centuries, from nomadic tribes through Ottoman empires to the more modern era. You will find different weaving techniques, different motifs, and a wide variety of colors and materials.
The first thing that distinguishes the Turkish carpets from the rest of the carpets found out there is their symmetrical weaving techniques. A double knot technique, also known as Turkish knots, is one of the best techniques to strengthen the carpet with twice-wrapped knots and piles at the sides. There is also the pileless thread technique, which is used in weaving most of the wonderful historical Turkish carpets. Regardless of the technique of weaving the carpet, you will be completely sure that you get high-quality handmade carpets.
The different types of Turkish carpets are as follows:
- Kilims
- Anatolian Carpets
- Oushak Carpets
- Hereke carpets
- Cicim Carpets
- Tulu Carpets
These are the most popular types of Turkish carpets; each one of them has characteristics that differ from one another, but they all combine the shine and charm of the Turkish quality handcrafts. Kilims are flat-woven carpets with no pile using weft threads and numerous knots. Patterned Kilim is another type of Kilims using a slit weave. Slit weaving is the best way to make geometrical designs in different colors.
Anatolian carpets are the famous carpets of Anatolia and the Ottoman Empire. Thanks to Anatolian creativity, the other types are derived from it with a variety of designs, simple or complex weaving techniques, and royal, vivid, or charming colors. Anatolian carpets from the Ottoman era feature Islamic culture and Arabic designs using the religious heritage of each region. Anatolian carpets are another image of civilization’s diversity in every historical and artistic aspect.
Oushak carpets are a beautiful interpretation of a piece of art with their complex designs and warm hues like cinnamon, blue, ivory, and gold. Hereke Carpets are the ones for royal palaces that add sophisticated beauty and the finest quality with silk materials.
Cicim carpets are characterized by embroidered designs and different colored threads that use reverse and wrapping techniques. Tulu is another type that gives your home a luxurious look with a pinkish-red weft, a hairy look, and tribal designs.
For the materials, you will be thrilled with the variety and quality; they always use natural materials and natural dyes as well. Silk, wool, cotton, and sheep fleece are among the popular Turkish materials to give you the best of the best in the carpet industry. Natural colors are those that come from plants, animals, and minerals as well. So you can enjoy the colors you love that last as long as possible.
Motifs are also another story to tell, from the nomadic designs inspired by animals, birds, and dragons to plants and stars. There are also geometrical and mathematical designs that add a refined shape, along with Islamic and Arabic designs.
The next section is about why Turkish carpets are so special and expensive.
After reading all that we have mentioned above, you can conclude that the Turkish carpets are esthetically original like no others. They are durable thanks to being handmade and using natural materials and colors. It takes a lot of time and effort to design one, maybe for months or even a year.
Not only that, but the best is yet to come. Turkish carpets are great to add functionality and a piece of art to your room, whether it is a traditional, modern, or even contemporary place. Finally, when you decide to get your own, you should take expert advice to get the original one and enjoy a long-lasting masterpiece as desired.