2000 years of traditional methods developed the Turkish carpets of today. It is believed the nomadic tribes of Turkey were the founders of carpet making Turkish carpets are renowned for the use of the double knot (Gördes) which was used in the oldest surviving carpets.
A carpet is considered to be and antique in Turkey once it is one hundred years old. Twenty to one hundred years is semi antique or just “old”, there are also many new carpets being produced by traditional methods.
There are many products hand crafted in Turkey, carpets are just one of the pieces. The materials used in the making of pieces are also historic. Local plant life such as roots, plants and soil are all still used to day when carpets are dyed. Galeri Yunak still supports the local production of carpets. The dyes that color the carpets that denote this region are brown, white, grey and black all are natural colors.
Why a Turkish Carpet ?
Turkish carpets are unique in the world due to the fact a double knot (Gördes) is used. The oldest surviving carpets in the world are Turkish, made with the double knot technique. All pieces are individually handmade. Every carpet is unique to the maker and also the region including the dyes and patterns.
So come and view the treasures of Turkey as your leisure and enjoy socializing with the pleasures of Turkish hospitality.
What is a carpet ?
A carpet is a handmade double knotted piece with cut pile, and is made still in a traditional manner of hand knotting on a loom, with natural dyes and materials. Carpets were still used as wall and floor coverings in tents and homes. Every pattern and symbol upon a carpet has a meaning or tells a story. Pieces often reflect the hopes and desires of the women who created the carpet.
What is a kilim ?
A kilim is a hand woven piece that is made on a loom. The technique of flat weaving natural fibre. Kilims are used for decoration, floor and wall coverings. Flat weaving means the piece does not have pile (or knots). The vibrant colors’, patterns and dyes that make kilims are equivalent to those of carpets. Kilims are also made with wool, cotton and silk. The passion, desires and skill of the women who produce kilims made each piece unique. A kilim may be used on both sides it is equally attractive (identical) on the reserve side.
Who makes them, how, why ?
Traditionally it is women who make carpets. Entire villages of women collect together to prepare the materials. The material is hand spun by the local women and then dyed with local plants I.E. walnut shells pomegranate, which have been boiled in huge kettles to create the dye. The textile is then dried naturally on lines in the sun, it is then ready to be transformed into the beautiful carpets and kilims we treasure today. A 135 cm by 90 cm wool on cotton carpet takes one woman approximately two months to complete. Carpets, Kilims and other pieces have all got a practical use. Carpets were used as coverings for tent floors, walls and doorways. Carpets also add color and warmth to a room, they are still one of the most effective ways used, to protect us from the cold and damp today.
CARPETS HISTORY
