Turkish rugs are among the finest expressions of Oriental craftsmanship. Each one tells the story of a region, a people and their customs, through centuries of tradition. This guide takes you through their history, how they are made, their major styles and their motifs.
The history of Turkish rugs: a journey through geography and time
Origins in Central Asia and migration to Anatolia
The roots of Turkish rugs go back to the time when Turkic tribes lived on the vast steppes of Central Asia. These nomadic peoples used rugs to protect themselves from harsh climates, but also as symbols of social status and wealth. Their way of life, based on raising livestock, explains the central role of wool in their rugs.
In the 11th century, the migration of the Seljuk Turks to Anatolia (the region that forms most of modern-day Turkey) led weaving techniques to evolve and Persian, Byzantine and Islamic influences to blend in the motifs. A historic crossroads between Europe and Asia, Anatolia enriched these styles through such exchanges.
The Seljuk era: the first production centres
Under the Seljuk dynasty (11th–13th centuries), Anatolia became a flourishing production centre. Cities such as Konya and Kayseri rose to prominence, with rugs adorning their mosques, madrasas and palaces. Seljuk motifs, recognisable by their geometric shapes, drew on Islamic art and nature.
Fragments of Seljuk rugs found in Konya, in the heart of Central Anatolia, bear witness to the refinement of the era. The city was an important stop on the Silk Road, which encouraged the exchange of techniques and styles.
The Ottoman Empire and the rise of distinct styles
The Ottoman Empire (14th–20th centuries) marked the high point of Turkish rug-making. With Istanbul as its capital, the coastal regions and the Anatolian hinterland gave rise to distinct styles. Renowned workshops such as those of Hereke and Uşak wove rugs for imperial palaces and great mosques, such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
Hereke, near the Sea of Marmara, became famous for its extremely fine silk rugs, often enhanced with gold and silver threads.
Uşak (often spelled Uchak), in western Anatolia, produced rugs with large medallions and bold floral motifs. Exported to Europe as early as the 16th century, they appear in paintings by artists such as Hans Holbein, so much so that they are still called "Holbein rugs" today.
How they are made: a timeless art
Materials
Traditional Turkish rugs are made mainly from three materials: wool, cotton and silk. Anatolia is renowned for its wool, particularly in mountain regions such as Erzurum and Sivas, where the cold climate and high pastures produce thick, hard-wearing wool.
Silk rugs, such as those of Hereke, require exceptional skill and are often reserved for formal rooms. Cotton, used for the warp and weft, gives the knots a sturdy foundation and the rug a stable structure.
The Turkish knot, or Ghiordes knot
The Ghiordes knot is a symmetrical knot so characteristic of the Anatolian tradition that it is also known as the "Turkish knot". It gives rugs strength and durability. Rugs from Ghiordes, a small town in western Turkey, are renowned for their durability and floral motifs.
Dyes and colours
Traditional dyes come from local plants, such as madder for reds and indigo for blues. The diversity of Turkish landscapes, from the eastern mountains to the fertile western valleys, offers a wide variety of dye plants. These dyes produce deep colours that develop a beautiful patina over time.
Styles and regions: the diversity of Anatolian rugs
Bergama rugs: richness and simplicity
The Bergama region in north-western Turkey is renowned for its thick wool rugs with simple yet powerful motifs: lozenges, crosses and plant designs. Close to the Aegean Sea, it blends Mediterranean and Anatolian influences.
Milas rugs: Aegean elegance
Milas, in the Aegean region, is known for its rugs in soft shades of yellow and brown, combined with elaborate geometric motifs.
Sivas rugs: the richness of the mountains
The Sivas region in Anatolia is famous for its floral rugs and rich colours. The quality of its wool and the fineness of its designs make them highly sought-after pieces.
The symbolism of motifs
Symbols rich in meaning
The motifs of Turkish rugs carry symbols handed down from generation to generation. For example:
- The ram symbolises strength and protection, a common motif in pastoral regions.
- Rosettes and medallions are often associated, according to tradition, with the protection of the home.
- The tree of life, found in many Anatolian rugs, symbolises growth and eternity.
Cultural maps
A Turkish rug is not merely a decorative object: its motifs and colours tell the story of the region where it was woven, from the mountains of Eastern Anatolia to the western plains. Some rugs include motifs inspired by local wildlife, such as birds.
Turkish rugs at Baba Rug
In our collection of handmade Turkish rugs, every piece is unique. Torn between several rugs or sizes? Come and see us at 4 rue de Wattignies, Paris 12th, or take advantage of our free home trial if you live in the Paris region (Île-de-France).
