The history of Turkish rugs is long and rich, dating back to the time of the Ottoman Empire in the 13th century. These rugs, also known as Anatolian rugs, were made by the various nomadic tribes and settled villagers throughout the region of Anatolia, which is now modern-day Turkey.
These rugs were originally made for practical purposes, such as providing warmth and comfort for the people who lived in the harsh, cold climate of the region. Over time, however, they became highly sought after for their beautiful designs and intricate patterns.
Turkish rugs were often made using natural dyes, which were derived from plants, minerals, and insects. This gave them a vibrant, rich color that was unmatched by other types of rugs. The patterns on these rugs were also unique, with many of them featuring geometric shapes, floral motifs, and intricate designs.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the art of rug making in Turkey reached its peak. This was the time when the famous “Istanbul” rugs were produced, which were known for their high quality and beautiful designs. These rugs were often used in the palaces and homes of the wealthy and powerful, and were highly prized for their beauty and durability.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Turkish rug making began to decline as the popularity of machine-made rugs increased. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in handmade Turkish rugs, and many artisans are once again producing these beautiful works of art.
Today, Turkish rugs are highly prized for their unique designs and beautiful craftsmanship. They are considered to be one of the finest types of rugs in the world, and are sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Different Types of Turkish Rugs
Turkish rugs, also known as Anatolian rugs, are known for their unique patterns, beautiful colors, and high-quality craftsmanship. These rugs are made in a variety of styles, each with its own distinct characteristics and features. Here are some of the different types of Turkish rugs that are commonly found:
- Kilim: Kilim rugs are flat-woven rugs that are made using a simple weave. They often feature geometric patterns and bright, bold colors, and are known for their durability and longevity. Kilim rugs are perfect for high-traffic areas of the home, such as the living room or kitchen.
- Gördes: Gördes rugs are named after the town of Gördes, which is located in western Turkey. These rugs are known for their distinctive pattern, which features a central medallion surrounded by geometric shapes and intricate designs. Gördes rugs are often made from wool and are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear.
- Konya: Konya rugs are named after the city of Konya, which is located in central Turkey. These rugs are known for their bold, geometric patterns and vibrant colors, and are often made using natural dyes. Konya rugs are typically made from wool, and are known for their durability and resistance to fading.
- Ladik: Ladik rugs are named after the town of Ladik, which is located in central Turkey. These rugs are known for their delicate, intricate patterns and soft, muted colors. Ladik rugs are typically made from wool, and are known for their softness and durability.
- Bergama: Bergama rugs are named after the town of Bergama, which is located in western Turkey. These rugs are known for their bold, geometric patterns and bright, vibrant colors. Bergama rugs are typically made from wool, and are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear.
In addition to these types of rugs, there are many other styles of Turkish rugs that are made in various regions of Turkey. Each of these rugs has its own unique characteristics and features, making them a popular choice for collectors and connoisseurs of fine rugs.
Oushak and Tulu Rugs
Oushak and Tulu rugs are two of the most well-known and highly sought after types of Turkish rugs. These rugs are known for their beautiful patterns, vibrant colors, and high-quality craftsmanship.
Oushak rugs are named after the town of Oushak, which is located in western Turkey. These rugs are known for their elegant, intricate patterns and soft, muted colors. They are often made from wool, and are known for their softness and durability. Oushak rugs were originally made for the wealthy and powerful, and were often used in the palaces and homes of the Ottoman elite.
Tulu rugs, on the other hand, are named after the town of Tulu, which is located in eastern Turkey. These rugs are known for their bold, geometric patterns and bright, vibrant colors. They are typically made from wool, and are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. Tulu rugs were originally made by the nomadic tribes of the region, and were used for practical purposes such as providing warmth and comfort in the cold, harsh climate.
Both Oushak and Tulu rugs are highly prized for their unique designs and beautiful craftsmanship. They are considered to be some of the finest types of Turkish rugs, and are sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of fine rugs.
Sivas, Borlou and Hereke Rugs
Sivas, Borlou and Hereke rugs are three types of Turkish rugs that are known for their unique patterns and high-quality craftsmanship. These rugs are made in different regions of Turkey, and each has its own distinct characteristics and features.
Sivas rugs are named after the town of Sivas, which is located in central Turkey. These rugs are known for their bold, geometric patterns and vibrant colors. They are typically made from wool, and are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. Sivas rugs were originally made by the nomadic tribes of the region, and were used for practical purposes such as providing warmth and comfort in the cold, harsh climate.
Borlou rugs, on the other hand, are named after the town of Borlou, which is located in western Turkey. These rugs are known for their intricate, detailed patterns and delicate, muted colors. They are often made from wool, and are known for their softness and durability. Borlou rugs were originally made for the wealthy and powerful, and were often used in the palaces and homes of the Ottoman elite.
Hereke rugs are named after the town of Hereke, which is located in western Turkey. These rugs are known for their intricate, finely detailed patterns and elegant, subdued colors. They are typically made from silk, and are known for their softness and luxury. Hereke rugs were originally made for the Ottoman royal family, and were considered to be some of the finest rugs in the world.
All three of these types of Turkish rugs are highly prized for their unique designs and beautiful craftsmanship. They are considered to be some of the finest types of Turkish rugs, and are sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of fine rugs.
Turkish Carpets in the European Palaces
Turkish carpets, also known as Turkic and Islamic carpets, have been used in European palaces for many centuries. These carpets are known for their unique patterns, beautiful colors, and high-quality craftsmanship, and have long been admired by royalty and the wealthy elite.
One of the earliest examples of Turkish carpets being used in a European palace can be found in the Alhambra, a 14th-century palace in Granada, Spain. This palace was built by the Moors, who brought with them a rich tradition of carpet making from their homeland in North Africa. The carpets in the Alhambra are known for their intricate, detailed patterns and beautiful colors, and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Turkish carpets from this period.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Turkish carpets became even more popular in European palaces, and were often used as a symbol of wealth and power. The royal courts of Europe were filled with luxurious Turkish carpets, and they were often featured in paintings of the time.
One of the most famous examples of Turkish carpets being used in a European palace is the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles. This magnificent hall is lined with more than 350 mirrors, and the floor is covered with a series of luxurious Turkish carpets. These carpets are known for their intricate patterns and beautiful colors, and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Turkish carpets from this period.
Today, Turkish carpets continue to be highly prized for their unique designs and beautiful craftsmanship. They are still used in many European palaces, and are considered to be a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
Turkic and Islamic Carpets in European Paintings
Turkic and Islamic carpets, also known as Turkish carpets, have been featured prominently in European paintings for many centuries. These carpets are known for their unique patterns, beautiful colors, and high-quality craftsmanship, and have long been admired by artists and collectors alike.
One of the earliest examples of a Turkish carpet in a European painting can be found in a 13th-century illuminated manuscript from England, which features a carpet with a geometric pattern and vibrant colors. In the 14th and 15th centuries, Turkish carpets became increasingly popular in Europe, and were often depicted in paintings of aristocrats and wealthy merchants.
One of the most famous paintings featuring a Turkish carpet is Jan van Eyck’s “Arnolfini Portrait” (1434), which shows a couple standing on a luxurious carpet with a complex, intricate pattern. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Turkish carpets continued to be popular in European paintings, and were often depicted in scenes of opulence and luxury.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Turkish carpets became even more popular in European paintings, and were often used as a symbol of wealth and sophistication. Many of the great European painters of this period, including Jean-Honoré Fragonard and Sir Joshua Reynolds, featured Turkish carpets in their paintings.
Today, Turkish carpets continue to be admired and sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of fine art. They are an enduring symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Turkey, and are a testament to the skill and artistry of the people who have been making these beautiful works of art for centuries.