Rug weaving is a quintessential cultural practice that goes back millennia. It’s not just a craft, it’s an art form and a way of life. And nowhere is that more evident than in Turkey, a country that uniquely spans both continents and has been the home of rug-weaving traditions at multiple levels of sophistication.
From the rustic tribal carpets of nomadic peoples to the highly refined silk masterpieces woven by the original Ottomans, there are Turkish rugs for any decor style. It’s this diversity of Turkish rug styles that makes it one of the most important weaving regions in the world.
With their natural abrash gradations and rich color palettes, vintage turkish rugs add a sophisticated, upscale touch to any room. Whether you’re looking to anchor a room with the elegant Oushak or bring the boho chic of the Caucasus Kula into your living area, there’s something to suit every aesthetic in our collection of antique Turkish rugs.
Originally, the rug was simply a practical piece of cloth that covered the floor of the tent and protected its inhabitants from the cold. In later centuries, however, it became a central symbol of religious devotion and social status. The most prestigious Turkish rugs, like the Anatolian Animal carpets, were so well regarded that they even featured prominently in sixteenth century European paintings.
The earliest examples of Turkish rugs date back to the thirteenth century and the Seljuk dynasty. These primitive rugs often featured repeating geometric patterns, including stacked medallions, and were woven with wool or silk. They were also quite compact and portable, which made them ideal for the nomadic lifestyle of the time.
With the collapse of the Seljuk empire in the fourteenth century, a new power took hold: the vast Timurid dynasty. The weavers of this period inherited the techniques of the previous eras, but their own designs also added to the rich tapestry of Turkish rug history. It was at this point that the popular center medallion rug format became a standard, and it remains so today.
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the Ottomans once again dominated the region, and their heirs further developed the tradition of the rug. In the nineteenth century, Western consumers caught on to the enduring popularity of these rugs, and they continue to be in high demand.
Today’s weavers have continued to produce rugs in the traditional styles that have long been so desirable by collectors, but they’ve also adapted with changing tastes and introduced new techniques. Many weavers now use synthetic materials in the weave, for cost-effectiveness and a durability that’s suited to contemporary life. As a result, antique and vintage Turkish rugs can be found throughout the world in homes and apartments of all kinds. Our vintage turkish rugs are one-of-a-kind, with subtle wear and markings that add to their character. They are also temperature controllers, natural humidifiers and comfort providers, and a great investment that will only get more valuable over the years.