Turkish Rugs

It is also common to see Turkish rugs referred to as Anatolian rugs. To clarify, Anatolian Turkish rugs date back to the 13th century. They’re rugs that were woven by tribes located in the part of Turkey that Asia now recognizes as Asia Minor. Primitive Anatolian rugs were primarily woven by the Seljuks, a nomadic tribe who migrated from central Asia to what is now modern-day Turkey. Turkish rugs made their way to Europe during the Middle Ages as trade opened up between East and West. As a testament to their popularity, dozens of the era’s most eminent artists such as Velasquez and Vermeer incorporated Anatolian rugs into their paintings.

How are Turkish Rugs Made?

Turkish rugs are made of woven—or knotted—wool or silk thread. On a loom, vertical threads (also known as the warp) are bound with horizontal threads (the weft). This practice results in reversible rugs. There are two types of knots, known as the Gördes knot, (which wraps around two threads to create a durable textile) and the Sine knot (an asymmetrical knot which wraps around only one thread to allow more mobility with patterns). All Anatolian Turkish rugs are made with the Gördes knot (also known as the “Turkish knot”).

While it’s true that a rug with a higher density of knots indicates a higher level of craftsmanship, generally rugs with 150 to 250 knots per square inch are more than adequate for use on the floor. It’s also recommended that those looking for a Turkish kilim or rug to use on the floor avoid 100% silk construction. Silk kilims and rugs can slip on the floor, especially when used without a rug pad. Even partial wool construction helps to build traction. Traditionally, wool and silk threads were dyed with plant and insect-based dyes. Around the time of the Industrial Revolution, that practice was phased out in favor of aniline dyes which were also soon replaced with chromium dyes due to aniline dyes’ propensity for running when wet or fading.