Turkey: The Influence of Turkish Tribes on The Origins of Rugs

We see carpets almost everyday but how many of use have thought about why and how rugs were created. The history of rugs is a lot more interesting than one might think, it involves Turkish tribes, survival, and the adaption from early living to developing luxury living to renaissance privilege. Turkey is the proud originator of two major types of rugs which are the geometric and nature inspired rugs, and medallion and floral inspired rugs. Of course, the creation of rugs involved more countries other than Turkey, but Turkey was a great influencer to the creation.

Turkey draws is many tourists due to its beautiful rug and carpet culture, and this has been happening since the 13^th century when travelers were in awe and praised the stunning traditional rugs. However, carpets actually were around in 400 BC – nomadic Turkish tribes used rugs for their functionality as it made living in tents easier, warmer, and more comfortable. These Turkish tribes then went on to add nature and geometric designs to the rugs so that the tents are better adapted and camouflaged. The Istanbul Special Rug is a perfect modernised rug that represents this nature inspired rug design. Once humans strayed from nomadic lifestyles into becoming settlers, the need for rugs increased due to the demand of luxury and comfort in their houses.

A unique attribute that is found in Turkish rugs is a weaving method called Ghiordes knots – these knots make the rugs significantly stronger and more durable as it is a double knot instead of a single knot. The Ghiordes knot makes the rugs more sustainable and beautiful, differentiating Turkish rugs from any other rug. Turkish rugs became increasingly popular with European aristocrats and royalty once rugs started being distributed through the global trade centers. These rich European people would fill their palaces with beautiful Turkey rugs. During the Renaissance, famous painters even took an interest in Turkish rugs and made many paintings as appreciation. The geometric rug, which are called Anatolia rugs would look something like the Anatolia Solid Gold Rug.

In the 1500’s, the geometric element in Turkish rugs were lost as the Ottomans won their battle, and this is where the medallion and floral designs were included in Turkish rugs. Hereke created a carpet workshop when an aristocrat wanted to decorate his newly built palace, the rugs were so well made that the rugs are still in that palace today and Hereke has become a trademark of the carpet industry. The Istanbul Oriental Palace Rug is a beautiful rug which represents the complex rug designs that arose during this time.

Turkey definitely contributed towards the invention, development and spread of carpets around the world – even though it wasn’t the only contributor. Today, the geometric rugs have come back into style and many people still buy these beautiful traditional rugs. There are many different rugs with many different colours and designs today, including historical inspired rugs and completely modernized rugs. The choice of rug is all up to you, but it is important to pay respect to the origination and the development of rugs.