Turkish Rugs

The value of a Turkish rug depends on several factors: age, origin, design, colors, rarity, size, and condition. Smaller rugs sometimes have more demand because they fit into various spaces. This attention to detail helps the rug look great over time.

To spot a handmade Turkish rug, look for three things. First, the knots on the back of the rug shouldn't all look the same. Second, the fringe should feel like it's part of the rug itself, not added later. Finally, check the material—if it's made from natural fibers like wool, silk, or cotton, it's likely handmade.

To count the knots in a Turkish rug, measure 10 centimeters along both the length and width. Count the knots in each direction, then multiply those numbers to get the total for that section. To find the number of knots per square meter, multiply that total by 100. Keep in mind that different countries might use slightly different methods for counting knots, so the process can vary.

To check if a Turkish rug is made of silk, first look closely at the knots. Hand-knotted silk might have small knots or slight irregularities, which indicate its natural origin. Silk rugs also have a special shine because they're boiled with laurel soap during the weaving process. Another test is to burn a tiny piece of the rug; real silk smells like burnt hair, while synthetic materials will produce black smoke and leave a hard residue.

Oushak rugs, also known as Uşak rugs, come from the town of Uşak in Western Anatolia, Turkey. These rugs have a long history, dating back to the early Ottoman Empire. Some intricate designs have survived from the 16th century and can be seen in old paintings. Oushak rugs are known for their unique patterns and high quality.

There are four main types of Turkish rugs: Hali, Kilim, Cicim, and Sumak. The Hali is a thicker rug, while the other three are flat weaves without knots. These flat weaves are often used as wall hangings or smaller decorative rugs.

Turkish rugs are incredibly durable, just like Persian rugs. A well-made, handmade Turkish rug can last for hundreds of years, making it a great investment for your home.