Turkey is globally celebrated for its extraordinary antique rugs that have great tales around them. These rugs are famous for their complex, rich, beautiful, and naturally dyed colours.
They also come in various forms, such as kilims (flat-woven rugs), angora goat hair rugs, cicims (embroidered rugs), prayer rugs (have an arched niche known as “mihrab”), sumaks (hand-embroidered kilims to enhance patterns), and decorative cushion covers.
Many people worldwide desire to get their hands on these beautiful Turkish rugs. The fabulous colours and design make these rugs very appealing.
The popularity of these rugs has also helped in spreading some Turkish vocabulary as well as cultural knowledge of the Turkish people. In this article, we explore vintage Turkish rugs, their tales, and some common vocabulary that can be acquired by learning about these rugs.
1. Oushak or Ushak Rug
This rug was named after Turkey’s Anatolia Region, which is also the country’s historical name. The history of Oushak rugs dates back to the 15th century when Anatolia was a vital center for producing them. These rugs were a favourite of the Ottoman Empire and were known for their elegance, decorative features, and vibrant colours.
Making these rugs is less complicated, as weavers only used single Turkish notes. However, despite the simplicity of the process, the carpets are very stylish, appealing, and colourful. Anatolia in Turkish also means “the country of the rising sun.”
2. Hereke Rugs
These rugs were woven in Hereke, a small coastal town in Turkey. The Hereke carpet workshop was established in the early 19th century and later became exceptional for creating beautiful woven rugs with remarkable technical ability. Weavers use luxurious materials such as metal thread and silk to make the Hereke rugs.
The design emulates the vintage Persian rugs of the Safavid court and Ottoman workshops. Besides silk, wool, and cotton, Hereke rugs also feature silver or gold. Therefore, they are visually appealing, and their value is exorbitant among collectors. Antique lovers can tour the region to learn the rich history of this town and the Hereke rugs.
However, to have the best experience, you should first take up one of the best Turkish language classes. Websites like Preply offer a wide range of courses that cater to different proficiency levels. These classes will not only teach you about the intricacies of the Turkish language but also provide valuable insights into the culture and history of Turkey.
Before you embark on your tour of Hereke, attending such classes will enable you to acquire some other common Turkish terms, such as merhaba (meaning hi), evet (meaning yes), and hayır (simply meaning no). Moreover, these classes are very convenient as you can take them online during your own free time.
3. Tulu Rugs
Tulu rugs were purposely designed to provide warmth during sleep. In Turkish, the word Tulu means “long-haired”. These rugs are soft and shiny with vibrant colours. The vintage Tulu rugs are famous for being one of the most stunning textile creations worldwide. You can quickly identify this masterpiece by its luscious texture and artistic details.
The Ghiordes knotting style was used to make these rugs. The patterns for Tulu rugs are unique and based on vinery or flowery designs with a plain or solid centrepiece. The weaving of these rugs combined earthy and vibrant tones to create balance. The Tulu rugs were woven in the east of Konya at Karapinar City.
4. Sivas Rugs
This Turkish rug is renowned globally for its cultural significance, craftsmanship, and beauty. It originated from Sivas, a historical city in central Anatolia, Turkey, which has a rich history of weaving carpets for centuries.
These popular Turkish rugs integrate the Usak medallion, exhibit a more floral look, and carry a Persian influence. The Sivas weavers used a small assortment of colours compared to their Persian counterparts, yet they achieved a remarkable range of eight to nine distinctive shades.
Study Turkish to Learn More About Vintage Rugs
The fascination with vintage Turkish rugs has contributed to the worldwide appreciation of Turkish culture and craftsmanship. Turkey is renowned as a prime destination for rug and carpet enthusiasts. If you have a passion for these antique treasures, consider enrolling in online Turkish classes.
Learning the language and culture can provide an in-depth understanding of the history of Turkish antique rugs and enhance your ability to negotiate with local sellers. Consequently, you will be guaranteed to get better deals when purchasing them from the locals.
University Magazine is part of the 
