History

The world's oldest known carpet, dating back to the 5th to 4th century BC, was discovered during archaeological excavations in monumental tombs called Pazyryk Kurgans in Central Asia. This carpet, belonging to the Hun Turks and recovered from one such tomb, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest knotted carpet.

Emerging from the essential need for shelter among the nomadic Turks inhabiting the vast Central Asian steppes, carpet weaving initially took shape as folk art. Evolving from a purely nomadic lifestyle to a semi-sedentary and eventually settled one, these people harnessed the warmth of wool and animal fibers familiar to them during the summers on the plateau. They wove carpets not only to provide comfort and insulation during the harsh winter months but also to counter the coldness of the floors and walls.

Over time, carpet weaving transitioned into a livelihood. Even without formal training, Anatolian nomads wove carpets and rugs to express their sentiments. In the 17th and 18th centuries, orientalist paintings depicted Turkish carpets and carpet bazaars, illustrating how carpets were employed to adorn walls and tables. These depictions signify the growing appreciation of carpets as artistic forms.

The most treasured carpets and rugs are those crafted from hand-spun and naturally root-dyed fibers, often intended as dowry items. These carpets are meticulously woven with wool that has been hand-spun and dyed using entirely natural sources such as leaves, roots, seeds, and other organic materials. The absence of chemical pigments underscores the authenticity and eco-friendliness of these creations.

Throughout history, Turkish carpets have not only served utilitarian purposes but also symbolized cultural heritage and artistic expression. Their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and unique weaving techniques continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

The dowry tradition serves as a means for Yoruk girls to contribute to their future homes after marriage. They choose colors and patterns for the rugs and carpets they weave, expressing themselves spontaneously. Young girls, typically aged between 12 and 15, engage in this practice while still in their childhood. The carpets and rugs they create boast more knots compared to others. This is due to the girls' finer fingers at this age, and their touch is imbued with happiness, hope, and enthusiasm. The harmonious and enthusiastic use of colors lends these creations their attractive uniformity. It's worth noting that these skills might diminish with age, as fingers become less nimble, and vision defects start to emerge.

Our carpets are meticulously crafted from hand-spun wool and colored using root dyes. Each square foot of a handmade rug contains between 4,500 to 100,000 knots. Upholding our ethical principles, we abstain from trading in dowry carpets and rugs. We honor the hopes and enthusiasm of young girls by not exploiting their manual labor and artistic vision for mere profit.