Anatolian (Turkey) rugs/carpets are among the most sought after items all over the world since Marco Polo first laid his eyes on their intoxicating beauty and artistry in the 13thC. Their rich colours, warm tones and extraordinary patterns with traditional motifs have contributed to the status that Turkey carpets so richly deserve since the 1400’s. The Seljuk’s in the 11th/12thc introduced weaving to Anatolia when sovereignty was at its strongest. The Turkish rug, which originated in Central Asia, preserved all its characteristics until the 14thc. After the Ottomans gained control over the whole of Anatolia, changes began to appear in the composition of the field, in the characteristics of the motifs and in the sizing of the rugs. When a number of Turkish tribes settled down, the first Royal Court carpet workshop was established in Hereke, where they wove large carpets to decorate the Ottoman Palaces. These fine rugs served to tie and retie relationships with Europe in times of war and peace, given as gifts to Kings and Queens, Army Commanders and Statesmen, aswell as the rich merchants of Florence and Genoa. Indeed, these wonderful rugs can now be seen in many famous artist paintings – Holbein, Lotto, Memling, Van Eyck to name a few.
Today, over 750 villages and tribal (nomadic) areas weave these intricate woven rugs, which differ from each other by way of pattern, symbolism and size. Characteristics, which have been passed down from Mother to daughter for many centuries.
Images to follow shortly...
