Everlasting Handmade Oriental Rugs

One of the oldest crafts in the world is rug making. The oldest carpet was crafted in 5^th century B.C but the art of rug making is as old as 7000 BC. The first area rug was found in Egypt and this art got flourished in Central Asia. 

First woven rugs were similar to that of Kilims. Later came pile rugs; these originated with nomadic tribes of the region. These are used to decorate the home. They were put on the floors, walls, doors and windows.

Handmade Oriental Rugs Weaving: 

This was first practiced by nomadic tribes of Central Asia. The skills of these people were displayed in many areas. Modern rug weaving started first in Anatolia in Turkey. The Selcuk turks of 13^th and 14^th century were the first Turkish weavers. 

Oriental rugs made by these weavers contain floral patterns and geometrical motifs. Later, in 14^th century, animal figures began to appear on the rugs when Ottoman turks started weaving them.  Slowly, these rugs came with the motifs of twisted branches, leaves and flowers such as tulips, carnations. Even today, rugs come with these designs. 

During 18^th century, these rugs started moving away from Anatolian region and several other places in Turkey took up weaving as an option including Usak, Bergama. In 19^th century, Hereke became the prosperous rug making region. Even today, it is known for producing the best handmade silk rugs all over the world. 

Rugs are known well by the region they are made in. For example: Handmade wool rugs are woven by the nomads of Anatolia where as handmade cotton rugs are woven by the village people.  In today’s time, rugs are usually made for export instead of only for home use. 

As the Turkish handmade rugs get popular, art and tradition of carpet weaving will be alive for many centuries to come.