Vintage Turkish Medallion Runner with Large Medallions in Rose Red, Yellow Green
Located in Atlanta, GA
Measures: 3'7 x 10'10 This vintage (circa 1940's) Turkish Oushak runner features bright, vibrant spring colors, such as rose red, grassy green, lavender, blue, and pink.
Wool
$1,705Sale Price|20% Off
2'7"x12'3" Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pistachio Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Natural Dyes, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inche...
Wool
$870Sale Price|20% Off
2'7"x6'3" Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pistachio Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Shiny Wool, Natural Dyes, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: ...
Wool
$708Sale Price|20% Off
3'x5' Green Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sage Green, Afghan Peshawar with Colorful Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Natural Dyes, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches St...
Wool
$743Sale Price|20% Off
3'x5'3" Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sage Green, Afghan Peshawar with Colorful Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches ...
Wool
$824Sale Price|20% Off
2'7"x6' Green Hand Knotted Afghan Peshawar Birds of Paradise Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Olive Green, Hand Knotted, Afghan Peshawar with Colorful Birds of Paradise Design, Soft Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.2...
Wool
$4,500Sale Price|25% Off
7'10"x10' Light Green Pure Silk Wool Mughal Design Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Light Green, Pure Silk With Textured Wool Mughal Design Hand Knotted Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Pure Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Prim...
Wool
$6,160Sale Price|20% Off
9'8"x13'6" Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Soft Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Olive Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Natural Dyes, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inche...
Wool
$6,892Sale Price|20% Off
12'2"x12'2" Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sage Green, Afghan Peshawar with Colorful Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Natural Dyes, Round, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 In...
Wool
$1,722Sale Price|20% Off
6'x6' Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sage Green, Afghan Peshawar with Colorful Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Natural Dyes, Round, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 In...
Wool
$2,448Sale Price|20% Off
2'7"x17'7" Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sage Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Natural Dyes, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches ...
Wool
$2,032Sale Price|20% Off
2'6"x15'1" Green Hand Knotted Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pickle Green, Hand Knotted, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Soft Wool, Vegetable Dyes, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inc...
Wool
$1,624Sale Price|20% Off
2'7"x11'8" Green Hand Knotted Peshawar Birds of Paradise Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Olive Green, Hand Knotted, Afghan Peshawar with Colorful Birds of Paradise Design, Soft Wool, Natural Dyes, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 ...
Wool
$1,605Sale Price|20% Off
2'6"x12' Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Swamp Green, Afghan Peshawar with Colorful Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.2...
Wool
$2,623Sale Price|20% Off
4'x12'2" Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sage Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile h eight: 0.25 Inc...
Wool
$2,219Sale Price|20% Off
4'1"x10'1" Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Laurel Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 I...
Wool
$2,010Sale Price|20% Off
2'6"x15' Green Hand Knotted Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pickle Green, Hand Knotted, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, 100% Wool, Vegetable Dyes, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inc...
Wool
$1,125Sale Price|20% Off
2'7"x8'1" Green Hand Knotted Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pickle Green, Afghan Peshawar with Colorful Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Natural Dyes, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25...
Wool
$2,568Sale Price|20% Off
4'x12'2" Green Hand Knotted Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sage Green, Hand Knotted, Afghan Peshawar with Colorful Birds of Paradise Design, Soft Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height:...
Wool
$1,583Sale Price|20% Off
2'6"x11'9" Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pickle Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Natural Dyes, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0...
Wool
$2,695Sale Price|20% Off
2'6"x20' Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Savannah Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Extra Long and Narrow Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No P...
Wool
$2,533Sale Price|20% Off
4'x11'9" Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Olive Green , Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Vibrant Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile he...
Wool
Vintage Turkish Tribal Medallion Area Rug in Orange, Green, Brown, and Blue
Located in Atlanta, GA
Country of origin: Turkey; Type: Oushak; Design: Medallion, Tribal Medallion, All-Over, Tribal; Keivan Woven Arts; rug TU-TRS-3259; Vintage Turkish Tribal Medallion area rug in orang...
Wool
12x15 Olive Green Beige Persian Style Hand Knotted Wool Rug ( G-14157 )
Located in agra, uttar pradesh
Indulge in the timeless elegance of our high-quality hand-knotted traditional wool rug. Rug Features: ⚫ CUSTOMIZE in any SIZE ⚫ Material- 100% Wool ⚫ Weave- Hand-knotted in India ⚫ C...
Wool
$2,430Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x14' Green Persian Inspired with Birds Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Shades of Green, Broken and Erased Persian Inspired with Birds Design, Distinct Abrash, Shaved Low, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pi...
Wool
$2,415Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x13'9" Green Hand Knotted Broken & Erased Birds Design Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Shades of Green, Hand Knotted, Broken and Erased Persian Inspired with Birds Design, Distinct Abrash, Shaved Low, Pure Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pi...
Wool
$2,946Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x16'3" Green Hand Knotted Erased Birds Design Pure Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Shades of Green, Hand Knotted, Broken and Erased Persian Inspired with Birds Design, Distinct Abrash, Shaved Low, Pure Wool, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No...
Wool
$2,931Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x16'2" Green Erased Birds Design Hand Knotted Wool XL Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Shades of Green, Broken and Erased Persian Inspired with Birds Design, Distinct Abrash, Shaved Low, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No...
Wool
$644Sale Price|20% Off
3'x5'2" Reseda Green Pure Wool Hand Knotted Afghan Peshawar Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries...
Wool
12x15 Green Birds And Peacocks Garden Hand Knotted Wool Rug ( JC-10517 )
Located in agra, uttar pradesh
Indulge in the timeless elegance of our high-quality hand-knotted traditional wool rug. Rug Features: ⚫ CUSTOMIZE in any SIZE ⚫ Material- 100% Wool ⚫ Weave- Hand-knotted in India ⚫ C...
Wool
Tribal Design Vintage Turkish Rug in Teal, Blue, Green, Charcoal & Coral
Located in Atlanta, GA
Measures: 5'2 x 8'7 Colorful Turkish medallion with tribal design in teal, coral, background and complemented by deep multi colors in the repeating geometric motif consist of charco...
Wool
$694Sale Price|40% Off
5.6x9.2 Ft Vintage Handknotted Floral Medallion Rug in Red, Ivory and Sage Green
Located in Spring Valley, NY
This vintage hand knotted mid-20th century area rug from Western Anatolia boasts a curvilinear medallion in ivory against a field in burgundy, filled densely with swirling leafy vine...
Wool, Cotton
$4,488Sale Price|25% Off
9'x11'10" Swamp Green Peshawar with All Over Design Hand Knotted Soft Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Swamp Green, Peshawar with All Over Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Densely Woven, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitio...
Wool
$3,157Sale Price|25% Off
7'9"x9'8" Green Washed Out Peshawar with All Over Design Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sage Green, Washed Out Peshawar with All Over Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Densely Woven, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style:...
Wool
All-Over Vintage Turkish Distressed Rug in Cream, Lavender, Taupe, and Green
Located in Atlanta, GA
All-Over Vintage Turkish Distressed Rug in Cream, Lavender, Taupe, and Green. Keivan Woven Arts / rug EN-15415, country of origin / type: Turkey / Oushak, circa 1950.
Wool
$4,566Sale Price|25% Off
8'10"x12'3" Green Tree of Life Peshawar Birds Design Hand Knotted Soft Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pistachio Green, Tree of Life, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0....
Wool
Vintage Turkish Rug with Unique Colors in Brown, Taupe, Green and Gray
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Oushak Rug with Unique Colors. Keivan Woven Arts / EN-677, country of origin / type: Turkey / Oushak, circa mid-20th Century. ...
Wool
6x9 Moss Green Tree Motifs Vintage Turkish Hand Knotted Wool Rug ( G - 15655 )
Located in agra, uttar pradesh
Indulge in the timeless elegance of our high-quality hand-knotted traditional wool rug. Rug Features: ⚫ CUSTOMIZE in any SIZE ⚫ Material- 100% Wool ⚫ Weave- Hand-knotted in India ⚫ C...
Wool
Vibrant Turkish Vintage Runner in Faded Red, Coral, Orange, Pink and Green
Located in Atlanta, GA
Turkish runner with bright colors, rug tu-trs-176025, country of origin / type: Turkey / Oushak, circa 1950 This fun and vibrant Oushak runner from 1950s features a unique vertical ...
Wool
Turkish Antique Sevas Rug with Fine Weave in Gray Green and Taupe
Located in Atlanta, GA
Turkish Antique Sevas Rug with Fine Weave in Gray Green and Taupe. Measures: 6'6 x 8'9. Set on a deep gray green background, this fabulous antique Turkish Sevas showcases a...
Wool
4x13 Antique Turkish Oushak Gray Camel Hair Runner Rug 127cm x 391 cm c.1930
Located in New York, NY
Its harmonious palette of gray, navy, coral, ivory, olive, blue, and green highlights the enduring artistry, decorative appeal, and exceptional craftsmanship that have made Oushak ru...
Wool
2'7"x15'10" Faded Green, Fine Peshawar, Pure Wool Hand Knotted XL Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Faded Green, Fine Peshawar with All Over Motifs, Pure Wool Hand Knotted, XL Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in th...
Wool
Antique Turkish Sivas Rug with Red, Taupe, Light Green and Cream Colors
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Turkish Sivas Rug with Red, Taupe, Light Green and Cream Colors Antique Turkish Sivas Rug, Keivan Woven Arts / rug EN-614, country of origin / type: Turkey / Oushak, circa M...
Wool
Classic Turkish Medallion Antique Sivas Rug With Coral Red Field & Light Green
Located in Atlanta, GA
Classic Antique Sivas Rug Turkish in Medallion Design With Coral Red Field & Light Green Sub-Geometric Medallion Turkish Sivas antique rug with faded coral red f...
Wool
$10,064Sale Price|20% Off
12'x15'8" Green Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool XL Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Savannah Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Soft and Shiny Wool, Hand Knotted, Vegetable Dyes, XL, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile ...
Wool
2'5"x9'9" Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Olive Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Veggie Dyes, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Sty...
Wool
3'x4'8" Green Afghan Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Celadon Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Natural Dyes, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: T...
Wool
$597Sale Price|40% Off
2.6x6.6 ft Handmade Sage Green, Ivory, Red Wool Runner Rug. Floral Corridor Rug
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Add timeless warmth, texture, and artisan craftsmanship to your home with this hand-knotted Turkish runner rug, made from 100% wool and offered in new condition. Expertly crafted usi...
Wool
2'5"x8'1" Laurel Green Silk with Wool Mughal Design Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Laurel Green, Pure Silk with Textured Wool, Mughal Design, Hand Knotted, Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Pr...
Wool
Antique Turkish Ottoman Rug with Floral Medallion in Red and Green
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Turkish ottoman rug with floral medallion in red and green, Keivan Woven Arts rug TU-VEY-8, country of origin / type: Turkey / Ottoman, circa 1920 Handwoven in Turkey, ant...
Wool
$718Sale Price|40% Off
5.6x9.4 Ft Vintage Handmade Wool Turkish Rug in Burgundy & Green
Located in Spring Valley, NY
This vintage hand knotted mid-20th century area rug from Western Anatolia boasts a curvilinear medallion in ivory against a field in burgundy, filled densely with swirling leafy vine...
Wool, Cotton
2'9"x11'8" Green Hand Knotted Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Swamp Green, Hand Knotted, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Soft Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches ...
Wool
$2,295Sale Price|25% Off
2'6"x21'9" Green Soft Wool Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Runner
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sage Green, Soft Wool, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Vegetable Dyes, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inche...
Wool
Turkish Vintage Rug with Medallion and Geometric Flowers with Soft Green Field
Located in Atlanta, GA
Measures: 5'3 x 8'7 Turkish Vintage Rug with Medallion and Geometric Flowers with Soft Green Field. Keivan Woven Arts / rug TU-DUR-136644, country of origin / type: Turkey / Oushak,...
Wool
3'x4'8" Swamp Green Wool Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Swamp Green, Soft Wool, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Vegetable Dyes, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: ...
Wool
Vintage Kars Rug from Eastern Turkey with Rose Design Brown, Green, and Pink
Located in Atlanta, GA
Country of Origin: Turkey; Type: Kars, Oushak; Design: Floral, Mid-century Modern, Geometric Floral; Keivan Woven Arts: rug TU--MTU-95044; Vintage Kars Rug from Eastern Turkey with R...
Wool
Vintage Rug in Beige-Brown, Pink and Green Floral Patterns, from Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Connoisseurs will admire this design featuring beige-brown tones underscore an elegant floral pattern of light pink and green tones, with similar accents keeping with the stylistic e...
Wool
$1,275Sale Price|20% Off
2'6"x11'4" Green Afghan Peshawar Birds Design Hand Knotted Soft Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Celadon Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Soft 100% Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 ...
Wool
$2,692Sale Price|20% Off
2'6"x24' Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Moss Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Soft Wool, Natural Dyes, Hand Knotted, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches ...
Wool
$1,080Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage Turkish Rug with Star Design in light Green, Orange, Red & Blue
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage hand-knotted Turkish rug with fine wool and in excellent condition, Keivan Woven Arts rug tu-mev-3350, country of origin / type: Turkey / Oushak, circa mid-20th century Meas...
Wool
Turkish rugs are as widely loved today as they were in the 13th century, and antique and vintage Oushak rugs and carpets are known specifically for their bold geometric patterns and fine quality. With a name derived from the town of Uşak, Turkey, in western Anatolia, the Oushak textile style — also spelled Ushak — originated in the 15th-century Ottoman Empire, but its aesthetic has influenced weaving around the world, especially through the export of rugs to Europe.
The distinctive Oushak “medallion” pattern has two types of rounded shapes alternating against a rich red or blue background created with natural dyes, while the elaborate “star” pattern involves large eight-pointed shapes in diagonal rows alternating with diamonds. Traditionally, the edges and empty spaces are filled with arabesque details or floral motifs. Both patterns can repeat in infinite directions, allowing for versatility in diverse sizes of hand-knotted authentic Oushak carpets, wall hangings and rugs. It’s believed that similar Iranian designs inspired the artistry of Turkish weavers, possibly through commissions by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
While production of Oushak rugs accelerated for an international audience, they also maintained domestic popularity, including covering the floors of palaces and mosques. Owing to their deep colors and exemplary construction, Oushak area rugs woven by hand became status symbols abroad, with Henry VIII depicted standing astride an Oushak rug in a 16th-century portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger. The rugs and carpets made for export had rougher weaves while European copies proliferated as demand expanded into the 19th century. And beyond the authenticity of antique and vintage rugs in general, the geometric styles of Oushak rugs are appealing to interior designers because they work so well in today's homes.
The market has changed with a global increase in machine-fabricated carpets, yet handmade designs continue to be produced in Uşak with contemporary rug companies like Kirkit working with skilled artisans in the area.
Find vintage Oushak rugs and carpets, folk art and other Oushak furniture on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage Turkish rugs, with their ruby reds and misted blues, their entwined botanical designs and rhythmic geometries, are as beloved today as they were in the 13th century, when the Turks of the Seljuk Empire began weaving these vibrant carpets in Anatolia.
A Turkish rug is simply one made in Turkey or the former Ottoman empire, employing the region’s unique traditional methods and weaves. Varieties range from flat-woven kilims to lush knotted rugs, known as hali, many of which are created with Ghiordes, or Turkish, knots. Whereas in other knots, the weft (crosswise) yarn is wrapped around one warp (lengthwise) yarn, in Ghiordes knots, it is wrapped around two, imparting lushness and durability. In addition to knotting techniques, Turkish rugs differ in their motifs — naturalistic or stylized, geometric or figurative — which often reflect the region where they were made.
The main types of Turkish rugs, as Milan-based carpet dealer Alfredo Levi explains it, are kilim, typified by a plain slit-tapestry weave, which leaves a gap, or slit, between sections woven with different yarns in different colors; sumak, made with weft wrapping, for a sturdier flat-woven carpet; and cicim, which he describes as “a type of sumak with extra brocade techniques typical of the tribes and villages of central Anatolia.
Within each type, there are various regional styles. Among these are Bergama carpets, characterized by bright reds and strong medallions; thick-piled Tulu rugs; and Konya rugs, which Marco Polo is said to have called “the most beautiful in the world.” With their strong tribal motifs and hot-red wefts of especially luxurious wool, Konya carpets are especially prized by collectors.
Also treasured are Oushak (or Ushak) rugs, with their complex, intricate designs and warm earth tones of saffron, cinnamon, blue, ivory and gold; and Hereke carpets, originally created exclusively for Ottoman sultans, using the finest silk. For Jason Nazmiyal, of New York carpet dealer Nazmiyal Antique Rugs, “a good Turkish rug is when the colors are harmonious.” This is true of both modern and antique Turkish rugs, but the hues have changed over the centuries, thanks to both technology and changes in culture and taste.
Patterns, too, have evolved. Although many weavers continue to produce traditional designs, others reinterpret their cultural heritage in contemporary terms, with bolder ornamentation and more geometric motifs. Contemporary Turkish rugs also are seldom made by hand and often incorporate synthetics into the weave, for cost-effectiveness and a durability suited to 21st-century life.
Find antique and vintage Turkish rugs for your home on 1stDibs. At The Study, read about how to take care of your antique or vintage rug as well as how to choose the right rug for your space.