7 Things to Know Before You Buy Turkish Rugs in Cappadocia

Everyone knows, Cappadocia is a top-tier tourist spot. Apart from its pristine landscape, the city is inarguably the best place to shop for an exquisite Turkish carpet. Most of them are handwoven to perfection with very high-quality materials.

Turkish rugs are greatly loved for their exotic appeal. Anyone who can afford the indulgence wishes to get their hands on one as a beautiful bidding memory. They’re soft, handmade, and lusciously thick really making for eye-catching interior décor.

However, buying an authentic Turkish carpet online requires a fine eye. If you’re not heedful, you might just end up buying a sub-par copy. To avoid a bad investment, get to know the most important characteristics of an authentic Turkish carpet in Cappadocia.

This article will equip you with superior knowledge on buying antique Turkish rugs so you can get the best bang for the buck. Read on!

Get to Know the Material

Wholesale Turkish rugs are usually made from wool, silk, or cotton. Silk, as we all know, is certainly the most expensive. Pure silk Turkish rugs normally require great skill and patience to weave. Silk, owing to its incredible strength, is twisted finely to create beautiful-looking, dust-resistant carpets.

They can be hung in places like your living room, library, guest room, etc. Silk carpets can be detected easily owing to their visible sheen. Handmade Turkish rugs are normally more expensive than machine-spun.

Wool Turkish carpets are more common as they are less pricey but just as beautiful. Turkish Kilim rugs, for example, are always made out of wool. They are flat-weave rugs with simple designs and vibrant colors.

The wool used in antique Turkish rugs must be of the most impeccable quality. The wool that comes from sheep is normally the best choice as it contains thicker fleeces. The presence of lanolin in the wool allows it to take on a smooth, resistant texture.

Wool-on-cotton rugs also have a strong built. The cotton can be easily identified by the feel of the tassels. The addition of cotton makes for sharper designs and durable carpets.

4 Basic Types of Turkish Rugs

There are four basic types of Turkish rugs – Hah, Kilim, Sumak, and Cicim. Hah carpets are double-knotted making them thicker and heavier than the rest. Sumak and Cicim are flat-weave rugs so they’re much lighter and thinner working well as wall hangings or floor décor. They’re also cheaper and offer greater variety in motifs, and sizes.

Handmade vs Machine Spun

Handmade Turkish rugs carry an antique value that machine spun rugs don’t. They are made with hand-spun silk or wool and natural dyes. Unfortunately, these pieces are becoming rare nowadays because the production methods aren’t commonly used.

Modern Turkish rugs are produced with far more efficient methods. They often have smooth edges and ends that handmade rugs don’t. It really depends on your personal taste and what you’d like to see at your home.

Familiarize with the Patterns, Colors, and Dyes

The colors woven into a Turkish rug carry the biggest appeal, which brings us to the quality of dyes. Natural dyes are more durable and precious than chemical ones. They have a better lifespan and will age gracefully in your living room. Only a skillful merchant is well-versed in the origin of the dyes. The better their quality, the pricier the carpets are.

The colors used in the rug are known for their unique origins. These colorful patterns often go back thousands of years and represent beautiful stories. An hourglass may symbolize eternal love while a snake motif may represent protection. Some rugs are made into geometric, ethnic motifs – perfect for that folksy feel for your home décor.

Considering the Size of the Turkish Rugs

Turkish rugs are crafted in relatively standard sizes. The largest Turkish rugs are usually as big as 8 square meters. Since the length and width of handmade rugs can vary from end to end, it’s always a good idea to measure the space where you’ll be keeping it. This way, as you come with a decisive mind, the vendor is more likely to take you seriously.

Learn About the Carpet’s Backstory

Turkish rugs have a long, rich history. It really comes down to how the rug was crafted, who it was made by, and the history of the village where it was produced. A rug that’s older than 1970 is definitely a keeper. You won’t be seeing just colors and motifs on it; rather, breath-taking symbols and stories will be etched on the fabric.

This is your time to probe and ask as many questions about the carpet as possible. A knowledgeable merchant will know his carpets in and out. You’ll actually feel more satisfied if you’re paying a higher price.

Bargaining the Best Price

When it comes to a fine Cappadocia rug, price is entirely dependent on the dyes, craftsmanship, and materials used. However, you can negotiate a great deal. It really comes down to your budget and how much you are willing to spend. After all, you’re the buyer.

Get a Hands-On by Visiting a Turkish Carpet Factory!

A Turkish carpet factory lets you in on an insightful experience. If you feel skeptical about an online purchase, it’s much better to visit the factory personally and witness what materials, dyes, and methods are being used to create Turkish carpets. Visits to Turkish carpet factories are often included in Cappadocia city tours so that you can take one of the best souvenirs back home for friends and family.

FAQs When Buying Turkish Rugs

How do I know if I’m buying an original rug from Turkey and not a “fake original”?

Authentic Turkish rugs always have a soft-backing and an imperfect texture revealing that they were hand-knotted. If you’re buying online, make sure you’re dealing with a well-known, certified vendor. Go through their website, customer reviews, and portfolio to have an idea.

·      What should be the ideal knot density of my Turkish carpet?

An ideal knot count for a good quality carpet can be anywhere from 120-160 knots per square per inch. But 400 or greater is even better. The greater the weave density, the stronger and better the carpet will be.

·      Are natural dyes better than chemical dyes?

Natural dyes are generally considered to be more long-lasting.

·      Can I wash my Turkish rug?

If your rug is machine-made then dry cleaning is alright. However, handmade Turkish rugs are exquisite and quite fragile. Exposing them to harsh cleaning agents can lead to wear and tear. Before you wash it, remove all the dust and debris from its surface to avoid any damage.