Cappadocia Rugs; The historical and natural wealth of Cappadocia has been kneaded and integrated with natural materials by the people of the region throughout the ages and turned into art. The heritage of this natural and cultural asset has an important place in the pursuits that are the livelihood of the Cappadocian people. Carpet and rug weaving is one of the handicrafts that not only keeps the cultural heritage alive, but also has an economic return.
Weaving, which has been continuing since the Byzantine period, lost its former prevalence for a while, but was revived with the development of tourism in the region. Carpet weaving is most common in Ürgüp and Avanos, while rug weaving is common in Kozaklı and Gülşehir. In Avanos, bar-patterned, pieced rugs are also woven. There are various types of weaving, such as floor carpets and rugs, cedar and sofa covers, pillow rugs, prayer rugs. Seljuk motifs are dominant in the old carpets woven by using madder in the region. However, the influence of the surrounding regions can be seen in today’s motifs.
Another type of weaving is coarse fabric weaving called “culfa”. These fabrics, woven in Julfa looms, are used for making shalwar and shawl belts wrapped around the waist. Today, there is no production in these looms, most of which are located in Ürgüp and Göreme. Carpet and rug samples not only belonging to the region are exhibited in many carpet sales shops in Cappadocia, but also carpets and rug types belonging to almost every region of Turkey are available.
You may be interested: Best Time To Visit Cappadocia
Table of Contents
Patterns and Motifs of Cappadocia Rugs
Cappadocia Rugs; When the Cappadocia carpets and rugs are examined in terms of composition and pattern features, a geometric style is observed. This style fits well with today’s contemporary aesthetic understanding. In general, the middle ground in carpets is divided into squares or rectangles, and the main motif is placed in them, and the geometric motif or motifs are placed one after the other in the spaces left on the floor.
When looking at the surface of the carpets in general, the infinity principle is striking even in a single thick border surrounding the middle ground. This feature is in the nature of keeping a tradition from the Seljuks alive. There are also geometric motifs inside the borders. The most characteristic feature, which is generally seen in the carpets of Nevşehir, Niğde and Konya regions, is that there is another border at the beginning and end parts of the carpets, apart from the main border surrounding the middle ground. These borders also contain geometric motifs.
In addition, there are carpets and rug patterns with a more Baroque character in which roses, flowers, leaves and branches are applied in a naturalistic form. Carpets and rugs of this type were woven from the 1970s until the mid-1980s, when the weaving activities ended.
The heritage of Cappadocia’s natural and cultural asset has an important place in the pursuits that are the livelihood of the Cappadocian people. Carpet and rug weaving is one of the handicrafts that not only keeps the cultural heritage alive, but also has an economic return.
Making of Cappadocia Rugs
Cappadocia Rugs; The most important feature that makes Cappadocia carpets and rugs unique compared to others is the madder and wool yarns used in addition to the patterns. Even though root-dyed wool threads, buff and goat hair are old, they can preserve their vitality as on the first day. In addition, silk carpets and rugs, which have a very high value, are woven in Cappadocia and are important for the region.
As in every region where carpets are produced, the commercial value of the carpet in Cappadocia has led to deterioration in its structure. The concern of producing and selling fast has brought the aim of choosing the easy, fast and cheap ones in the pattern, the yarns used and the dyeing of the yarns. Patterns are selected from the most sought after ones. Cotton yarn is preferred for wefts because it is cheap, and aniline dyes are used for dyeing yarns because it is practical. However, carpets and rugs that are woven for dowry and not put up for sale are the product of a fine taste.
Note: Click for German dream interpretations
Cappadocia Rugs Price
Cappadocia Rugs; Prices in Cappadocia rugs vary according to the materials and sizes used. Generally, the price of hand-woven rugs starts from 200 € and can go up to 1000 €. Carpet prices are higher than rug prices. There are many shops selling carpets and rugs in Cappadocia. If you are thinking of buying a Cappadocia rug or rug, we recommend that you see and examine the rugs and rugs on site instead of ordering them online.