Where were these rugs made?

These textiles originate from various provinces and rural districts across Anatolia, including Bergama, Konya, Milas, and Yahyali. Each producing area developed distinct design vocabularies and colour preferences. Local weavers adapted traditional patterns to suit domestic requirements, resulting in highly regional floor coverings.

How do I care for an old rug?

Protect the textile by placing a breathable underlay beneath it to prevent slipping and reduce friction against hard floors. Vacuum gently with the suction attachment rather than a rotating brush bar. Keep the piece out of direct sunlight to prevent natural dyes from fading prematurely over time.

What is vegetable dye?

Vegetable dye involves obtaining colour pigments from natural sources such as madder root, walnut husks, and indigo plants. These substances bond with the wool fibres during traditional preparation. As the wool ages, these natural colours mellow and develop a rich patina that synthetic alternatives cannot replicate.

How do I date an antique rug?

Dating relies on examining structural characteristics, material preparation, and stylistic markers specific to certain decades. Hand-spun wool and early aniline or vegetable dye palettes help establish a chronological window. Comparing knot structure and regional motifs against documented examples provides a reliable indicator of age.