How do I clean an old carpet?

These woolen floor coverings require gentle professional cleaning rather than immersion or harsh chemical treatments. Regular light vacuuming without a rotating brush helps remove surface grit. Keeping them out of direct sunlight prevents natural dyes from fading prematurely. Rotating the rug every year ensures even wear in high-traffic spaces.

Can I put these rugs on wooden floors?

Placing a suitable breathable underlay beneath the piece prevents slipping and protects the original foundation threads from friction against hard timber. An underlay also adds cushioning, which reduces stress on the hand-knotted wool pile during daily walking.

How do I identify a Kazak weave?

Kazak examples display bold geometric polygons, hooked guls, and large-scale primary motifs executed in saturated red, blue, and ivory wool. Their drawing is robust and structural rather than curved. The handle is typically heavier and thicker than the finer, lower-pile Shirvan or Daghestan pieces from the same geographic region.

What is a prayer niche?

The prayer niche, or mihrab, is a pointed arch motif positioned at one end of a rug to direct the user during daily devotions. It acts as the visual focal point of the composition. In older village weaving, this architectural element is often filled with small amulets, stars, or plant forms.