How do I clean a kilim?

Surface dust can be removed through gentle vacuuming without a beater bar, taking care to avoid the fringes. Professional textile cleaning is recommended for deeper maintenance. Water washing should be approached with caution to prevent dye bleed in older natural colourings.

Can I use these on the floor?

Many examples function well as floor coverings in areas with moderate foot traffic. Placing an appropriate underlay beneath the textile prevents slipping and reduces friction against hard surfaces. Larger runner formats suit hallways, while delicate cushions and wall panels are better suited for vertical display or seating.

Why are some rugs in two parts?

Larger formats from regions like Malatya and Kayseri were often woven on narrower village looms in two separate panels. These strips were subsequently joined down the middle to achieve room-sized carpets. This construction method is a normal characteristic of traditional village production rather than a later alteration.

How do I date a piece?

Dating relies on assessing the wool quality, the chemical or natural nature of the dyes, and the structural characteristics of the weave. Mid nineteenth-century pieces often display softer, aged palettes compared to brighter twentieth-century variants. Regional weaving traits and motifs also help place pieces within specific decades from the eighteen-fifties onward.