ISPARTA RUGS

Carpet weaving in Isparta starts with the Turkish tribes resettled in the region following the conquest of Anatolia by Turks. Various sources indicate that carpet weaving was popularized in Isparta in the 19th Century.

In 1850s, along with the support given to former traditional carpet weaving centres via new techniques and the initiatives to establish carpet weaving centres (Hereke and Feshane Factories) on the basis of new concepts in Anatolia, significant steps were taken within the scope of carpet weaving in Isparta. One of these steps was the establishment of ‘Isparta Yarn Factory and Trade Inc.’. 

The materials used for carpet weaving around Isparta are wool and cotton. Wefts and warps are made of white cotton with woollen knots.

Before the actual weaving process, the kilimlik part (plainly woven, hapless part for the beginning and end of the rug) is woven. This section, woven in six rows, is referred to as 'zincir' (chain) in colloquial language.

Isparta rugs are quite rich in colour range. The base is dominantly in red or shades of red. In recent years, white and shades of light green are also observed in rugs. 

Edgers (erect weaving looms) or slant weaving looms are used in carpet weaving. The rugs are created with the single-knot technique, as well as the Turkish knot.

To ensure the durability of rugs, the long side of the rug is woven in 4-5 reverse knots (Turkish knot), while single-knot is used for the remaining parts. 

A classification is observed among Isparta rugs, distinguishing first-quality, second-quality and coarse rugs. Carpets woven in general are of second-quality.

Quality in rugs is generally measured among the public in 'urup', which amounts to 67-68 cm. The higher the number of knots in one urup is, the higher the quality.

The number of knots (ilme) in dm² is 858 (26 x 33). 

Plant patterns dominate the rugs along with certain geometric patterns. Among the public, rugs with medallion patterns are preferred and referred to as köşe-göbek (edge-centre).

The rug base is ornamented with central pieces, rumi and double rumi (palmetto), as well as such motifs as stylized roses, tulips, clovers and hyacinths. Floor rugs, kelle rugs (smaller than floor rugs) and prayer rugs are common types of Isparta rugs.

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