Carpet and Kilim Types

1. Carpet Types
2. Kilim Types

Carpet Types

Carpets and kilims can be classified according to their origins, sizes, materials and using aims. Here, we classified some of the carpets and kilims in Turkey according to their origins. You can see the comman carpet sizes in our 'Terminology' page.

Kayseri
Kayseri is one of the three important districts in Anatolia where large-size wool-cotton carpets for halls are produced. Goreme is just 40 minutes to Kayseri by bus. The warp and weft is cotton, white the knots are wool. Representing the continuation of the first examples of halace carpets, the origins of their desings date back to the period of Seljuk. Seljuk carpet weaving reached its peak in the 13th an 14th centuries whin caravans carried their carpets to Byzantium and the far west as the East-West trade route passed through anatolia. This district has remained a carpet-weaving centre for centuries. Just as in all other centres, kayseri also has its unique patterns an colours.
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Taspinar
Typical to Central Anatolia, Taspinar carpets have radiant colours in beautiful harmony. As in all other carpets, weavers use natural local dyes here. Dominant colours are indigo blue, brick red and brown. Woven in wool that is sheared during the spring season, Taspinar carpets are among the most beatiful carpets of Anatolia. They may have one niche as well as two.

Yahyali
Anatolian women and girls transpose all their feelings and thoughts onto carpets by transforming the knots into motifs and attributing certain meanings to each one of them. Yahyali carpets are no exception. One of the most important carpet weaving centers in Capadoccia, Yahyali's weavers use deep color like dark red and dark blue. These carpets are renowned for a balanced distribution of motifs, their unique wool and quality craftsmanship. Natural dyes used in Yahyali are those produced from wine leaves, wild mint, walnut shell and buckthorn.

Sirvan
Containing a unique and rich motif composition, these carpets are all geometrically patterned. The most common motifs used are those of charm, fertility and productivity. They are among the quality nomadic carpets and are as multi-colored as all other nomadic carpet.

Yagcibedir
These carpets have been woven since the 14th century in Bergama, which is konwn as a very famous weaving district. Documents show that Bergama carpets kermes insect and indigo dye were sold in Istanbul in the 15th centrury). Dark red and navy blue colours and silky fine wool are still used in Yagcibedir carpets today. Eagle star and cone are some of the most common motifs. They are thin carpets with short piles, reliefs and clear-cut patterns.

Kilim Types

Kayseri Kilims
Kayseri people still weave kilims, and many are made specifically for the export market. It is also the only region producing silk kilims, which are generally loosely worked in slitweave. Other kilims are made in natural wool colors, such as white, browns, gray and white, again in slitweave. Many compartment-type kilims are woven featuring a square emblem repeated three or four times down the field, according to length. These kilims generally have two main borders, and a plethora of small infill motifs which decorate the rest of the field. Another design format features large central medallions of varying shapes; again most of the field is decorated with small motifs. The borders vary in number, and colors are of an autumnal palette.

Konya Kilims
Konya kilims feature the most varied compositions found in Anatolia, and there have been a great number of kilims made there over the centuries. Old Konya kilims still occasionally appear on the market today, but not necessarily in Konya itself. Although patterns are very diverse, they generally have much decoration covering the whole field of the kilim, a design format of large hexagonal motifs with extending hooked arms is a well-known characteristic. Again, a great variety of colors is used, most often of a lighter palette than in eastern Anatolia. Some very fine kilims have emerged, but in general the kilims are of medium-fine texture of weave, mostly made in slitweave technique with some cicim. New kilims tend to be woven on thick warps. Konya kilims are made in all sizes, although there are fewer of medium size.
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In our shop we have nearly all types of carpets and kilims from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and of course from Turkey. If you want to get more information about a specific carpet or kilim type send us an email or use our contact form. We will send you detailed information.