The History of Carpet-Weaving
Carpets were contributed to human history long ago. Carpet weaving requires a more advanced technique than the other woven products. In Turkish the term carpet emerges from “kalư” which means bride’s trousseau. It is supposed that men first knotted some colourful wool and angora wool by imitating animal tanned fur-skin, then developed today’s carpets gradually.
For the last century or more, handmade knotted carpets have been a subject of research for experts and art historians. Finally, authorities conclude that the art of weaving knotted carpets was introduced by Turkish nomadic tribes and craftsmen.
Since the art of carpet began in the areas where Turkish tribes dominated and wide spread thanks to them traditional Turkish carpet making with its distinctive techniques, materials, patterns and knotting, has had a strong influence upon all oriental carpets.
Carpets, which were defined as “oriental luxury” in Greek resources, had been known for ages. In art history books, one can come across carpets that date back to the Pharaohs, the ancient Persians and the Caliphs. However, these were not knotted carpets, but were rugs woven using the simple “towel” technique.
The double-knotted carpets are the invention of Turkish tribes. These carpets were first introduced to Islamic countries by the Seljuks in the 11th century. Various carpets woven with this technique are dated back to 2000 years before.
