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Marco Polo noted the fine quality of Turkish carpets in his writings in 1271. A large number of Turkish and Persian carpets were being sent to Europe as early as the 16th century. The increased trade relations with Europe and the strong western orientation of some of the Ottoman emperors clearly influenced some production and designs. Still, carpet weaving has been around a very long time and is an established tradition in the fabric of life in the carpet producing areas of Turkey, Persia, Turkestan and the Caucasus.
The 1949 discovery of the Pazryk carpets established that carpet weaving has existed in the area at least since the 4th century BC. Historically, the Turks moved to present day Anatolia from Central Asia, their carpet weaving traditions following them westward to Turkey and Persia, where they ultimately reached their highest expression. Similarly, influences from the Far East reached Europe primarily through Constantinople, which was the gateway to Europe as well being the final stop in the so called Silk Route, the long trade route that ran from China through Central Asia to Anatolia.
Carpets have traditionally been produced throughout Turkey, Persia and the Central Asian regions of Turkestan and the Caucasus. Carpets are usually so unique that the tribe, region and village of origin can be identified without much trouble. The designs, colors, and overall quality of the carpets can be very different. Likewise, there are clear differences of function, design and quality between tribal, village and production center carpets. A distinction needs to be made between a carpet and a kilim. Although both are handmade, the latter is flat woven rather than knotted, relatively smaller and much more likely to be used in a variety of functions in the home.
Carpet weaving traditions in the area originated with the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. Nomadic carpets are woven on portable looms, which limited the size of a carpet as well as the tightness of its weave. The main purpose was clearly more functional than artistic. Weaving created not only carpets, but also items such as saddlebags, kilims, and wall hangings. Their geometrical designs and bold colors, for example, readily distinguish the carpets from the Caucasus region. The use of bold color contrast and warm primary colors can help to create a sense of warmth a greater sense of comfort in sometimes-dreary surroundings. This is especially important when considering that the regions they live in are often cold and mountainous.
Panama Orchids, Capel's new line of hand knotted rugs from India, is featured in the October 13, 2003 issue of InFurniture .
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