Persian and Turkish rugs are among the most outstanding and luxurious weavings around the globe today. The rugs combine their ageless beauty with an amazing history of rug making that dates back centuries ago.
Most Persian and Turkish rugs are recognizable either by their source or decorations. And because of the outstanding craftsmanship, some top brands can sell up to 1 million dollars.
You can, however, get more affordable rugs selling as low as $200.
Brief History of Persian and Turkish Rugs
Though the names Persian rugs and Turkish rugs are used synonymously, they refer to different approaches in rug making.
Persian rugs were originally from Persia, which is modern-day’s Iraq and makes the more ancient rug-making tradition. The earliest in this category are Pazyryk carpets made in the fifth century BCE.
In the beginning, most Persian rugs were only functional to some extent, but with time, the designs became a luxury. Today, Persian rugs reflect a deep cultural influence which has greatly boosted their value.
Towards the 16th century, the rugs had taken root as important elements of expressing the Middle East tradition. And as a result, the idea of Turkish rugs came into life.
Turkish rugs are now a household name referring to all authentic rugs made in Afghanistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran where looming excelled.
Just like Turkish rugs, all authentic Turkish rugs are handmade using the same style and pattern. This is why most people use either term when referring to either Turkish or Persian rugs.
What Makes Persian and Turkish Rugs Different?
The Label
One of the easiest ways to know whether you’re buying a Turkish or Persian rug is by checking the labels. Every authentic Persian rug has a label showing it was made in Iran.
The Knots
Unlike Persian rugs that are made using single-loop knots making them more refined, Turkish rugs use double loops.
Design
Most Persian rugs have a rounded, oriental, elegant design and usually have a medallion at the center. It is as though they are made for palaces.
Turkish rugs, on the other hand, have straight, clear, geometrical designs that depict tribal meanings. It is like each piece is a puzzle and mystery made for you to solve. In fact, you can make a history out of the design of each Turkish rug.
How Much Do Persian and Turkish Rugs Cost?
When you access your favorite Persian and Turkish rugs shop, you’ll clearly see how much each piece costs. And as you may have noted, prices vary enormously from one rug to the next.
For instance, antique Persian rugs in perfect condition can cost anywhere between #10000 and $20000. If the condition is not new, you can buy a similar piece for as little as $1000.
Let’s check out some of the factors that determine the cost of Persian and Turkish rugs:
Handmade Vs Machine Made
Knowing how the rug was made determines its value. For top-quality hand-knotted Persian rugs, the cost is more compared to machine-made rugs that copy the handmade rugs.
The process of creating hand-knotted Persian and Turkish rugs requires intense labor and time. inserting each knot to the rug by hand requires lots of time and concentration.
In fact, one can take up to 6 months to complete a single rug, especially those with complex designs.
Age
Most hand-knotted rugs become more valuable with age. And for this reason, most families keep these rugs and pass them on to the next generation.
And because each Turkish rug is unique, it is only right to become more valuable with time. an avid rugs collector will understand the value of each unique oriental rug.
Design
The more complex the design of a rug is, the more expensive it gets. If the rug has larger, more solid designs, the cost will be more compared to those with simple details.
For instance, Persian rugs with animal designs are more valuable.
Rug’s Condition
The cost of a well-maintained antique rug will always be higher compared to the less attractive rugs. This is why you are advised to hire professional cleaners to handle the cleaning and maintenance of your Turkish rugs.
Personal Preference
If a buyer finds a particular rug very appealing, he can spend thousands or even millions to get it. The same piece can cost less if the available buyers don’t find anything attractive about it.
Material
While it is not the most durable, silk rugs cost more because of their appeal and labor requirements when making it.
Size
If you need a big Turkish rug to cover your entire living room, you’ll pay more compared to one that only needs a runners rug. Not forgetting that similar sizes may have varying costs depending on the condition and the style used in making the rug.
How to Identify Turkish and Persian Rugs Styles
Most rug experts will only need to look at a particular rug to know its source and the history being it. And in most cases, these stories are those that a knotter wants to let the world know.
Once you understand the story behind that particular style, you’ll begin to appreciate the significance of each piece.
Turkish Rugs
Though Turkish rugs were mainly influenced by Central Asia kilims, their uniqueness is the symmetrical knots coupled with animal motifs. The weavers borrowed heavily from traditional Asian rug making and later perfected the styles and techniques.
Towards the 16th century, Turkish rug makers had perfected the art of incorporating animal styles. And as a result, palace artists established dedicated centers where they made top-quality rugs for palaces and the affluent.
Today, you can still find dedicated rug makers in Milas, Konya, and other parts of central Asia.
Persian Rugs
Due to geographical differences in Greater Persia, varying Persian rugs styles emerged all with unique motifs. According to historians, it’s easier to tell the origin of each Persian rug depending on the symbols in the designs.
Persian rugs are categorized into 2 groups that include:
City Rugs
City rugs refer to Persian rugs made in designated workshops where knotters followed specific guidelines and designs. The rugs usually have a cotton/ silk foundation, making them appear more refined.
Even more outstanding city Turkish rugs have a floral, intricate design and will usually have 15 colors combined or more per rug.
Tribal/ Nomadic Rugs
For tribal rugs, the weaver is the one that designs the rug based on what his inspiration is at that time. And unlike city rugs that usually have silk and cotton foundations, nomadic rugs have wool being the foundation.
Here’s a look at some popular Persian rugs:
Esfahan Kashan Sarouk Kerman Heriz
Gabbeh Khorassan Tabriz Farahan Sultanabad
And more. For more details about Persian rugs check here.
FAQs
How much do Turkish rugs cost?
This depends on several factors including:
- Size of the rug
- Materials used to construct the rugs
- Style of the mat. The more complex the style is, the pricier it gets
- Age of the rug: if you wish to buy antique Turkish rugs, you’ll pay more compared to buying newer rugs.
Will my rug lose its value as it gets older?
It depends on how well you take care of your Turkish rugs. If you follow proper maintenance procedures, your rug will appreciate as it ages.
What do I need to know before buying Persian and Turkish rugs?
- Cost: all Turkish rugs are priced differently depending on their size, quality, and design. And depending on your budget, you can buy the cheapest Turkish rugs or the more expensive antique pieces.
- Material: most Turkish and Persian rugs are made using top-quality natural materials including silk, wool, and cotton.
- Color: authentic Turkish and Persian rugs use natural colors sourced from plants and animals. As a result, these colors last longer and even get better with time.
- Size: besides affecting the price, the size of the rug will determine the end look of your space. Choosing the right size is a perfect way to ensure that you’re getting value for your investment.
- Types: there are hundreds of Persian and Turkish rugs in the market today. To ensure that you get the best, seek professional help when making your purchase.
How can I identify a fake Turkish rug?
- Check the back: if the back of the rug is made using hard plastic, the top is most likely synthetic, making it a fake. All authentic handmade rugs have a soft back that matches the front.
- Check the material: all authentic Persian and Turkish rugs are made using wool, cotton, or silk. If your rug is made from polypropylene, nylon, polyester, or acrylic, it is not authentic.
- Look out for bleeding colors: if you see, hear, or smell ink at the back of your rug, it’s a fake. All authentic rugs are dyed using natural vegetable and plant dyes that don’t fade or bleed.
- Check the fringe: for all handmade rugs, the fringe is part of the rug structure. If it is a fake, the fringe will be sewn or glued to the rug, making it a fake.
What happens when my Turkish rug gets wet?
Turkish rugs are quite fragile, especially when wet. To prevent further damages, you need to handle any repairs before cleaning the rug.
And if you mistakenly get your rug wet, put it to dry immediately.
Can I use a washing machine to clean my rugs?
No. using washing machines to clean Turkish rugs may lead to irreparable damages. The rugs are handmade and, therefore, demands extra care to keep them looking and feeling great for many years.
How should I care for my Persian and Turkish rugs?
- Rotate frequently to allow even wearing of the rug.
- Vacuum regularly
- Seek professional rug cleaning services
- Clean spills and stains immediately they occur
Do I have to keep changing my rug or I can use one all year round?
Yes. It is possible to use one rug every day, especially with proper care and maintenance. But if you can, using darker rugs during winter and lighter-colored ones during summer will give your home a new, homely look.
Enjoy the Best Persian and Turkish Rugs Styles
If you are searching for the best Turkish rugs to buy, you definitely have plenty of choices. Unfortunately, the multiple options only make the ability to make conclusions even more complex.
On one hand, you need a rug big enough to fit your space and on the other, you want to save more on every purchase. Even more, you need Persian or Turkish rug styles that perfectly match your home decor.
Wide Range of Rug Styles
Because of the diverse weaving techniques, each rug has a unique weaving texture and style. For some, it is easier to spot the difference but for others, only a professional can spot the difference.
Even more confusing, the diverse weaving textures, some resulting in deep pile rugs and others, flat-woven rugs including:
Kilim Rugs
These are flat woven rugs that are usually smaller in size or simply put, long & narrow. The rugs feature either geometric or tribal patterns and are adorned with bold, rich colors.
Soumak Rugs
Thanks to the flat, thick weave, Soumak/ Sumak rugs are very strong and durable. The rugs feature ancient symbols including small birds, geometric animals, and other tribal symbols.
Because they are thicker compared to Kilim rugs, they are ideal for putting in places with higher foot traffic. Do not be surprised if you find diverse weaving styles as the rugs are made in different regions around the Caucasus.
Kirshehir Rugs
Kirshehir Turkish rugs are known for their excellent wool, geometric drawings, and rich color combinations. The rugs are made by Kirshehir weavers who are widely known for making prayer rugs and runners rugs.
Buy Quality Turkish Rugs for Your Home today
Whether you want a traditional, transitional, or contemporary look for your home, Borokhim’s Oriental Rugs has all you need. We stock all your favorite Persian and Turkish rugs so you get what you want every time.
And with over 49 years of experience, we’ll offer you expert advice regarding the styles, pricing, and quality of each rug. Even better, you can trust us with accurate information on how each rug is made and its outstanding qualities.
Not forgetting that we have all your favorite Turkish rugs from Iran, India, China, as well as Afghanistan.