About Our Carpets

For centuries, Turkey has set the standard for carpet-producing countries throughout the Middle East. Designs once hoarded by sultans and kings as premier art are now readily available to the public. Though many countries now produce imitations of a much lesser class, authentic Turkish carpets made of the same quality as centuries ago are still hand-knotted in Turkey to this day. A buyer should attempt to familiarize himself with terms such as vegetables dyes, double-knot technique, kilim, abrash, KPSI, as well as the unique characteristics that each different region in Turkey uses, etc. before buying a Turkish carpet, as education enhances the personal value of the item of your purchase. Each piece has a story of its own woven within its borders, and when you begin to understand the value of these hand-made originals, of which no two pieces are ever alike , you can appreciate your carpet or kilim enough to care for it for generations.

Carpets and Kilims

Among hand-woven creations in Turkey, the two most common styles are  carpets (or rugs) and kilims. Carpet is a form the most are familiar with,  which include knots on the back which forma thick or thin pile on top.

Turkey is the only country in which the double-knot technique is used, making the carpet more durable for longer life span. Recently some Persian carpets have copied this style into a what they call “Turkish knot” or “the iron knot.” The more intricate the design shows on the backside will show just how fine the work really is.

The kilim style is a flat-weave, which is a technique that has been perfected among nomads and Kurds in the East of Turkey, because it is lighter, thinner, and incredibly durable, which makes it excellent for many purposes. Kilims are made in a variety of designs, some of which are woven into the original weave, others of which are completely hand-embroidered over a basic weave.

Turks typically use carpets for the winter season for insulation, and kilims in the summer season for a cooler effect.

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Search by carpet size; enter a number in one or both fields below to search for carpets. 

Our Perspective is Different

Where others see customers, we see friends; we spend quality time with each customer to understand the needs and desires for their home. Where others see business, we see culture; Where others see decorations, we see art.

Types of Carpets and Kilims

Tashpinar carpets are created in a region near Cappadocia, and are known for the rich colors made from vegetable dyes, and rich history of symbolic designs. Well-made Tashpinar carpets have a silk-like quality that gives the surface a unique sheen.

Kayseri is a region in Turkey that is well-known for its quality carpets. A unique characteristic that separates Turkish carpets from the rest of the world's carpets is the double-knot technique, which makes the carpet more durable

Kilims differ from carpets in that they are a traditional nomadic Kurdish design. They are created with a flat-weave system as opposed to the loom and pile technique used to create carpets. Traditionally they were created for nomadic use, which means they are thinner and lighter than a carpet (for easier travel).

The Sumak style is made as a flat kilim, and then overlaid with hand-embroidery to show the reflection and creativity of women from the respective regions. The Sumak kilim is created in the area of Mount Ararat, where Noah's Ark traditionally landed. These kilims are always covered with animal figures, which differ depending on the designer.

Kashori Van kilims are created in far-eastern Turkey by Kurdish tribes.

New Carpets and Kilims

This is the newest addition to our inventory. These items change daily, so check back often to see our latest carpets!

Category: HMC 190

Kayseri is a region in Turkey that is well known for its quality carpets. The Kayseri carpet was traditionally found in palaces of the sultan. This particular carpet features the design of 1,001 Night's Dreams.

Width: 3.75

Length: 5.6

Material: Wool on Cotton

Price: 1275

Upcoming Dates

Black Sheep Carpets frequently goes on tour to display our products. Come meet with us at any of the following events.