Handicrafts and textile arts are quite widespread in our country. Historically, carpet weaving was primarily done by housewives. While weaving these carpets was quite challenging in the past, they still made them to contribute to the home. Turkish carpets are quite famous worldwide. Turkey boasts many provinces and districts renowned for their carpets, and these carpets come in a variety of colors and patterns. Each pattern carries a distinct meaning. These patterns are a testament to the cultural richness of our country.
Carpets in our country are the sole representative of our cultural richness and demonstrate the excellence of handcrafted craftsmanship in the past. Carpet weavings, seen throughout Türkiye from past to present, are generally found in the provinces and districts of Kayseri, Gördes, Milas, Demirci, Uşak, Yağcıbedir, Konya, Bursa, Kocaeli, Ardahan, Kars, and Isparta. The Isparta carpet is the most famous of these carpets. Following the Isparta carpet, the Milas carpet and the Hereke carpet take their place. These carpets have been culturally transmitted from the Ottoman period to the present day.
The World Famous Isparta Carpet
The history of Isparta carpets dates back to the 12th century. The production method for Isparta carpets is based on traditional methods. Turkmens living in Şarkikaraağaç, Yenişarbademli, Aksu, Eğirdir, and Sütçüler, where the carpet yarn is obtained, shear and wash their sheep's wool in May and September. Once dry, the wool is plucked with a tool called a "yay" and swept away. It is then spun in a kirmen (a type of carpet). The spinning is done by men. The spun yarn in kirmen is turned into "gelep" (a type of yarn). It is then dyed with artificial and root dyes. This is how the yarns of an Isparta carpet are finished. It's important to understand that weaving also requires special skills. The world-famous Isparta carpet can also be found in decorating shops abroad.
