The technical and durability information about Turkish carpets are as follows:
In order to define what is meant by ‘’A Turkish Carpet ‘’ it is necessary to understand particular characteristics of dyes, colors, designs, textures and techniques which distinguish such weavings. 'A Turkish Carpets ‘’ is a masterpiece of textile craft demanding the highest standards of workmanship and artistry.
The technique of weaving; We call this technique the ‘’double knot‘’, ‘’symmetric knot’’ or the ‘’Ghiordes knot’’ as in the mythology. (This is the knot which Alexander the Great cut with his sword and conquered the Phrygian Empire). This technique is used only in a Turkish carpet and can only be made by hand. (The pile is made up not many hand-tied knots, these knots being made by twisting pieces of yarn at regular intervals around vertical warp threads so that both ends come up between two strands.) This increases the durability of the carpet as you use it. Yes, it is true. As you use and walk on the carpet you make the knots tighter so it is more durable.

 

Not only the weaving technique but also the material has to be of the highest quality to obtain the best result. This is why Turkish Carpets are usually made of pure handspun wool or pure cocoon silk, is hand-crafted and produced with care, fact well known to and appreciated by both art historians and collectors. The good quality materials help maintain and enhance the carpets’ strength and beauty as knots tighten an carpets get older.
Further more vegetable or (natural) dyes, increases the durability and protection of the wool. The use of the natural dyes gives more strength to the wool and will not to be affected by climate changes. For the same reasons, mineral dyes are used for the silk.

A carpet is like a perfect human body, the appearance alone, represents the real natural beauty, the soul has to support the appearance. It is essential for the carpets to have their own spirit, their own soul and their own history. This combination, makes them a perfect beauty.From the beginning, the carpets need much patience, the process of obtaining the wool, spinning and dying, setting up the looms etc. The origin of this patience is the underlining story behind every single carpet. The carpet has sentimental value as well as monetary. They mean a lot to the weavers. Girls always try to do their best because the carpet is an art form which opens a window for them to the world outside. their emotions, desires, and feelings are reflected in the carpets' design, color and pattern. That is why they devote so much patience, to finishing carpet as they believe it is a form of self expression.

  

Turkish people have so many different traditions related to carpets, which have continued through the centuries. Some of them may seem incredible to you, but in Central Anatolia and rural areas they still go on.
In many places there is little opportunity for social contact between men and women So how do they meet? How do they decide who to marry? The answer is a ‘’CARPET’’, which is one of the major items of Turkish culture.
When a girl reaches the age of marriage (between 18-20) she weaves a very beautiful carpet and hangs the carpet out of the window of her house. It gives a sign that there is a single girl living in this house wishing to marry. On the other hand a young gentleman who is also ready to get married walks around the streets of the village in his smartest clothes.

When he sees a carpet hanging out of a window he knocks on the door and says to whoever opens the door’’ I am a quest from God, I come here to have a cup of coffee, if you approve?’’
(In Turkey if you say I am quest from God the owner of the house lets you in and shares his food with you for three days. According to Turkish belief when a quest leaves the house happy he will bring good luck, happiness and fertility to the house. The more you serve your quest, the more God will provide.)

They let the boy in and take him to the quest house. As he is well dressed gentleman according to tradition, his reason for being there is certain; to see the GIRL. When she comes into the room and asks ‘’What would you like to drink? ’’The reply is ’’A cup of coffee please’’ This is the first eye contact and conversation between them, they are together for a short time.

After that, the mother comes into the room and starts asking the suitor questions like ‘’Who is your family, how old are you, what is your job, how many sisters and brothers do you have...?’’While he is answering these questions the girl listens to the answers, from behind the door. When the questions are over, the girl goes into the kitchen and starts preparing the coffee.

This part is very important because she gives her answer with the coffee, not in words. If she serves him the coffee with a lot of sugar that means ‘’he can come again later with his parents to see her to discuss the marriage’’. If the coffee has less sugar it indicates the girl is interested in the boy, but is undecided about marriage. However if she serves without sugar or sometimes even with salt that means ‘’Go away from here as quick as possible. I do not like you.’’

(Normally before you make coffee for someone you ask ‘’How would you like your coffee? ’’Sugar, little sugar or no sugar this is because as a custom, sugar is not added later to Turkish coffee.) There are so many stories like this about Turkish Carpets and how they play very important role in the traditions and the daily life of Turkish people.
Hopefully after reading this story, every time you see a Turkish carpet you will try to understand the story of the girls who weaved them. You will see there are always some details of the girls and you will feel the spirit of the carpets. Carpets will talk to you through their designs and colors. That is why they are all very beautiful and we call them ART. They are all ALIVE.
We hope, you will have a change to live, feel, and enjoy the beauty of those handmade Turkish Carpets.

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