Every carpet, with its patterns, resembles a collection of messages, beliefs and symbols. They are declaration of wish, on which all expectations are enshrined. Every pattern that is woven into a carpet is a picture of a feeling, a desire or a wish. So far as that every carpet represents a living history from the early ages to the present in which women have patiently and untiringly written their joys and sorrows in amazing codes and magic letters which are to be read line by line.

As well as being one of the most indispensable interior decoration goods, carpet has long been a precious gift item, migrating on the routes of conquest and trade, carrying its patterns from one place to another, and this magic work of craft has finally traveled throughout the ages to our times with its colors, symbol-language and with all its beauty, becoming a subject of "flying carpet" tales.

Turkish Carpets in Europe

Since the 13th century high quality carpets have been woven in certain Anatolian districts. The fact that Anatolian carpets began to appear in Europe paintings from the 14th century, with a further increase in the 15th century, indicates that these carpets were very popular in Europe. Carpets of Usak and Bergama, significant weaving centers of 16th century Anatolia, are among the important items decorating the museums of Europe. At the universal exhibition held in 1867 in Paris, Turkey received awards in silk crafts as European interest. Due to the fact that Turkey did not have adequate carpet loom to meet such demands at the time, Persian ant Far Eastern carpets which are woven more easily and quickly to suit mass production, thus made their way into European market. However, they have not been able to overshadow the reputation of Turkish carpets.

Carpets

The first step in carpet making is to have a pattern or a design. Master weavers do not need a pattern outline, but retain it in their memories. The second step involves the choice of material which differs according to the type and region. The material of a carpet may be wool, pure silk or cotton. The colors also are characteristic of the region where the carpet is made. The threads used in the weaving of antique carpets were used to be dyed with natural dyes known only by the family that manufactured them. Reflecting its weaver's skill, carpet forms one of the most important items in the dowry of the young Anatolian girl preparing for the marriage. Dowry carpets are usually kept for life and laid only to honor important guests. At present carpet looms at villages have stubbornly resisted modern developments and resolutely carried on this traditional craft and historical custom. These carpets which once decorated the palaces of sultans have also become an important means of investment today.

The rugs are divided in three categories which depends on the technique :

• carpets are knotted
• kilims are weaved
• sumaks and cicims are embroidered