Dear rugshop friends.

I as a person who has studied Turkish, Persian and Arabic cultures feel it is my duty to give you some information about the making of carpets.

WHAT IS A CARPET AND KILIM?

The carpet and a kilim is a way of life, eye-straining work, with thousands of years heritage.  A carpet is made up of thousands of knots. When you find out these masterpieces have been handmade by the ladies who have very clean hearts you will appreciate the importance of this art work.

THE COMMON SPECIFICATIONS OF TURKISH AND PERSIAN CARPETS:
BASE:
This is the most fundamental part of a carpet and there are 3 vital stages of making a carpet
1)Creation 
2)Weaving the knots  
3)Lock and weave the knots to the base this is commonly known as "Weft". 

NUMBER OF KNOTS:
The quantity of knots per sq/cm indicates the quality of the carpet.  The more knots it means the quality is better.
Standart for wool carpets is 36 double knots per sq/cm. 64 per/cm for the silk carpets.

KILIM;
The kilim however is not knotted but flat woven to crate the equisite filigree effect when held up to the light.

SUMAK:
These are usually made by the southeastern nomads in between Iran, Iraq and Turkey. 
Most of the designs reflect the country life. Birds being a symbol of freedom.
The weving technic is called sumak is firs a flat weave together with brocading.

KEY POINTS CUSTOMER SHOULD KNOW:

Always remember when you buy a carpet you are buying a part of Turkish / Iranian cultures.
1.When you purchase a piece you should check the specifications.
2.You should purchase the piece from a reliable dealer one who has money-back quarantee and it should be added into your sales contract.
3.You should be sure that you like the piece you choose as it will be living with you many years to come.

Thank you for browsing with us.

Mr. F. Rose
General Manager