Istanbul E-pass includes a free Turkish Rug Making Experience daily between 09:00 and 17:00, except Sundays, at Cinar Hali Shop.
Turkish rug making is one of Turkey’s most important traditional crafts, bringing together history, culture, and skilled handwork. These handmade rugs are not just decorative items; each one carries meaning through its patterns, colors, and weaving style.
The Art of Turkish Rug Making
The tradition of Turkish rug weaving goes back thousands of years and is still practiced today. Skilled artisans continue to use traditional techniques, keeping this craft alive as an important part of Turkey’s cultural heritage.
The experience is presented by a workshop that has been producing Turkish rugs since 1935. With nearly 90 years of continuous production, it is considered one of the oldest rug manufacturers in Turkey. The same workshop also produced the world’s largest Turkish rug, covering an area of 102 square meters.
Steps of the Turkish Rug Making Process
1. Traditional Designs and Meanings
Turkish rug designs are full of symbols and stories. Many patterns represent nature, protection, happiness, or daily life, while each region in Turkey has its own recognizable style and design elements.
2. Natural Materials
High-quality materials play a key role in Turkish rug making. Artisans mainly use wool, cotton, and silk, each chosen for its strength, texture, and visual effect in the final rug.
3. Hand Dyeing
The yarns are dyed by hand using natural sources such as plants, roots, and minerals. This method creates rich, balanced colors that age beautifully and give each rug a unique character.
4. Hand Weaving on the Loom
Weaving is done entirely by hand on traditional looms. Each knot is tied one by one, which makes rug weaving a slow and detailed process that can take months, depending on the size and complexity.
5. Finishing and Quality Check
Once the weaving is complete, the rug is trimmed, cleaned, and carefully checked. These final steps ensure the rug meets quality standards before it is ready to be displayed or used.
Why Experience Turkish Rug Making in Istanbul?
Joining a Turkish rug making experience allows visitors to connect more deeply with local culture. Seeing the process in person helps people better understand the time, skill, and tradition behind every handmade rug.