KONYA Vintage Tulu Rug 190x122cm

Discover the unparalleled craftsmanship and rich tradition of the nomads from the Taurus Mountains with our unique Tülü rug. This unique rug, hand-woven from 100% pure sheep's wool, combines the warmth and comfort of traditional nomadic culture with timeless aesthetics. One of a kind!

Features:

• Material: 100% pure, hand-spun sheep's wool
• Size:
190x122cm
• Pile height: Long pile, approx. 5 cm
• Color: Natural sheep's wool and earth tones such as brown, beige and red, dyed with vegetable dyes
• Pattern: Abstract and geometric designs, inspired by nature and the daily life of nomads

Region of Origin

Anatolia makes up the majority of modern-day Turkey. Carpets from this region are characterized by their indigenous, geometric patterns - with many symbols reflecting a traditional way of life in harmony with nature. It is the legacy of an ancient, schematic culture of the Turkic peoples, passed down from generation to generation in the form of weaving art.

Symbolism

In Anatolia, a variety of symbols and patterns were used in traditional kilims and carpets, with origins dating back to the Neolithic period. Over millennia, nomadic and village women wove themes into their carpets that were significant to their lives. One of the main symbols is the figure of "Elibelinde," representing the Cosmic Mother and her creative female power. Other motifs represent wishes, such as for happiness and children, while others serve as protection against threats like wolves, scorpions, or the evil eye. Motifs were often combined when woven into patterns on kilims, giving them multi-layered meanings. Thus, each carpet tells its own story in the form of woven poetry.

Manufacturing

Our vintage kilims and carpets were entirely handmade from the early 20th century until the 1970s. In the first step, the weaver sheared, washed, combed, and hand-spun the wool from her own sheep and goats into yarn.

Subsequently, the yarn bundles were dyed in an elaborate, manual process using natural pigments or alizarin dyes. Each individual shade had to be dyed separately. By dyeing independently, the weaver could give free rein to her creativity and had control over the coloring, while the result was also subject to a complex interplay of many factors, always resulting in a play of different nuances of a color. This shading in the yarn or in the finished kilim or carpet is called abrash. After the yarn was finished, the warp threads were stretched as tightly as possible over the warp beam of the wooden loom. Only then could the weaver begin weaving her kilim. Each motif, each symbol, each area was woven by hand with great love and patience until the finished kilim was created and the ends of the kilim were knotted and often decorated with elaborately braided fringes. The manufacturing process often took several months, sometimes years, and was carried out either by a single weaver or by several women simultaneously. Grandmothers, mothers, sisters, other family members, or neighbors often sat at a loom at the same time, telling each other stories or singing songs while weaving. The weaving of a kilim was not only for the purpose of subsequent use, but the entire process was a ritual, a ceremony, a form of meditation and prayer, an expression of the weaver's emotions, and a medium to pass on stories of past times in the form of woven poetry. 

Material

Wool is the most commonly used fiber in the production of Anatolian carpets. It is not only abundant in Turkey, but it is also a natural and very high-quality material. In particular, hand-spun wool has particularly long fibers and a high content of lanolin (wool grease). This makes it very durable, long-lasting, and antibacterial. 

Natural sheep's wool is a living material that, through the influence of sun, air, and water and careful use, becomes softer and shinier over the years. A material that ages beautifully, is absolutely environmentally friendly, and free of harmful substances. It has the property of cleaning and regenerating itself, brings warmth, a good indoor climate, and pleasant room acoustics to every home. In addition, sheep's wool and goat hair have the property of grounding our bodies and dissipating negative electrostatic charges. 

These positive properties prove particularly useful in large cities and when using electronic devices.

Cleaning and Restoration

The cleaning process of our vintage kilim carpets takes place cyclically and in harmony with nature. In the summer months, our carpets are first thoroughly washed with water and olive soap and then further cleaned for up to three months on our "Kilim Field" in Antalya with the power of the sun.

Sun exposure and airing remove stubborn stains and discolorations, odors, moths, and bacteria. 

Through this intensive and natural cleaning process, we can completely avoid environmentally harmful chemicals or health-damaging moth repellents.

After sunbathing in Antalya, our kilims and carpets are mechanically dusted and then sent to Istanbul. In our atelier in the old town of Sultanahmet, each carpet is individually stretched into shape, the ends are re-knotted with a special technique so that the weave cannot unravel. Holes or discolored areas are re-woven true to the original. The complete cleaning and restoration process takes between six months and two years, depending on the kilim.

With loving and careful treatment, our kilims and carpets can last for many more generations. Our carpets do not require a lot of care, but they do need the right kind of care. We recommend that you regularly and carefully vacuum or beat your carpet to remove dirt and dust. Vacuuming your carpet once or twice a month is sufficient. Too frequent vacuuming can cause the knots and fibers to wear out more quickly. If your vacuum cleaner has a suction attachment, use this instead of a rotating brush.

Every few months, you should turn your carpet over and vacuum the back to remove dirt from the underside of the carpet. It is also helpful to rotate your carpet once a year to ensure even wear.

We recommend having your carpet professionally hand-washed every 3 to 5 years. Please do not take it for steam or dry cleaning – this will certainly damage the carpet! Choose a carpet cleaner who uses a pH-neutral shampoo or olive soap for hand washing. The soap is worked into the carpet by hand with a soft-bristle brush and then thoroughly rinsed. If you have any questions or need assistance in choosing a carpet cleaner, please feel free to contact us. We work with trusted oriental carpet cleaners and restorers and can pass on discounted rates to our customers.

A stain, what now?
Blot the stain with a dry cloth until it is dry. If necessary, you can dab with a very slightly damp cloth and a little olive soap. Please do not wash your carpet yourself. If the stain does not come out, contact an oriental carpet specialist immediately for cleaning. Adding a lot of liquid can make stain removal more difficult and even worsen it. This is because moisture spreads along the fibers and can get trapped in carpets with horizontal fibers (like flat weaves).

Dried food residue can be easily scraped off or brushed out.