Kilim Rugs

Kilim are special pieces that carry the traces of the past, handcrafted and woven with care. Kilim, which are part of Anatolia's cultural heritage, have gained an important place in the world of decoration today. A pile-free hand weaving made of wool woven according to a two-thread system is called a Kilim. Nomadic people produced floor coverings called "Kilim" using the same flat weaving technique to protect themselves from the dampness on the earthen floor of their tents. They can be hung on the walls as well as laid on places called rooms and house roofs. It is also used to cover loads and as a pillow face. Its origin is Turkish, and it has passed from Turkish to other languages. The kilim found in 2300 BC under the name "queen's cover" is known as the oldest kilim in Anatolia. From a cultural point of view, the kilim is a product that carries the right to be a work of art as a bridge from the past to the present, and is a representative of cultural identity and self. It is the representative of religion as it is spread for protection from nature in accordance with the Shaman belief. In short, it is an ancestral heirloom that stores all the sociological psychological anthropological information experienced in the nomadic period. Due to these features, it increases its importance in the originality of its design and color understanding as well as its cultural function rather than its technique. Kilim is similar to carpet in terms of the material and dye used. For this reason, it is also called a thin carpet type. Root dye is also used in kilims, which is a compulsory process of hand weaving. Produced in colors and patterns that reflect the emotions of people's inner world, kilims are named according to the motifs as well as the name of the region where they are woven. Sometimes it is also seen that beads are embroidered on the woven kilims. It is even said that the young girls who weave them add a lock of their own hair to express their love and thus send news to their lover, which is a tradition of kilim weaving.

In this article, we will address important questions you may wonder about kilims:

What are kilim and how are they made?

Kilim is a type of hand-woven carpet and is usually made from natural fibers such as wool, cotton or silk. Kilims are produced using the flat weaving technique, which means that the front and back surface of the kilim are similar to each other. This is an important feature that distinguishes kilims from other types of carpets.

Kilim making, vertical yarns are often called "floating yarns". These yarns form the pattern of the kilim and can often be colored. Horizontal yarns are called "hawk yarns" and are usually used to create a finer and tighter weave.

Kilim making is traditionally done on hand looms Kilim is woven by women, usually on looms called "istar". These looms are placed vertically or obliquely and woven from motif to motif on a hoop formed by vertical and horizontal yarn wefts called arış and argaç. These woolen yarns are dyed with a dye obtained by boiling plant roots and leaves. This is called "root dye". The yarns dyed with root dyes do not fade over time and even gain a more pleasant shine. The weaving process begins by dyeing wool or other fibers with natural dyes in the colors needed. Then, the yarns are neatly stretched on the hand loom and knotted or woven as required by the pattern. When the weaving process is complete, the kilim is washed and dried so that it takes its final form.

Kilim making occupies an important place among traditional arts and crafts and is often decorated with special patterns and motifs that reflect a particular cultural heritage. Today, kilims are also produced using modern production techniques, but traditional hand weaving methods are still preferred because handmade kilims have a unique character and quality.

What are the different types of kilims?

Kilims are handmade kilims woven with a wide variety of patterns, colors and techniques produced and used in various cultures around the world. Produced in different regions and cultures, kilims have a unique character with traditional motifs, patterns and colors. Here are some different types of kilims:

❖Kilims by Region: Kilims produced in different regions reflect the cultural and geographical characteristics of that region. For example, there are Turkish kilims, Persian kilims, Caucasian kilims, Anatolian kilims, etc.

❖Kilims According to Patterns and Motifs: Kilims are usually decorated with geometric patterns, floral motifs, animal figures and symbolic representations. These patterns reflect the cultural and historical heritage of that region and each motif carries a different meaning in itself.

❖Kilims by Color: Kilims are usually woven in vibrant and rich colors. They have a wide range of colors such as reds, blues, greens, yellows and natural tones.

❖Kilims by Size: Kilims can be produced in different sizes. Small kilims are usually used as wall decorations or cushion covers, while large kilims are usually used as floor coverings.

❖Kilims according to their intended use: Kilims can also differ according to their intended use. For example, some kilims may be special wedding kilim used in traditional weddings, while others are designed for everyday use.

❖Kilims by Material: Kilims are usually made from natural fibers such as wool, cotton and silk. The use of these fibers affects the texture, quality and durability of the kilim. Although kilims are usually made from natural fibers such as wool, cotton and silk, some kilims can also be made from animal hair. Especially the wool or hair of animals such as sheep, goats or camels are among the natural materials used in kilim making. This animal hair gives the kilim durability and a natural texture. Kilim made from animal hair can often be tougher and more durable. They are also generally warmer and ideal for long-term use. The use of animal hair also affects the texture and aesthetics of the kilim. Especially kilims using natural wool offer a warm and rustic look.

Each type of kilim has unique characteristics that reflect the cultural and historical heritage of the region where it is produced. Therefore, kilims are not only a type of carpet, but also an expression of culture and art.

What do the patterns and motifs of kilims mean?

The patterns and motifs used in kilims often have cultural and symbolic meanings. These patterns are influenced by the history, beliefs and lifestyle of the region where they are woven. Here are some possible meanings associated with some common kilim patterns and motifs:

❖Scorpion Motif

One of the first answers to the question of what are the main symbols used in Turkish carpets and kilims is the scorpion motif.The most important reason why the Turks who prefer to use the scorpion motif in the carpets and kilims they weave is that the scorpion symbolizes death.Turkish communities, who led a nomadic life, therefore had a lifestyle open to threats from outside. They believed that the scorpion figures they wove on carpets and kilims would protect them from evil and death.In addition, the fact that the poisonous scorpions in the places where they migrated reduced their quality of life was another reason for them to include scorpion figures on the kilims.The scorpion motifs, which are usually placed on the outer edges of the carpets, have a meaning for the Turks, who believe that they protect themselves against external evil.

❖Child Motif

In fact, it can be said that the child motif, which can also be explained as a human motif, is a very common example among traditional Turkish carpet motifs. The child, which represents purity and innocence in Turkish mythology, has been a symbol embroidered on carpets and kilims in order to announce the fertility call of people to the White Mother, the goddess of the waters and seas.

❖Fertility Motif

The fertility motif embroidered on Turkish carpets and kilims is worked in 3 different groups.

-The pattern in the center of the motifs surrounded by fruits such as mulberry, watermelon, melon, pomegranate, fig or animals such as rams, bulls, deer and fish represented family and eternal happiness.

- Another fertility motif is a combination of tree, flower and leaf motifs. This motif, as a symbol of abundance and good luck, made a journey between generations.

- In the third group of fertility motifs, there is a narrative involving inanimate rocks, water and mountains. The story formed by the combination of these motifs represents the universe, nature and of course human beings. In a cycle of birth and death, the representation of the fertility brought by rebirth is explained by the symbols in this motif.

❖Hand / Finger / Comb Motif

These figures, woven in sevens, fives or threes, are actually motifs formed by rods emerging from a piece.

In traditional Turkish carpets and kilims, the hand, finger and comb motifs, which are usually used three together, carry different meanings even though they are considered as a whole.

- Hand: It has been a motif representing human strength, efficiency and productivity.

- Finger: The finger motif is believed to protect from the evil eye and the evil eye.

- Comb: The comb symbol is a motif that represents birth.

❖Eli Belinde Motif

One of the most common examples of Turkish handicraft motifs is the eli belinde motif. The eli belinde motif can be explained as a figure representing femininity.The eli belinde motif, which is likened to a human figure, is also expressed as "bride girl" or "girl with children" in Anatolia.The eli belinde motif, which is thought to have been used since the period when mother goddesses were worshipped and has survived to the present day as a cultural heritage product, symbolizes fertility and maternity.The eli belinde kilim motif, which is likened to a person holding his hands on his waist, also contains the meanings of fertility, joy and happiness.

❖Human Motif

One of the most commonly used motifs in traditional Turkish kilims is the human motif.

The human symbols embroidered on the kilims to express the longing for family also signify the longing for lovers, spouses and children.

❖Eye Motif

The eye motif, which has a special place among traditional Turkish motifs, also carries a deep meaning. The eye sign, which is embroidered on kilims and carpets in order to protect the place and its inhabitants from evil-eyed and evil-looking people; It is usually applied with blue colors. When traditional Anatolian weavings are examined, it is noticed that the eye kilim motif is usually used together with the motifs of blessing and abundance.

In addition, it should be noted that the eye motif has started to take place in various products in modern decoration.

Today, it is very popular to use eye motifs on home accessories hung on the wall, throw pillows and pillows.

❖Tree of Life Motif

The meaning of the tree of life motif, as the name suggests, is a symbol that symbolizes the continuation of life. Especially in Anatolian Seljuk art, the tree of life motif is full of frequently encountered examples. The tree of life, which represents the connection between the earth and heaven, is mostly depicted in the form of trees such as vine, cypress, pomegranate, date palm, olive and palm tree.

The roots of the tree of life, which is one of the most curious shapes among the kilim motifs and their meanings, are located under the soil, the branches and trunk in the lower part carry the meaning of eternity, and the branches in the upper parts carry the meaning of reaching to the sky and the branches in the upper parts carry the meaning of reaching to heaven.

❖Ram's Horn Motif

The ram's horn, an expression of heroism and strength in Turkish culture, is used not only on woven products such as carpets and kilims, but also on some tombstones.

As the name suggests, this motif, which is reminiscent of a ram's horn, is usually embroidered in the center of kilim weavings.

❖Amulet and Evil Eye Motifs

One of the most common motifs in traditional Anatolian carpets and kilims is the evil eye and amulet symbols.

In cultures where the belief in the evil eye is strong, the evil eye and amulet motif, which is embroidered with the idea that it will protect both the people living in that household and the weaver against attacks from outside, is frequently used in various objects in home decoration today.

How are kilims used in modern decoration?

Kilims are one of the most preferred and popular items in modern decoration. Kilims can be used in modern decoration in the following ways:

❖Color and Pattern Addition: Kilims are preferred to add color and pattern to the neutral color palettes and minimalism often used in modern decoration. Vibrant and colorful kilims can instantly change the atmosphere of a plain room and add dynamism.

❖Room Partitioning: Kilims can be used to partition rooms in open-plan spaces. For example, kilims can be used to emphasize the difference between the living room and dining room or to create a workspace.

❖Wall Hanging: Kilims can also be used as a decorative element by hanging them on the wall. This adds warmth and character to the walls, giving the space a unique feel.

❖Use on Furniture: Kilims can be used to add extra color and touch to sofas, chairs or coffee tables. This creates a decorating style where the colors and patterns of the furniture and kilims are in harmony.

❖Floor Covering: Of course as the most common use, kilims can be used as floor coverings. This can complement the atmosphere of the room with a choice of colors and patterns that match the overall decor of the room.

Kilims have an important place in modern decoration with their flexible and versatile use. With the right choice of color, pattern and size, kilims can add warmth, color and character to a modern room.

What are the health effects of kilims?

Kilims can have positive effects on health:

❖Allergen Control: Kilims can trap dust and other allergens, which can improve air quality and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

❖Warmth and Insulation: Kilims can maintain the warmth of the floor and help protect feet from the cold. This can be especially beneficial for those living in cold climates.

❖Acoustic Insulation: Kilims can improve the acoustics of the room by providing sound insulation. This can be useful in rooms that require soundproofing.

❖Comfort and Convenience: Kilims can provide extra comfort and coziness when walking or sitting by providing a soft floor.

❖Stress Reduction: Colorful and patterned kilims can help reduce stress by improving the atmosphere of the room. Colorful and patterned kilims can help reduce stress by improving the atmosphere of the room.

❖Decorative and Spiritual Effects: Kilims can have a spiritually relaxing effect by being used to decorate the room. It is thought that colors and patterns can affect mood.

What are the natural dyes used in kilims?

Natural dyes used in kilims are usually derived from plants, insects or minerals. Using natural dyes makes kilims more natural and environmentally friendly. Here are some commonly used natural dyes and from which sources they are derived:

Animal hair is usually the wool yarn used in kilims. Wool is used to reinforce the texture of kilims and increase their durability. Some kilims may also use animal hair such as goat hair or horse hair. These hairs are often used to make the texture of the kilim softer. Wool and other animal hair is considered an important component that determines the structure and texture of kilims.