The traditional Bergama rug is a type of handwoven rug with a deep-rooted history, crafted in and around the town of Bergama in Turkey’s western Anatolia region. Bergama rugs gained popularity, particularly during the Ottoman era, and they continue to be woven in villages that still uphold this longstanding tradition. Typically made from wool yarn, Bergama rugs utilize the “Turkish knot” (Gördes knot) technique, which enhances the rug’s durability and longevity.
The colors used in traditional Bergama rugs are natural, derived from plants, roots, and other organic sources. Vivid shades like red, blue, green, and yellow are the most commonly used and help define the rug’s characteristic appearance. Each rug’s unique coloring is achieved through handcrafted processes during the weaving. Motifs on Bergama rugs are generally geometric, with common elements such as animal figures, botanical motifs, and stylized symbols. These patterns allow weavers to tell their own stories through culturally and symbolically rich designs. Shapes like triangles, octagons, and diamonds are frequently seen in Bergama rugs.
Traditional Bergama rugs are typically small. While room-sized rugs are produced, smaller pillow rugs and prayer rugs are characteristic items among Bergama’s offerings. These rugs are considered a reflection of Central Asian rug culture brought to Anatolia. They once adorned the floors of palaces and the homes of the elite during the Ottoman period and eventually attracted significant interest in the West.
Bergama rugs are highly valued both for artistic and practical purposes. These handcrafted rugs remain of great interest to collectors and traditional crafts enthusiasts. However, as mass-produced rugs have become more common, demand for handmade rugs has declined, which has led to preservation efforts for this traditional art form. The Bergama rug stands as a symbol of Anatolia’s cultural heritage, crafted with meticulous care. With its historical and artistic value, the Bergama rug is a significant representation of Turkish rug-making artistry.
Carpet/Rug & Kilim Condition Terms:
Extraordinary: It is the term used for rugs and carpets that have the characteristic of having a very difficult or special production technique, aging correctly, or having a high level of artistic value, as well as having no defects in the product. The value of new or second hand rugs and carpets, which are in outstanding condition, continues to increase over the years.
Antiques: Although the product is over 80 years old, it has a design, paint technique and origin features that can preserve its artistic value. Antique products can tear, wear, and cause pain. Most antique products have a more valuable aura as they age due to the natural paint and construction technique. For this reason, antique expert values are formed according to the current state of the antique products, the way they are worn, their production techniques and the region.
Excellent: Rugs and rugs in excellent condition are flawless, clean, with the potential to increase in value, bearing the characteristics of the region, and produced correctly. They can be antiques when used properly.
Good: These are carpets and rugs that have average defects in carpets and rugs and are likely to increase in value.
Medium: These are carpets and rugs suitable for daily use, which may have minor damage, do not have a high degree of motif difficulty, and are average in terms of yarn and paint material used.
Mediocre: Rugs and rugs with low pattern difficulty, relatively easy to manufacture, lost quality in various aspects (torn stains, paint mixing, etc.).
Hand-made carpets and rugs do not have bad or very bad classes. All the carpets and rugs produced are a great hand labor. However, there are carpets and rugs that cannot create their value within the bounds of possibility. All carpets and rugs produced are very special works of art that require great labor and production time. For this reason, there is no carpet or rug with low hand made value. There are only carpets and rugs whose experimental value is relatively lower than their square meter. Our recommendation is to use handmade carpets and rugs in your home, office, and in all areas of your life. One square meter rug or carpet is made in 1-2 months on average. Natural rugs and carpets organize the energy of your life, add value to life, improve your artistic approach, and are beneficial to nature. It is completely a part of nature, sustainable and harmless.