Turkish Carpets & Kilims
The Turkish carpet is much more than a floor covering — it is a work of art, a status symbol, and a cultural heritage. The tradition dates back to the Central Asian nomadic tribes who knotted the first Anatolian carpets.
- Hereke Carpets: The finest — up to 1 million knots per square meter, made of silk. Once knotted for the Sultan's palace, now collector's items (5,000–100,000 €).
- Kayseri Carpets: From Cappadocia, often with a silk blend. Popular with tourists, good value for money.
- Kilims: Flatweaves (not knotted) with geometric patterns. Lighter, cheaper, popular as wall hangings or throws.
- Bergama Carpets: Aegean tradition with bold colors and large geometric patterns.
Buying a Carpet: There are countless carpet dealers in the Grand Bazaar, Göreme, and Bodrum. Quality features: Knot density (the higher, the more valuable), material (wool, silk, cotton), colors (natural vs. chemical dyes), and origin. Always haggle (start at 40% of the quoted price). A good dealer explains the differences and does not pressure you to buy. Be wary of “auction” invitations and “factory sales” — these are often tourist traps.
💡 Tipp
If you are seriously considering buying a carpet: Visit several dealers, compare quality and prices, and decide only the next day. No reputable dealer will be offended if you leave — they know you'll come back. A hand-knotted carpet (e.g., 120×180 cm, wool) costs from 1,500–4,000 ₺ (~43–115 €) for simple quality, significantly more for fine work.