Buying rugs in turkey
Jan 10th, 2001, 11:48 AM
#1
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Buying rugs in turkey
does anyone know about the best places to buy quality rugs at good prices in turkey? i'm thinking about taking a trip there, in part to look for a number of small kilims and pile oriental rugs for my house, and i've heard one can get good prices there. are there any tours that emphasize finding and purchasing oriental rugs in turkey? what are the best towns for buying, etc.
Jan 10th, 2001, 12:25 PM
#2
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Keep your eyes covered; they watch your pupils for signs of interest. When a price is named, offer 60% of that figure. Never pay more than 75%. Careful of their hospitality. Drinking their tea commits you to nothing. Rugs come to Istanbul from all over Turkey. Don't buy a silk rug. A small one for a wall, perhaps, no bigger than a bath towel, but be sure it has a cotton backing. Best for wear: wool on cotton. <BR>Ask if they have any dowry rugs. Country girls make them for their wedding and use only the best materials as a matter of family pride. Always check the back, see how many knots per square centimeter. Ask if they have any old rugs, say, 50 years old or older. The dyes are more stable. Be careful that you don't get stuck with something woven in Belgium. Be careful with a chain outfit called Bazaar 54, especially in their Istanbul store. A pervert in the lower level bears watching.
Mar 16th, 2001, 06:14 AM
#4
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It depends on the material. Silk rugs contain the most knots per square inch while cotton and wool produce fewer. The more knots, the better the workmanship. I am not sure that any specific number is the key. Simply turn the rugs over and compare the numbers.
Mar 16th, 2001, 06:36 AM
#5
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There are government-assisted co-ops in a few cities around Turkey such as Bursa and Nevsehir. The quality (and prices) are higher there but man they have some beautiful rugs. They get a tax break and they can arrange reliable shipping to your home... don't think I would buy in places like the tourist zone of Istanbul or a cruise port city like Kusadasi -- too much cheap junk for tourists. Take your time and be sure to bargain, not more than 40% of the original asking price would be my target. You will find that even prayer rugs and kilims are fairly expensive. And view the rug under different lighting conditions because the colors can look totally different depending on the source and quantity of light.
