How much did you pay for the carpets you bought in Turkey?
 

I would like to get an idea of the carpet prices in Turkey. If you purchased any, please tell me the size, price and when you bought it. Thanks.

Annie, I'm going to Turkey in October and haven't found any good books/Internet sites to research Turkish rugmaking. Have you located a good source? I don't know if I'll even buy one, but I want to forearm myself in case one (many?) catches my eye.

Dear Annie,<BR>There's no one answer to this question; the price depends upon quality, your own knowledge of what the rug might cost (and therefore, give you an idea of what you might be willing to pay), your ability to bargain, and so on.<BR>Don't expect to get the bargain of the century; many of the reputable carpet dealers are very aware of pricing, and will only go so far. And certainly, there's a great range of quality of carpets, and the more you know, the better off you are.<BR>We aren't knowledgable about carpets, did some minimal research and just went with our gut with something that we liked. We bought a good-quality kilim in Konya (the area is known for kilims) and bought it for $375.00. We all felt like we did well by the sale. If you wanted to find a carpet for $50.00, you could; but you could easily pay a few thousand dollars, too. But learning what makes a quality rug will help you in looking at them, because there are countless rug dealers everywhere you go.

We were pestered so much all the time "I have carpet shop" etc. by EVERYBODY on the street that we didn't bother.

I know that the main point of buying something on a trip is strictly for the memories, so it is fine if you want to buy one. But don't think that you can really get a spectacular deal on a rug in Turkey unless you are a true expert and even then it's very tricky as you are buying them from a dealer, not a manufacturer (those little looms set up are pretty much for demo purposes only). Have you ever met anyone who bought a rug in Turkey and then tried to sell it to a rug dealer at home for what they paid for it? <BR>I once had clients who bought one at what they thought was a fantastic price (and they were pretty knowledgeable about rugs). When they brought it home for their new place it just wasn't working and really didn't fit proportionately in the room. They tried to sell or trade it to a large rug dealer who brought one out virtually identical and the same quality. The price on his rug (retail in Naples, Florida no less) was actually less than these people paid -- even before having it shipped back to the states.<BR><BR>I mentioned once before that I had a long conversation one day in Kusadasi with a rug dealer who finally admitted that they sell rugs for twice the usual price to cruise ship people. They just start out twice as high and then act like the buyer is robbing them when they lower the price.<BR><BR>By the way, Annie, price has absolutely nothing to do with size of the rug, except of course that the exact same rug will cost more the larger it is. No one will be able to help you by internet learn enough about rugs to be a smart buyer. Just go with the attitude that if you want one, you see one you really love, and you can afford it, then buy it. But not before getting it for half the original asking price.<BR>

Patrick, thank you, as always, for the honest feedback. I had a feeling that your advice was probably the case. While I'm pretty darn good at haggling down prices, I certainly am not an expert in quality nor a great judge of what a true "bargain" would be. Thanks for the response!

We bought 5 carpets in Turkey, and I don't really feel like we got a bargain. In retrospect, I think the "deals" do start off HIGH, and the dealers make you feel as if you REALLY are walking out the door with "such a buy." I also feel that you should be an expert in what to look for, b/c the salesmen can tell you anything and you'd probably believe it. We went to a store that the 4 Seasons Hotel recommended, so hopefully we bought some nice carpets BUT who knows??? I wouldn't do it again. Also, it is so!!! time consuming. They have you sit down, and then they bring out a zillion carpets for your perusal. A couple of years ago I brought 2 carpets home from a store about 40mins. away from my home to try out. The one I thought would be just perfect in the kitchen wasn't, and the one I felt would probably not work out was the one that did. You can't do that if you've purchased carpet(s) in Turkey.

Does anyone have a recommendation of things that are bargains to keep an eye out for? My friends and family always like receiving items that I bring them from my trips and I'm not sure what specialities from Istanbul are good deals and/or are really interesting. I was contemplating some spices from the market, but wasn't sure whether it's a good idea to bring baggies filled with herbs and spices through customs these days. Anyway, gift suggestions are very welcome. Thanks!

You can pay $5 for a Turkish rug or $50,000. It depends on many things, mainly quality. You will also pay more for silk over wool. The thinner the carpet usually, the better the quality. The best way to determine the quality of the rug is to turn it over and count the number of knots per square inch. The top-quality rugs will have about 400 knots per square inch. Pull on the carpet, if it moves back and forth, it is of poor quality. The more knots per square inch it has, the more "stationary" the carpet will be when you pull it back and forth. It is also best to go to a merchant were you can actually see them hand making the carpets; this way you will know they are not made by machine. You should also see them shearing the carpets and washing them at these sites. A quality carpet, on that will become an heirloom and increase in value, will cost about $1000 US. This would be for a carpet 3x5 in size. 6x8 should be about $2500. Remember!!!! You get what you pay for. If you buy a poor-quality carpet, it will not increase in value. But, do your homework and do not pay alot for a piece of crap. Your best bet is to go to a merchant with a very good reputation. If you want to know more about how to tell a good carpet from a bad one, email me directly.

Heather,<BR><BR>When I travelled to Turkey a few years ago (while I was in the military), one of the things I purchased which I wish I had purchased more of was Christmas ornaments! I found painted copper ornaments (some of mine are just balls and others are bell shaped). Every year when we put up the tree, I always smile because they remind me of Turkey and I always get comments on them. I wish I had bought more for other members of my family. I also purchased some miniature brass lanterns for the tree.

Hello,<BR><BR>I bought a carpet in Turkey....I didn't expect to but like my Lonely Planet guide says, "even if you don't intend to, you likely WILL buy a carpet in Turkey." <BR><BR>My 3x5 carpet cost $125 (talked down from $300). That's very cheap, so obviously I don't expect it to increase in value. I know nothing about carpets but I like and seeing it hanging in my bedroom reminds me of a wonderful trip and a beautiful country.<BR><BR>I bought my carpet in a small town between Ankara and Cappadoccia. So I was far away from cruise ship crowds. The man in the shop spent over an hour with me, showing me carpets, talking about the patterns and their histories while we had tea. Sure he wanted me to buy but if you just relax and enjoy yourself you'll have a good time. Looking back, I think the whole experience was worth the money alone. <BR><BR>Enjoy your trip. <BR><BR>PW

Heather,<BR><BR>You can get terrific deals on watches. Genuine fake Rolex, Gucci, etc. $10, $12.... they are extremely cheap and surprisingly they don't fall apart when you get home!<BR><BR>Sue

Okay, when we were in Turkey, and passed rug places, if you look in the windows after hours, you can see them tinging and ruffing up the new carpets to give them a look of old. Also, can't be sure there in any silk in them. Better to buy them here from a reputable dealer, I think, and then you know what you get. A little late to complain after you get home.

My mother was one of those tourists who did not plan to buy a rug in Turkey, but did. Of course, she made a million mistakes. She had it sent home and when it got here, it was a different rug than she had purchased (color, size). It also had a hole in it. She actually called the shop in Turkey and yelled at them and, of course, they laughed at her. Called around and found we could not return it since you can not "unimport" a rug since that is called export. Took it to a reputable rug shop to get hole repaired - they said it was a real rug, but taught us a lot about rugs and appraised it at about 30% of what she paid. She put it in dispute on her credit card, and eventually got full credit for the rug - and I still have the rug! Certainly a rip off, but we both have memories when we see it in my entryway.

PW, I liked your answer as providing the best rule of thumb on buying anything while traveling: never pay more than you think the experience is worth. A friend of mine bought something in Egypt (not a carpet) - the article itself turned out to be practically worthless, but she dined out for years on her story.

I hadn't planned on buying a carpet in Istanbul but fell in love with a small prayer rug, from Herenz (sp?), all silk and the back is as beautiful as the front, I think I paid about $300 and have in hanging in the hall at home. Took it to a local merchant and he thought I got a bargain, nice of him to say that but the point is, it's like art work, if you see something you really like, and the price is reasonable for you, then go for it!

Thank you to all for your thoughtful responses. I will definitely keep all of the advice and ideas in mind on my trip. Now, if I could just stand the wait between now and then ... was it Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty who sang that "the wait is the hardest part"?<BR><BR>Thanks, again!

As far as gifts for friends back home? We brought back "evil eye" things such as necklaces,wall hangings,etc. They also have some daring change purses that are minature "carpet" rugs.My son brought back a water pipe for a favorite teacher who made it into a lamp.Another favorite teacher(US HISTORY) got a set of stacking dolls of USA presidents from the Black Sea area.I had bought quite a few Pushima shawls(aound $12.00 there)All of these treasures we bought in the Grand Bazaar.<BR>Do go to one carpet demo for some great apple tea and the chance to learn about carpets-its a kick!!!We did bring back spices from the Spice Bazaar as they specially suck the air out of the packaging(somewhat like freeze drying)and are properly labeled. Have a great time-Debbie

We were taken to a rug showroom by our cruise ship after a tour of Kusadasi. They served tea and started rolling out all the carpets. A large silk one was $20,000.00. LOL. I told my husband if he did not keep saying how beautiful they all were they were never going to let us out of there! They could not believe that I was not interested in buying a rug. I had read a lot on these boards before going and knew that unless I was an expert I was not going to get any "deal" and would probably not even get the carpet I thought I was getting. The hassle is not worth it -- if you even admire something they think it is as good as sold. As someone else said, buy here from a reputable dealer.

I bought a rug (wool/cotton) in the Grand Bazaar, 3x5, paid about $450 and love it! I had a friend from Istanbul go with me and she said I got an excellent rug and price.<BR><BR>I receive a Christmas card every year from the merchant and he even calls me when he comes to the USA to see how my rug is doing and to see if I need anything.<BR><BR>Can't beat that!

you may want to think about how large a rug you want. I took an empty suitcase and wa able to fit in a 4 x 6 rug. It was fun looking---i was in a beach town and went to the rug merchant every day for about 5 days. I finally decided to buy a konya carpet for $300 (this was ten years ago--I don't know how prices have changed with the devaluation of the lira

We bought a carpet in Turkey last summer, we bought ours in Avanos near Cappadocia. It is about 6 X 9, wool on cotton. We paid $2000 and it was shipped here via UPS without a problem. I looked at carpets in Chicago and Highland Park before we went so I could get and idea of price and quality. The one shop I went to said to expect to pay $75 per sqaure foot for one of the better wool carpets. If anyone is interested here is a link to our journal with a picture of our carpet. <BR>http://kerstentraveler.tripod.com/day6.htm<BR><BR>

Just to clarify, the $75 per square foot was at a shop in the US. Our Turkish carpet cost less than $40 per square foot.

Interesting discussion! Just to complicate matters a little more, does anyone know how Tunisian carpets compare to Turkish ones (or Moroccan...)? I mean in terms of quality, are Turkish carpets known to be quite better? I ask because I have looked at carpets in Turkey, Morocco and Tunisia, and finally bit the bullet and bought one last Dec in Tunisia. I paid about $375 USD for a wool, knotted carpet that is 2.58 x 1.63 meters, (8.46 x 5.35 feet) having 40,000 knots per m2. Also included shipping to France. This is quite a bit less per square foot than some of the posters have mentioned for Turkish carpets so I was wondering if anyone has any idea how they compare. I have a photo of it at http://www.advweb.com/kelly/tunisia/day4/index.shtml<BR><BR>Any feedback would be great, I might want to buy another one on my next trip!<BR><BR>

How about buying turkish carpets in Germany, have seen a lot of them there.

Thanks for all of the great information and suggestions. I know it will be a difficult task to buy something that I am not very knowledgeable about and try to get a good price at the same time. I guess after reading all of the posts, my main concern now is receiving the same rugs that I select after shipping. I wanted to buy two large rugs, so shipping is the only logical way to go. Thanks again for the comments.

My husband and I bought a carpet two years ago when we went. He's Turkish and from Istanbul. We went to a smaller local area in Istanbul and brought it in a small shop, we bought a machine made one for $135. canadian I liked it and because we have kids and we going to use it on the floor we didn't care that it was machine made. I have a friend that says if it is hand made it will not be semetric. There will be a "mistake" - one side will have a small difference. Also it is better to buy in a small town away from the tourist crowd if you want a good deal.

If you are going to ship your carpet(s), take a photo of it so you can prove what you purchased if anything goes amiss. Get everything in writing also--and in English, not Turkish. If you spend alot of money, have the carpet insured. You would also be surprised how you can fold a thin silk carpet into a small square that you can carry home. I did this with a carpet I purchased in Jaipur, India.

You asked about what else you might buy as gifts?<BR><BR>I bought a few small and inexpensive items of jewellery, mostly amber set in silver, which were very popular gifts.<BR><BR>I also bought a few mass produced but pretty round tiles from the bazaar, these were really cheap, about &pound;1 for 3 with a thin layer of sponge glued to the base, and I gave some as gifts and kept one myself as a table mat. I wish I had bought more. It's a white tile with beautiful blue and turquoise traditional patterns. About 6 inch diameter.<BR><BR>Kavey

Buying a carpet or rug needs to be careful in Turkey. Especially,if you are in tour, I am sure that you will go to a shop Where is paid a commission to tour operator and guide. So It will be very expensive(hidden costs). Even If you go to a shop alone, Seller will try to sell in a expensive price. If they are good sellers, You wouldn't know the quality of carpet,so You will try to reduce price. Then Seller will be a little bit angry.<BR>It is very important you have information about prices and carpets. There are several carpet&rug centers in Turkey. The most famous for carpets are Cappadocia and Isparta region. You can visit several rug-makers or carpet makers especially in Cappadocia. <BR>You can ask How I know these things. Because I am working in a tour operator. But We don't work with carpet stores Which gives us %30 commissions from sales like the other work with. I usually work with a carpet store in Avanos,Cappadocia that I trust in their quality and honesty.<BR>I had an American group in last summer. There was a guy from Berkeley,California. He bought a carpet sale price around 4000 USD after bargain HE paid 3000 USD including the shipping cost. That carpet was nearly 100 years old and hand-made. It has to be in a collection. And Even He try to find like that carpet in big carpet stores,He could buy it for 10000 USD. And,Carpet store paid me %10 commission. Even Though, They don't pay anyone from sales.After all,They earn money too. They are buying carpets from Uzbekistan,Turkmenistan,Afghanistan,different cities from Turkey. They bring an expert Who describes you the information about carpets. There are several carpet stores like these guys in Turkey. I gave you an exapmle from one of them.<BR>If you visit many carpet store,IF you learn prices and quality,You will have information about the prices. Don't buy a fabric-made carpet. And try to find a carpet which was made from a special paint. This is the strongest colour. Ask about the pain,hand-made or fabric-made and the age of Carpet or rug. And Where was made this carpet or rug in?<BR>I have tried to help you. Because I don't want that you have a bad idea about Turkish people coming out from sellers. They try to have money quicker. <BR>I am always here to help you in any topic or recommendation.<BR><BR>Have a nice trip for Heather and Annie.<BR>Ally

I boutht a carpet from a government run store not too far from Cappadocia; I did this because I could be sure of the quality and materials. It was a very small prayer rug of silk on silk and 400 knots per sq inch. It is a Hereke and signed. We paid $1500. When we returned I went to a carpet store here and was told it was a fair price and would gain in value. I loved the colors and design, so am happy.<BR> Some other things to buy are silver bracelets; painted tiles and painted ceramic eggs and plates. It is also fun to buy the harem outfits and little turned up toe slippers. At the spice bazaar you can get good buys on saffron and pine nuts. The Iranian saffron is of better quality and more expensive than Turkish. In Pamukale there are some interesting carvings made from meershum which is found only in this area. I bought a carved egg. Smoking pipes are made from this. Figs are wonderful there as are apricots. They harvest and dry these in the fall. In summer the cherries and peaches are outstanding!<BR> Have a wonderful time; we have been 3 times and are ready to go back!

I just returned from Istanbul last week and got some good information and the names of two carpet dealers. If wanted, please drop me a note. The key is to bargain, bargain, bargain whatever you decide to buy. It is a great place and I am ready to go back.

Hi Annie -<BR><BR>You have gotten some good advice here...<BR><BR>Let me add that we purchased 5 rugs while in Turkey... let me also add that if you don't REALLY like to bargain/negotiate you won't enjoy the experience... but if you do enjoy it, then you will!<BR><BR>One tip... MAKE them let you sign the label on the back of any carpet you have shipped home! Also, make a "big production" out of photographing the rug (preferably digitally) ... those two things will make it very hard to switch the rug on you (fairly common "trick") and you will have a record of it's condition if it were to arrive damaged, or not arrive at all!<BR><BR>We enjoyed the experience and everytime I walk through a room with one of the carpets in it memories of Turkey are right there!<BR><BR>We also should have bought all the silk scarves and leather jackets we could "say grace over"! Best prices on those of anywhere we have ever been... especially now that the TL is "in the toilet"!<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Barry

We purchased a rug July of 2000, Holland America Mediterrean Cruise. Did we get a deal? Nope. Did we get quality? I'm pretty confident we did not.Took forever to get to be delivered, think it was nearly 3 months.<BR><BR>It's fun to know that we actually purchased it in Turkey. Fun to tell the story of the hussle to our friends who ask about it.<BR><BR>Would we do it again? No way. <BR>We've placed it in the live and learn category a/k/a duh!

topping

Dear ANNIE<BR><BR>first,I hope you like Turkiye(Turkey). I am Turkish man who l have been in NY for 5 years and taking people who interested in going to Turkeyfor 16 days or more. I am also Archeologist. My recommendation is DO NOT BUY ANY CARPET if your are going to Turkey with tour group because the price really higher then normal price. I don't know where are you going and how you going but if you go by your self or the one you can trust you can buy othervise DO BARGAIN AT LEAST 50 OR 60%. If you send me your scheledue and I can send you some places you can buy cheap. I've been in Travel Businnes almost for 25 years. This year there are many tourist going to Turkiye from Europe so the price of carpets depent on place you go<BR>if you can go out side of touristic area you can get the best price that you have ever seen in your life<BR>by the way HAVE A NICE TRIP TO TURKIYE<BR>I can not check this page so reply to my e-mail IF YOU WANT. Free of charge.<BR><BR>M.Sinan Akdeniz

Dear ANNIE,<BR>Here is the web page you can find many carpet sellers and you may get some informations<BR>http://www.about-turkey.com/search/Carpets/<BR><BR>I hope you can find your TURKISH CARPET<BR><BR>M.Sinan Akdeniz

The prices vary considerably, depending on quality, size, etc. We purchased a beautiful silk and wool Hereke carpet (8 x 10 feet), incredibly beautiful colours and densely woven, for about US$2,000. The Turkish lire has been devalued since, so I'm not sure what the price would be post-devaluation. We spent about 5 days in Istanbul and did a lot of looking around. There's a fabulous street leading off from the Grand Bazaar, which is lined with carpet shops. The salesmen earn significant commissions. Each salesmen would ask, "Which ship are you from?". People off cruise ships typically have an hour to shop and the salesman will take advantage of this. Nothing like being a "captive audience". When we replied that we were in town for five days and were looking around, the salesmen were visibly nervous, since they knew we were less likely to be taken advantage of. We are satisfied with our carpet purchase, and rather enjoyed the process. We were shown incredibly beautiful carpets! I'd do it again. A caveat - If you're off a cruise ship, don't say so (and don't parade around with obvious signs such as tote bags with the ships logo on it). Say you're from one of the hotels. I understand that it's next to impossible to purchase Hereke carpets outside Turkey, so that's what I would recommend!

We bought a Hereke carpet in Turkey and I love it. No idea if it was a good buy, but it's beautiful. It's quite small and I originally put it on the floor. One of my cats, who rarely sleeps on anything upholstered or on carpet, immediately ran over to 'claim' the carpet when we laid it on the floor - it is afterall silk! - so now I've got it hanging on the wall.

Dear Annie & Heather and Dear all,<BR>Very interesting subject " carpets " I am an accidental carpet dealer for a while while I am awaiting my company to finish the boutique cave hotel project in Cappadocia. The company I work exists since 1960 and they are also producers... To answer some of the questions I feel obliged to write here... Machine made carpets may look perfect but handmade carpets does too. It depens on the loom, weaver, material, density etc. For example there is no carpet ( almost ) to beat a Herek fine silk carpet in perfection and quality. There are so may type of Turkish Carpets & rugs and kilims. What does a Turkish Carpet so special ? Tribal designs, natural dyes when applicable, double knot technique found by Turkish and known as Gordes knot, durability and ofcourse art of weaving including the emotions put in by the weaver. Negotiation part is a different issue ofcourse. Unfortunately there might be salespersons who are not honost shame on them but there are experts who are in the business since years and they put passion and love into their business and take pride on what they do ( like my boss in this case, I am proud with my company ) having said that beeing a professional hotelier I never involved in carpet business due to stories but now I know there are people in business you trust and learn a lot. Prices may vary depending on the carpet and the quality.<BR>Before coming Turkey best to masure spaces you may wish to cover with an original Turkish Double Knotted rug and even check out prices at a local dealer. Why not. When we sell a carpet we supply with a certificate and if its home delivery we use Fedex or Ups so customers tell us when they want the carpet to arrive home, its insured ofcourse and after sales we ask customer to sign both the label at the back and also on the rug itself with a permanent marker. If customer wishes we also take a digital photo and e-mail. I dont understand why people should not send the item purchased ? I am also busy with travel consulting for Turkey for those who wish to have tailor made itineraries fully or partially. Anyone seek help welcome to drop me e-mail.<BR><BR>We are also starting a new project of Rug weaving class in Cappadocia supported by the ministery of educations spesific departmets. Also Turkish Home Made cooking classes while experiencing the local culture. <BR><BR>I would like to great everyone from Cappadocia "the land of beatiful horses"<BR><BR>The only thing I miss here is the sea since I was living on mediterranean but the land is really beautiful and full of history....