Inside the History and Beauty of Turkish Oushak Rugs

The History of Turkish Oushak Rugs

Turkish Oushak rugs are some of the most popular textiles around the globe-they are adored due to their soft color schemes, motifs and hand-knifed styles. These rugs have centuries-old story when they are placed in historic palaces, modern pent-houses, or even in the houses of Texas. Oushak rugs have become the ideal combination of tradition and sophistication to the homeowners, collectors, and interior designers.
This blog will discuss the origins, cultural importance, and perpetual popularity of Turkish Oushak rugs, and weave some information on how these works of art still impact the current design. It does not matter whether you are surfing vintage Turkish rugs online, attending a rug shop Dallas, or going through an upscale Dallas rug showroom, knowing the history behind Oushak crafts will help you see the value in these classical pieces of art.

A History to be Woven: The History of Oushak Rugs

The city of Usak (oueshak) in western Turkey had been known as one of the greatest rug-weaving production centers worldwide. Its production started as far back as the 15th century when the Ottoman Empire was at its peak. During this period, Turkish weaving masters were also known to be very meticulous in their style and use of symbolism in their artworks, however, Oushak broke through rapidly due to its perfect mix of artistry and the use of quality materials.
The town was known to produce some of the earliest hand-knotted Turkish Rugs that were known all over the world. These are masterpieces that were found in the European palaces, religious buildings and aristocratic residences. Even Holbein and Lotto, the creators of the Renaissance, included Oushak Rugs in their artwork, and established the role of the rugs as a symbol of luxury.
The area of Oushak, unlike other weaving areas, was also concerned with decorative and advanced styles, unlike the other areas, which were concerned with tribal or geometrical patterns. Their rugs were characterized by large-scaled patterns, flowing floral designs and warm color combinations - becoming recognizable at a glance.

The Reason Oushak Rugs Are World Wide Adored

The Oushak Rugs have been in demand since centuries due to their workmanship as well as the fact that they match almost all the designs. Here's why:

Unique Dyeing Traditions

The craftsmen used traditional dyes that were made out of vegetables, roots as well as minerals. These dyes produced the plush, subdued colors which Oushak Rugs are identified with- gold, terracotta, ivory, sage, apricot and worn-out blues.
This is what makes the old Turkish rugs look antique and classy.

Unique Patterns and Patterns

Oushak designs are at once recognizable with their layouts in medallion patterns, star patterns and botanical designs. Their massive designs suit big rooms such as the living room, dining and the master bedrooms.

Soft, Luxurious Wool

Oushak weavers typically work with fine wool, and occasionally with cotton, to come up with a pile that is rather soft with the slight glitter touch. The fabric is soft to the feet and makes the rug lightweight and easy to transport.

Modern Interior Design: Versatility

Oushak rugs are also very warm and sophisticated with their modern farmhouse and boho chic as well as luxurious contemporary interiors. Their old colors are in harmony with neutral furniture, with natural woods or with bright splashes of color.

The Turkish hand knotted craftsmanship art

When you hear the word Turkish hand-knotted rugs, it means that it is a technique called Ghiordes knot (Turkish double knot). The method gives the rug tougher, firmer, and more durable.
That is what makes the craftsmanship different here:

Hand-Spun Wool
Weavers frequently spin wool using their hand, and they provide it with slight texture variations impossible to achieve with machine-spun yarn.

Natural Dyes
All the colors of a traditional Oushak are natural, i.e. madder root as the red, walnut shells as the brown, chamomile as the yellow, etc. These colors mature with the course of decades.

Slow, Meticulous Knotting
Months or even one year go by before a single piece of rug is completed depending on the size of the rug. Every knot is done by hand and there is no such thing as a replica of a rug.

Generational Skills
Most Oushak masters are taught how to weave by their parents and grandparents. It is a cultural legacy and this makes it authentic and soulful in its designs.

Vintage Turkish Rugs: Beauty of Aging and Patina

Many people are interested in antique Turkish Rugs since older Rugs bear the trait of age that time alone can produce. The colors become soft, the motifs are beautifully faded, the wool obtains the silky touch, over the decades. There is no contemporary uncomfortable method of faking the timeworn patina.
The Oushak vintage rugs are usually house rugs as opposed to factory-produced rugs, therefore, it is highly likely that they were taken good care of and are well-storied by people of previous generations. They are considered to be the ideal statement piece by many people; they are a bridge between the past and the present of living.
Most expensive houses in Texas, particularly those which are Southwestern or Mediterranean in design, will feature the use of old Oushak Rugs to provide a sense of antique style.

The History of the Oushak Rugs in the U.S.

Oushak rugs have been the attraction of interior designers, antique collectors and homeowners in the U.S. over decades. However, over the past few years, the demand has increased by a wide margin- especially in design oriented markets such as Texas.
Specifically, Dallas boasts of a flourishing interior design. Consequently, the influx of additional decorators and homeowners is entering a rug shop Dallas or a dedicated rug showroom Dallas to find original Oushak to complete their projects.
One can fit Oushak rugs in:

• Ranch-style homes
• Mediterranean and Spanish architecture.
• Modern minimalist houses.
• Industrial lofts
• Modern farmhouse interiors

The combination between tradition and sophistication that these rugs offer is particularly valued by the Dallas homeowners.

The Right Turkish Oushak Rug to Buy in Your House

No matter what kind of antique or contemporary recreation you are shopping: there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your Oushak rug.

Choose Your Color Palette

In case you are more of a relaxed person, seek color subdued tones such as beige, sky blue, sage, or faded peach.
In case of a bold character, you can use darker terracottas or darker navy.

Consider the Pattern Scale

Oversized medallions are a match with large living rooms, whereas small rooms should have allover patterns to provide visual movement.

Vintage vs. New

• Vintage Turkish Rugs have all natural aging, patina and classic style.
• New Oushak rugs offer new colors, new designs and are made to order.

Know the Knot Density

Although Oushak rugs are known to be knotted in fewer numbers compared to the Persian rugs, the quality is still outstanding. Pay more attention to design clearness and quality of wool than the number of knots.

Best Place to purchase Turkish Oushak Rugs

To have an Oushak rug, the most appropriate thing to do is to look at it. Go to a rug store Dallas, or a rug showroom Dallas, in case you happen to be in Texas, and you have an opportunity to touch the wool, see the colors, and compare the patterns.
When shopping over the Internet, you should ensure that the seller offers:

• Authenticity details
• Close-up photos
• Information about dye types
• Return policies
• Care instructions

Most high-end rug dealers and showrooms usually sell the Oushak rugs which were hand crafted by the Turkish artisans- so you are buying the original craftsmanship.

How to Take Care of your Turkish Oushak Rug

To ensure that your rug will be gorgeous even after decades:

Regular Vacuuming
Apply a suction-only vacuum to shield the wool pile.

Professional Cleaning
Experts must clean the Oushak rugs after every 12-18 months.

Rotate Periodically
Turning the Rug will help to avoid sunlight unequal fading.

Avoid Moisture
Although wool is strong, it may be damaged by being exposed to moisture over time.
When well taken care of your Turkish rug will last generations.

Conclusion

Turkish Oushak rugs is an art, culture, and timeless beauty story. Since their creation in the Ottoman Empire, up to their current location of luxury homes, these rugs have been adored because of their warm palettes, fluid patterns, and handiwork. Browsing old Turkish rugs, learning about Turkish hand-knotted rugs, or going to a rug store or rug showroom in Dallas, you can get to know the history and meaning behind Oushak weaving and get to admire the art in each knot.
Classic, age old and full of history- an Oushak rug is not a floor cover but a narrative you take home.