Handmade rugs are made in countries all over the world. Turkish and Persian rugs are often considered some of the most high quality rugs due to their durability. These rugs are frequently sought after for their gorgeous designs. Learn the differences between Turkish and Persian rugs to decide which one you should buy.
Differences Between Turkish And Persian Rugs
Both of these rugs are beautifully crafted by artisans that put careful time and detail into their work. However, there are quite a few differences in the techniques used, the history of how rugs are made, and the typical design buyers will see when browsing rugs for sale.
Different Knotting Techniques
Although both of these rugs are made by hand, they are made with a different knotting technique. Turkish rugs are made with a double knotting technique that involves wrapping a fiber around every strand. This is often referred to as a double knot method. The knots are called Turkish knots.
Persian rugs, on the other hand, are made with a single knot technique that consists of wrapping a fiber completely around every other stand. The fiber is merely looped around every other fiber. This single knot technique is called the Persian knot.
The different knotting techniques tend to play a large role in durability, cost, and other factors you will come across when you purchase a rug.
Persian Rugs Often Have High Knot Counts
Persian rugs are known for having higher knot counts than Turkish rugs. The single-loop knots that are found in Persian rugs are smaller than the symmetrical knots of Turkish rugs. This means that Persian weavers can pack Persian knots close together for higher knot counts.
A higher knot count is often associated with increased durability. Because of this, most people consider rugs made with a Persian knot to be worth more than those made with Turkish knots.
Design
The most obvious difference between Turkish and Persian rugs is their design. Most of these handmade rugs still use traditional designs.
Many Turkish rugs consist of designs that include straight lines. Geometric designs and tribal patterns are commonly found. The double Turkish knot makes it easier to make solid designs than rounded designs, which is why it is so common to see geometrical designs on Turkish rugs.
Most weavers incorporate motifs into their rugs so that their rug tells a story. Turkish rugs are known for representing stories. These stories are due to the heavy cultural influence that weavers incorporate into their rugs. As they make geometric designs in Turkish rugs, weavers may also incorporate symbols to tell about the rising and falling of Asian empires.
Persian rugs, on the other hand, are known for having elaborate, elegant designs. The types of knots used to weave Persian rugs make it easier to create complex designs. The elegant design style that Persian rugs are known for is still prevalent in rugs that are crafted today.
Persian rugs are more likely to have an intricate design than they are a geometric design. It’s common to see a large medallion design centered in Persian rug designs. This medallion is often surrounded by other designs, such as scrollwork, for an intricate oriental design that is not found in other oriental rugs.
Rugs that are Persian rugs are more likely to picture humans, animals, and detailed floral designs. The Persian knot makes it easier to accurately depict humans and animals or create a rounded design, hence why animals and humans are depicted so accurately in Persian rugs.
While it’s important to understand the traditional difference in design, it’s equally important to note that both Persian and Turkish rugs occasionally go against the grain. It is possible to find an elegant Turkish rug with medallion designs and jewel colors just as you can find a Persian rug with a tribal design. As the demand for handmade rugs surges, some weavers are going against tradition to reach a wider audience of potential buyers.
Location Of Origin
The primary difference between these rugs is where they are made. Turkish rugs are carefully crafted in Turkey. Persia officially changed its name to Iran in 1935, so Persian rugs come from Iran.
Materials Used
Many weavers stick with traditional materials to create their rugs. In ancient times, Turkish rugs were comprised mainly of materials that artisans had nearby their tents, which consisted of natural materials from animals, such as sheep’s wool. Today, many Turkish rugs are still made of wool.
Persian rugs were much more elaborate and delicate by design. The Persian Empire thrived from its silk rugs in jewel-toned colors. These rugs were also well known for being made of soft wool. Today, Persian rugs are primarily made from wool, silk, or a combination of the two materials.
Both Rugs Offer Superior Durability
All hand-made rugs offer increased durability when compared to machine-made rugs. Although Persian rugs do tend to have a higher knot count, this is not to say that Turkish rugs are not durable. A well-made, handmade Turkish rug is capable of lasting for hundreds of years as is a Persian rug. Both are considered a wonderful investment.
The Melding Of Traditions Allows Weavers To Make Rugs From Any Material
Customers can find an authentic Turkish rug with outstanding qualities that is comprised of the finest Persian silk. Likewise, you can find Persian rugs that are made from the softest wool. Today, some weavers import materials from other countries to offer a wide variety of rugs to their customers instead of sticking to tradition. These are less common but are available if you would like to purchase them.
Buyers will notice a large variety of detailed patterns available. Turkish rugs may include floral or nature-inspired patterns alongside animals. Persian rugs with geometric and tribal designs can also be found. Although these are more difficult to achieve due to the knotting techniques used, they are available.
Learn more about high quality, handmade rugs by browsing through our blogs or check out our wide selection of handmade rugs for sale today!