INTRODUCTION

Until recently , all artifacts had to be handmade, but modern technology and mass production have replaced skill and techniques tradional for thousands of years.

Today, handmade works are rare, and among them are the beautiful and functional knotted carpets made by using traditional methods which have developed over a period of more than 2000 years.

Carpets are textile products. Turkish handmade carpets have always had patterns suitable for the specific nature of the materials and the knotting used. Another special characteristic of Turkish handmade carpets is the use of the double knot, known as the Turkish or Gordes knot. Although designs and patterns change and diversify , the Turkish carpet always retains its historical and traditional features.

Carpet weaving is collective work using skills passed on for generations. Families, tribes, or even whole villages work collectively , pooling their special skills, knowledge and expertise. The various methods of weaving and the different raw materials used, produce distinctive carpets, characteristic of the region in which they are woven.
Handmade knotted carpets are used for various purposes by the local people in their region of origin. Besides being used as rugs, carpets serve as tent screens, paintings, cradle and sofa covers, wall hangings and prayer rugs.

A beautiful high quality handmade carpet increases in value as it is used; for the carpet's knots tighten, making it more brilliant and valuable. According to taste and tradition, Turkish handmade carpets may be used in every room of a house, as well as in hotels, either spread on the ftoor or hung on a wall.

A high quality handmade carpet, carefully selected, is an attractive decorative object which is passed down from generation to generation. A handmade carpet, used either as a rug or a wall hanging, is always complemen- tary to the rare and valuable objects of art with which it is found. On the other hand, it is possible to tastefully decorate even simple rooms usingeither small or large carpets, with floral or geometric designs in brilliant or pastel colours. No matter what purpose they serve, with their beatiful designs and

colurs, handmade carpets create a pleasing and atmosphere in the rooms in which they are used.

    The owners and admirers of such carpets may not realise that these that works of art are rare creations of anonymous artisans. A high quality carpet,on which the childeren play and other members of the family take pleasure in seeing, is a necessary and valuable household item.

    Turkish handmade carpets are items sought after in the region in which, in the western world, and in the oil-producing countries the Middle East..

    International carpet markets are amazed with the achievements and progress seen  today in Turkish handmade carpet production.

    Besides the standard quality carpets produced in different regions in Turkey, there are better quality, tighter-knotted carpets woven by using the kind of material and motifs.