Rug Cleaning Brocton

🧵 Origins and Craftsmanship

• Location: Döşemealtı is a region near Antalya in southern Turkey, comprising 23 villages nestled between the Mediterranean coast and the Taurus Mountains.
• Heritage: Rug weaving here dates back to the 15th century, particularly in the village of Kovanlık, home to the Karakoyunlu (Black Sheep) and Sari Kecili (Yellow Goat) Yoruk tribes—nomadic groups known for their rich textile traditions.
• Materials: Rugs are made from hand-spun wool sourced from local goats and sheep. Natural vegetable dyes—often deep reds, blues, and whites—are used to create vivid, long-lasting colours.

🌞 The Carpet Fields of Döşemealtı

• Sun-Drying Tradition: In summer, thousands of rugs are laid out in vast open fields to bleach naturally under the Antalya sun. This process softens colours and enhances the vintage look3.
• Purpose: The sun-drying acts as a natural cleansing and fading method, removing impurities and leaving behind organic dyes and soft wool textures.
• Export: Once faded and restored, these rugs are shipped to Istanbul and exported globally, prized for their authenticity and craftsmanship.

🧶 Cultural Significance

• Designs: Döşemealtı rugs feature bold geometric patterns and tribal motifs, reflecting the identity and history of the Yoruk people.
• Preservation: Despite the rise of synthetic carpets, families like the Börekçi have preserved the tradition, collecting, repairing, and repurposing old rugs into cushions, bags, and other items.
• Revival Efforts: Initiatives like the DOBAG project have helped revive natural dye techniques and traditional weaving across Anatolia, including Döşemealtı.