A handmade oriental carpet is considered as the ultimate trophy for those who travel around the globe looking for one. Having said that, the sheer effort which goes in their selection and final acquisition, gives a rare thrill to the buyer while undergoing the whole process.
To help you in picking the right threads, here is a list of some of the most prolific and varied sources for carpets in the world, from where you are sure to bring back home a few yards of pure treadable magic.
Souks-Marrakech
In the winding alleyways of the souks located in Jemaa el Fna, the vast and chaotic market in Marrakech, one can buy anything from love potions to donkeys. That said, the low prices and a large variety of merchandise, makes these souks a terrific place to buy a beautifully crafted Berber rug. The main artery here is Souk Semmarine, which has a large tourist emporium full of rugs and carpets of all shapes and sizes. You can find a colorful rug or even classy grey carpet here with ease.
Grand Bazaar-Tehran
One of the best place to purchase a Persian carpet is Bazaar e-Bozorg or The Grand Bazaar, the historical trading centy in Tehran,Iran. Over 10km in length, this is the place where traders look to offload their wares. Handmade silk and woolen rugs from all over the country are available in this bazaar, especially the Gabbeh and the rare Baluch varieties which are a hit with foreigners. If you are looking for something light and unique but not expensive, Kilim carpets are highly recommended.
Mirzapur-Bhadohi
The Bhadohi district of Uttar Pradesh, India is the oldest intricate carpet weaving hubof the country tracing back to the 16th century. Over the past few centuries,many generations of gifted weavers and carpet makers have blossomed and have made Mirzapur ensconced in India’s craft heritage history. If you want carpets crafted to perfection, Obeetee’s 25,000 artisans have been creating family heirloom-worthy carpets for over a century.
Istanbul-Turkey
Authentic Turkish rugs are considered a major investment and shopping for one is a tricky task as one needs to know beforehand if the product is 100% genuine. This is because the process of weaving with the naturally dyed pure silk thread can take upto two years to complete for a carpet no longer than two meters. Some outlets in Istanbul specialize in both new and old carpets, with the older ones fetching a much higher price since they are handmade.
Karabakh-Caucasus
The unique Caucasian rug gets its name from the area in which they are produced namely Caucasus. These rugs are best known for their bold geometric motifs and tribal designs and are manufactured in many regions including Karabakh to the East of the mountain chain of Caucasus. Carpets from this area are known for their fine patterns and resemble Persian carpets a lot.
A good area rug sets up the tone of a room by giving an instant uplift to the feel of the space. Apart from making a statement in style, a carpet adds softness to the feet and helps insulate the room against cold and noise.The best shopping destinations for a rug should have a good selection and be within your budget.
