Torkaman Rug : Unrivaled paintings

Torkaman rug is more than just floor coverings; it is intricate works of art that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. Originating from the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, these carpets have been handcrafted for centuries, with each piece telling a unique story.

The background and history of Torkaman Rug Weaving

Turkaman rug is a type of carpet and handicraft of this region that was produced today and in the past. The Turkmen are originally a group of Central Asian Turks who lived in a nomadic way in the east of the Caspian Sea to the Jeyhun River hundreds of years ago. The Turkmen are divided into five major tribes: Goklan, Nokhorli, Arsari, Yamut, and Teke. The Turkmen tribes have played a significant role in the development of this distinctive art form. The majority of the Turkmen population lives in Turkmenistan, and a small number of them live in the Yamut tribe and some of the Teke tribe, mainly engaged in herding. Rugs and carpet weaving are an integral part of the lives of tribes and tribes, including the Turkmen tribes. 

Unique Characteristics of Turkman rugs

The Turkaman rug has special features and a special value that attracts many people. Turkman rugs are basically completely functional and are woven only out of necessity and sometimes rarely woven out of luxury. The Yamut Turkmen are truly masters of carpet weaving, and the Yamut carpets are of very high quality. In the field of carpet weaving, the Atabay tribe is in first place among the Turkmen, and the Jafarbay tribe is in second place. The Gokalans are in third place and are mostly engaged in basket weaving.

Turkman carpet is double-ply and woven with Turkish knotting. Most Turkman rugs are woven from wool, but silk is rarely used in Turkmen rugs. Turkmen rarely sell their high-quality carpets and traditionally use them as dowries for their daughters. Turkmen carpets have a higher density than Turkmen rugs and have a stronger weave. In general, the quality of the Torkaman rug is high. Most Turkmen carpets are woven using a horizontal loom and on the ground.

Types of Torkaman rug Designs and Colors

Among the famous Turkaman rug designs are the Turkmen Qashoqi, Turkmen Akhal (Bukhara), or Gazelle Eye design, as well as the Four Seasons design, which is specific to the weavers of the Teke tribe. Its characteristic is that the carpet field is divided into 4 parts called "Shane" with a small cross designed in the middle, and is not common in other parts of Iran. Most of the colors of Turkman carpets are dyed with vegetable dyes, but today chemical dyes are also used in this field. Turkman rugs are woven in crimson, navy blue, deep green, white and beige.

The Rug Weaving Process

After a row is woven, Turkmen weavers beat the weaver's comb (daftin) to press the weft onto the woven row and begin the next row, trying to imitate the hooves of a Turkmen horseman. Sometimes the sound of the horse's hooves comes closer and sometimes farther away. Interestingly, the color of Turkmen carpets is limited. The colors used in Turkmen carpets were limited to 5 colors. These colors include: white, black, dark green, dark lacquer, and yellowish lacquer. Later, this number of colors increased to 12, including : 

- Gray

- Cinnamon

- Color of camels hair

- Light brown

- Dark brown

- Golden pea 

- Sky blue

- Lacy: Round root of safflower

- Brown: Walnut shell + safflower + pomegranate skin

- Pea: White alum + pomegranate skin

- Gray or mouse: Black alum + pomegranate skin

- Black: Walnut shell + indigo

- Olive: Pomegranate skin + Hair leaf + walnut skin

Next time you plan to travel to Gorgan, be sure to visit the carpet shops. Maybe you will find your favorite carpet among the Torkamen carpets or rugs. Hopefully that day.