So it was 50 degree C outside (around 120 degrees F). We were so freaking hot! Our jeep safari from Oludeniz stopped at a local carpet maker's guild. I ran to the air conditioner.
We were in a warehouse type setting surrounded by huge floor looms. We were told that an average wool carpet(4 by 6 meters) takes one woman 3 months; working an average of 6 hours a day(I think only 5 days a week). The Turkish carpets are also special because they use a double knotting system as opposed to only single knots used in other countries. These women are so so so fast. They whip their fingers in and around the base strings and then slice the end with their knife. Before you know it they have a whole row of knots done.
Our group was escorted into a viewing room. They gave us fresh apple juice(thank goodness...remember the heat!) and started the show. As we sat one man told us about the types of carpets; silk, wool, cotton, different weaves, etc. There were three other men unrolling the carpets for your visual pleasure. It reminded me of a circus, definitely a performance. They danced around the room popping these beautiful colors in front of your eyes. The floor was covered with a gorgeous array of colors and styles.
The Turks are good salesmen for sure. Did it work on me? Yes, I love supporting hand made goods. It was so inexpensive if you really consider the time it took to make these amazing creations. I need to save up for the silk ones. It was interesting because only women seemed to make the carpets and only men seemed to sell them?? We hopped back into our jeep and rode of into the heat; searching for our next possibe way to cool off????? Lot's of fun ahead.
1 comment:
Great work.
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