Yuntdağ Rugs
Yuntdağ is mountainous rural area in the Izmir Province, Turkey. In recent decades Yuntdağ made a reputation for its wind farms.
Yuntdağ rugs are traditionally categorized as Bergama. Bergama region has a long weaving tradition, considered one of the oldest rug center in western Anatolia. Lots of surviving Ottoman rugs woven prior to 1800 were products of workshops in Bergama. The term ‘Bergama’ is sometimes applied to western Anatolian rugs of indefinite origin.
A branch of the DOBAG project was set up in the Yuntdağ region. It is a Turkish national organization that succeeded to regain the once lost Anatolian carpet weaving fame and quality.
Technical aspects and the structure of Yuntdağ Rugs
Yuntdağ rugs are woven with symmetric (Turkish) knots. Such knots are also called Gördes. Pile and foundation are woolen in pieces woven in Yuntdağ. The knot density is about 12 knots per cm. Big rug sizes are common. 3×4 is a favored size in the area. Smaller area rugs are also found.
Dyeing and painting of Yuntdağ Rugs
Red, yellow and blue are dominant on Yuntdağ palette. Generally, Yuntdağ pieces could be described as bright colored. Nevertheless, darker pieces could also be found. The blue tend to azure. Secondary palette may include light blues, light green, ivory, beige, light rosy, oranges, yellows and pinks. Thanks to DOBAG project, new Yuntdağ pieces enjoy vegetable dyes.
Designs and patterns of the Yuntdağ Rugs
Contemporary Yuntdağ designs inspired by Caucasian designs. All-over designs with geometric floral patterns are common in the area as well as paneled designs. Margins are typically wide and brightly colored.
Yuntdağ medallions resemble vertical cartouches filled with simple geometric patterns and branch-liked lines. In this type of design, too, margins are wide and brightly colored.
