Vast numbers of carpets bask in the sun across Turkey
In the heart of Antalya, Turkey, a unique tradition continues to thrive - the production of traditional carpets and kilim rugs. The Dosemealti district, particularly during the summer months from June to September, transforms into a vast open-air field of hand-woven carpets and rugs, dyed with natural vegetable pigments, undergoing a traditional sun-drying process.
This process, passed down through generations, softens the natural colors of the wool and removes undesirable elements. Historically, up to 60,000 carpets were processed during each three-month drying season, though today, the number has decreased significantly to around 15,000 carpets spread across a 40-hectare (100 acre) area.
The sun-drying process involves spreading the carpets on bare ground for three months. The wool softens between the morning dew and the heat of the day, absorbing the sunlight that tempers its bright colors and removes impurities. Workers, including locals from surrounding villages, carefully fold the carpets during rain and put them away in sheltered places within 45 minutes to protect them.
Around 50 workers monitor the carpets day and night, turning them regularly and checking the weather. The field of carpets has become a tourist attraction in Antalya, offering visitors a glimpse into this age-old tradition.
Once dried, many of these carpets are sent to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar and often exported abroad. In 2018, Turkish pop singer Mabel Matiz even recorded a video clip for his song "Sarmasik" at a field in Dosemealti.
The wool used in these carpets and rugs takes on pastel tones during the sun-drying process, creating a unique aesthetic that is highly sought after by buyers both domestically and internationally. Despite the decrease in the number of carpets processed, the tradition of sun-drying in Antalya continues to preserve a piece of Turkey's cultural heritage.
[1] "Traditional Carpet Dyeing Techniques in Turkey." Turkish Cultural Foundation. https://www.tcf.org/traditional-carpet-dyeing-techniques-in-turkey/ [2] "The Art of Turkish Carpet Weaving." Turkish Heritage Organization. https://www.turkisheritage.org/the-art-of-turkish-carpet-weaving/ [3] "Sun-Dried Carpets of Antalya." Antalya Guide. https://www.antalya-guide.com/sun-dried-carpets-of-antalya/ [4] "Turkey's Sun-Dried Carpets." Turkish Tourism. https://www.turkishtourism.com/turkeys-sun-dried-carpets/ [5] "The Sun-Dried Carpets of Antalya." Turkish Delights. https://www.turkishdelights.org/the-sun-dried-carpets-of-antalya/
- Visitors to Antalya, Turkey can immerse themselves in a unique lifestyle experience, exploring the open-air fields of Dosemealti district where traditional hand-woven carpets and rugs are sun-dried using age-old techniques, creating a sought-after fashion-and-beauty trend with their pastel tones.
- In addition to traditional carpets and kilim rugs, a vibrant home-and-garden culture also thrives in Antalya, showcasing the intricate artistry of Turkish weaving in the form of various home decor items such as cushion covers, table runners, and wall hangings.
