Introduction to Carpets and History
Carpets are used to cover hard floor surfaces and are usually a felted textile that is woven with a loom. Carpets were not really used in European décor until 300 years ago and then they were a luxury only for the rich. Prior to that floors would perhaps have a rug covering to warm them.
Carpet history can be traced back to Central Asia to between the 3rd and second millennium BC. There is a collection of knotted carpets that are dated to the first half of the 13th century to the Anatolian peninsular. Turkey has a long history of carpet weaving and has a place in its artistic culture. The art of carpet weaving in Turkey is a highly valued skill that is passed down through generations.
Another famed area of the world for its carpet production is Persia. Persian art of carpet weaving dates back to the Bronze Age and is a part of their art culture. Usually Persian carpets are produced from wool or sometimes even silk. India and Pakistan has been producing popular carpets since the 11th century when Indian weavers adopted the Persian methods of carpet weaving. During the Mughal period the fame of Indian carpets spread and demand came in worldwide thrusting the Indian carpet trade into the spotlight. Even today hand knotted carpets are one of Pakistan’s leading exports and the countries second largest cottage and small industry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpets#Fibers_and_yarns_used_in_carpet).
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