History of Hereke

Hereke is a unique weaving center located at the northern edge of Izmit Bay , near Istanbul . The village of Hereke is recognized for producing the finest hand knotted carpets in the world. These special carpets represent the pinnacle of the Turkish carpet weaving tradition. Sultan Abdulmecid, Ottoman Emperor, established the Hereke Imperial Factory in 1843 to produce carpets, fabric, upholstery and curtains exclusively for the Ottoman Court .

The establishment of the Hereke Imperial Factory by Sultan Abdulmecid coincided with the construction of Dolmabahçe Palace , in Istanbul . Sultan Abdulmecid asserted that the greatest palaces in the world should also display the finest carpets in the world. A workshop was established on the grounds of Dolmabahçe Palace and staffed with Hereke weavers. The Hereke Imperial Factory and Hereke workshop at Dolmabahçe produced the magnificent carpets that decorate the palace. Over 140 large carpets and 115 prayer rugs were produced, totaling more than 48,000 square feet.

Hereke designs were not only inspired by the motifs and compositions of traditional Turkish carpets, but also by the more elaborate curvilinear motifs of Persia and Mameluke Egypt. Many designs reflected contemporary Western European tastes. The U?ak medallion composition, used in Turkish rugs since the 16th century, was widely used at the Hereke factory. The intricacy of the designs and the sheer volume of knots needed made the construction of Hereke rugs a very lengthy process. The superlative quality of Hereke carpets was realized by combining the best carpet making techniques available, thus creating a new archetype.

Hereke production was interrupted in 1878, when the factory burned to the ground, however, the Imperial Factory was rebuilt in 1882. During the late 19 th and early 20 th century, Hereke weavers produced their unique craft exclusively for the aristocracy of the Ottoman Empire, visiting dignitaries and heads of state. Fine Hereke hand knotted carpets were presented as gifts to the royal families of Japan, Russia, Germany and England. Demand steadily increased as Hereke carpets gained acclaim throughout Europe. As production increased, Hereke carpets became available in the markets of Istanbul. Hereke carpets received many prizes and medals for their outstanding quality. Vienna (1892), Lyon (1894), Bursa (1907), Vienna (1908), Brussels (1910 and 1911), Bursa (1911), Turin (1911), and Izmir (1921)

German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II and his wife Victoria knew of Hereke's fame and visited in 1894. The Emperor and his wife were presented with Hereke carpets and silk clothes. A small palace was built in Hereke, on the Sea of Marmara, especially for their stay. The German Emperor brought gifts to further the development of Hereke carpet weaving through science. Among his gifts were a microscope and a complete set of prepared slides. Hereke workers could now study parasites harmful to production. Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II also brought new colorfast, permanent chemical dyes, which outperformed their natural counterparts. This technological advance allowed Hereke artisans to begin producing the finest carpets ever made.

The city of Hereke provided many advantages to its citizens through the Hereke Imperial Factory. Despite its small size, Hereke had a hospital, school, and social center. Hereke was one of the first Turkish cities with railway access. Hereke also had excellent waterway access via the Sea of Marmara.

The founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923 slowed progress of the Hereke art. The new Turkish leaders considered luxury carpets to be frivolous. The Hereke carpet industry slowly declined from 1923 through 1945. The early 1950's were a time of renaissance for Hereke, however, as master weavers resumed production of the fine Hereke craft. Continued improvement of the workshops and an increase in the number of looms firmly established the existence of the School of Carpet Weaving in Hereke. This was only a part of the total industry; looms were set up in homes and yarns distributed to villagers who were then given jobs on contract. The Hereke tradition continues today, as exquisite 100% handmade wool and silk rugs are produced for discerning collectors worldwide.

The Hereke Carpet Weavers Association was founded to protect and develop the art and science of Hereke carpet weaving. The Association has established strict standards for the certification of genuine Turkish Hereke carpets. Only those rugs which have been inspected and meet the standards of the Hereke Carpet Weavers Association are presented with an Official Certificate of Authenticity. This is your assurance that you have acquired a 100% handmade Turkish Hereke product.