Spending time in bazaars searching through stacks of old and beautiful kilims is a Turkish adventure not to be missed. The hunt is stimulated with traditional teas and sometimes with a lovely serenade by the knowledgable owners.
Making a kilim is a highly regarded folk art; kilims that are handmade with natural dye and wool are the cultural norm. There is also a great deal of symbolism in the patterns used in each design. The cultural aspects of these rugs vary by region, each has its own traditions envolving colors, styles, and patterns. Because of the regional nature of the differences in style, it is easy to identify the type of kilim by aesthetics. This has led to a particular region in Turkey choosing to patent their own brand of kilim.
