What is a kilim rug?
The word Kilim (kill-im), is of Turkish origin and denotes a pile-less textile produced using a flat-weaving technique. What distinguishes kilims from “oriental” or “Persian” rugs is that they are tightly woven, flat rugs, while those in the “oriental” rug category are usually pile rugs and carpets, which are produced using a knotting technique. Another distinguishing characteristic of a true kilim rug is that its design is almost always improvised; the weaver has the freedom to develop and apply her own design, color harmony and materials. Oriental rug design, on the other hand, follows fixed, symmetrical patterns, and the weaver has no flexibility to add anything personal to the piece. Long before kilims became decorative items in modern homes, they were used by tribal communities who created them for practical purposes such as floor coverings, hangings to protect from inclement weather or for storage of grains and other daily essentials. Lightweight and easy to transport, the kilim
