Kilims and Nomadic life 

Nobody would dare to deny that the art of weaving originates somewhere in Central Asia.

 Due to numerous factors, such as the material of which Kilims are made, weather conditions

 and the passage of time, precise evidence and information about the exact places and years have been impossible to find.

The close relationship between Nomads and Kilims seems to have its beginnings ages ago, after a series of incidents which triggered the migration of the inhabitants of Central Asia to more flourishing lands like the western parts of Asia. Geography and climate was not the only reason for migrations, the plundering and pillaging between different tribes together with the fight for fertile lands and an easy access to water supplies were some of the factors which influenced the spreading of the different tribes all across Asia.

People who migrated in groups or tribes were called or “nomadic tribes” or “yoruks”, which is a Turkish word for nomads. On their journeys they had to face incredibly extreme climates and in need of shelter they learnt to use goat’s hair to make their tents warmer. These tents were made by using the flatweave technique and primitive tools.

Since they did not settle for a long time in one place they could not have large possessions and goods, even the machine used for weaving was small and very rudimentary. They used two sticks in parallel which were mounted on the ground by pegs. On these sticks the threads of the base were fastened. As it was a very simple device, they could carry it on their journeys. Owing to the size of the machine, the primitive tools used and the fact that they could not have large properties, the end product was narrow and light.

Not only the weather conditions were severe, but also the earthen floors were humid. So as to keep themselves off the wet floors they made floor coverings using the same techniques employed for tents and called them “kilims”. Nearly all of them portrayed pagan images and symbols as the religion they embraced was paganism. Kilims were light since nomads have to carry them as they moved from one place to another.

As time went by, nomadic tribes began to apply weaving techniques on everyday objects. They wove saddle bags for camels and horses which were used to transport their different items. Goat’s hair was used to weave kilims which were then used as warm blankets. Room dividers for tents were also woven and cradles to make babies sleep were made with kilims tied to tent poles.

Together with the spreading of these nomadic tribes all throughout western Asia was the spreading of weaving goods and techniques. Weaving became part of everyday life, culture and art of Asian people all throughout the continent.   

Not surprisingly we will probably never know the true story, the very exact dates and facts that surround the origins of kilims, but no hypothesis, no academic researches and studies can reject the fact that the genesis of these tribal flatweave rugs is somewhere in Central Asia.