Turkmen rug

A Turkmen rug is a handmade floor-covering textile originating in Central Asia, traditionally crafted by Turkmen tribes. These rugs serve various purposes such as tent rugs, door hangings, and bags. 🧵 Recognized by UNESCO in 2019, Turkmen carpet-making is listed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

History: Centuries ago, nomadic tribes produced Turkmen rugs using local wool and natural dyes, featuring distinctive geometrical designs like Yomut, Ersari, Saryk, Salur, and Teke. Over time, synthetic dyes have been incorporated, reducing irregularities. Today, rugs exported from Pakistan and Iran under the name "Turkmen rugs" often use synthetic dyes and cotton warps with wool pile, differing greatly from original tribal rugs.

🧶 Afghan rugs also feature Turkmen designs, reflecting the cultural heritage of ethnic Turkmens in Afghanistan.

Turkmenistan: Carpet weaving became pivotal to Turkmenistan's economy, culminating in the world's largest handmade carpet, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records in 2003 with an area of 301 m².

Heraldry: The Flag and Emblem of Turkmenistan symbolize national unity through five main patterns representing the major Turkmen tribes: Teke, Yomut, Arsary, Chowdur, and Saryk (Saryq).