While we were in Cappedocia we stopped at a rug factory. There the ancient weaving techniques were demonstrated by three local women sitting on pillows, working their looms. All of the rugs are hand woven and the larger, finer ones take months to complete. We saw the woolen rugs being woven on big looms, and then we saw the beautiful silk rugs, on small looms. The silk rugs are much finer weave and much smaller because they are usually for display, not for putting on the floor. The patterns are very intricate and just beautiful.
After the weaving demonstration we were lead into a large showroom where we sat on benches as beverages were served. Then, as I sipped my tea, the host began to talk about his carpets. He had three assistants and as a point was made the assistants, in concert, would dramatically roll out carpets on the showroom floor. Soon we had hundreds of carpets piled up, one atop another. Then we had the opportunity to purchase carpets at a special discount, just for us.I looked casually at a few of the carpets which were strewn around the floor, and soon I had a clerk striking up a conversation--what type of carpet did I like, what pattern, what color. He tried hard to find something for me, and rolled out 30 more carpets, occasionally rushing to another room to get a special carpet that would be just the thing. Finally I went in search of Don and Cheryl, my helper tagging along. Cheryl was quite interested in getting a hall runner, so I introduced my friend to her and they were off on another carpet rolling experience.
After many more unrollings of carpets Cheryl found something she liked. We got Salih over to negotiate price for her and soon a deal was made. A certificate of authenticity with photo of the carpet was produced, the bill of sale prepared and signed and then Cheryl signed the back of the carpet so that she will be sure she received the carpet she paid for. The company will ship it to Ione and it should be there by the time she gets home.
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