One of the defining features of the rugs we sell is their history. For some buyers, the value of a rug lies in the story that the weaver tells through the design. For others, a rug is valuable because they admire the the age of the piece or the prestige of a previous owner. Because so much value lies in a rug’s history, today we are examining the history of Oushak rugs. To unpack that, however, we need to look at the history of the country where these rugs originate: Turkey.
The Ottoman Empire
To understand the history of Oushak rugs, we need to first take a look at Turkey, their country of origin, plus the history of the Ottoman Empire. Founded in the late 13th century, the Ottoman Empire eventually extended across Northern Africa from what we know as modern-day Algeria eastward into Egypt. It then extended into portions of Europe and Asia including Israel, Jordan, Iraq, the Balkan countries, and of course, Turkey.
The Ottoman Empire allied itself with the Central Powers during World War I, then formally dissolved in 1922 with the rise of the Republic of Turkey.
Modern Day Turkey
The country we think of today known as Turkey was formally founded on October 29, 1923. Its capital is Ankara, located within the Anatolia region with a population nearing 6 million people. While a large city in its own right, it only comprises a little over 7% of the total Turkish population.
Although the empire no longer exists, the rug-weavers of Turkey still create Oushak rugs today, and the rugs have a history just as fascinating as that of the country they come from.
The History of Oushak Rugs
Oushak rugs get their name from the village of Uşak, a relatively small city within the Uşak Province of Turkey. However, the name Oushak didn’t become common until later. The Oushak rug had multiple other names, including Anatolia, which is another name for Asia Minor. Anatolia roughly translates to “land of the rising sun.”
Oushak rugs have been a staple of the region’s commerce since at least the 15th century — a mere two centuries after the founding of the Ottoman Empire itself. The popularity of Oushak rugs briefly waned in the 17th century, but had a resurgence in the 19th century when Oriental rugs came back in style in the West. Once Oushak rugs regained their international acclaim, a new generation of weavers arose to continue the tradition, which still survives today.
Oushak Rugs Today
Speaking of today, we should briefly discuss the spelling of the name: Uşak vs Oushak. Simply put, the latter spelling comes from the English influence that spread throughout the region during the British Empire’s expansion. Oushak is an English word, yet retains the influence of its Turkish heritage — namely, the major city within the region where these rugs are made.
Where to Buy an Authentic Oushak Rug
If you’re looking to purchase an Oushak rug, you want to know with absolute certainty that it’s authentic. After all, with the proliferation of easy internet e-commerce, it’s easy to find replicas and knock-offs of virtually every type of product. Oushak rugs are no different.
When you purchase from Rug Source, you have our guarantee that the rug you’re purchasing is 100% authentic. Whether you’re buying a Persian, Oriental, Modern, or Oushak rug, we offer one of the largest selections of genuine carpets anywhere — both online and in person.
Stop by our showroom today or give our team a call at 980-819-7373. Let them know what you’re looking for or send us a message after hours here.
