Hereke Nostalgia - Digitising my rug!

Digital Fatalism and the New Aesthetic is a fascinating field.  What intrigues me the most is the longing for the old school, the analogue, images of an era gone by.
My Hereke Rug and Coco Chanel, for me, have a lot in common.  Not only are they both my absolute favourites in their own "field", but they both ooze style, texture, quality and both are demanding!  And expensive!  Design Principles and elements are evident in both Turkish (Hereke) rugs and Chanel designs.
In today's (digital) age anything is possible (forgive the "Techno-Futurist" in me!) and I can't help but wonder how Coco Chanel would have included 'Hereke Designs and Texture' into her own fashion designs.  Especially if she had the opportunity to design for a Cyborg!
I selected a photo from Google Images and enlarged it to show the blurred pixels  as pixels are at the center of digital photography!
Reference: Google Images 2011, Google, viewed 11 June 2011, http://www.google.com/search

Knots

Hereke Carpets are woven with a type of knot which is superior to the techniques used in other carpets.  The knot is a double knot as opposed to the 'single knot' and 'flat weave' which is far less secure.

Watch my YouTube Video!

Map of Hereke

Click on this link to find out exactly where Hereke is located: Where is Hereke?

Hereke Carpet Weavers Association

To find out more about the Hereke Carpets Weavers Association, click here - HCWA

Hereke Images

For more images of Hereke Rugs, click here Hereke Images

My Hereke Carpet

My “Hereke” carpet from Turkey is one of my most prized possessions, not only because it cost me an arm and a leg, but because it reminds me of so many good memories, positive emotions, wonderful people and out-of-this-world experiences.  I bought the rug in Istanbul 2 years ago.  As you can imagine, there were stacks to choose from but this one leapt out at me.  It was unique in colour and design.

In a little village close to Istanbul, Hereke rugs are made.  They are the finest hand knotted carpets in the world and represent the pinnacle of the Turkish Carpet Weaving tradition. They are made from pure wool, pure cotton, pure silk, wool on cotton, and are certified when purchased. The superior “double knot” is used to weave these rugs, as opposed to the “single knot” or “flat” weave style.

Until the political revolution in 1923, Hereke carpets were exclusively made for Sultans, palaces or mosques and often given as gifts by the Sultans to other Royalty and rulers of countries. Many of the finest and rare examples of Hereke rugs can be seen at the Dolmabahce and Topkapi palaces in Istanbul.

Sadly, the tradition of weaving carpets by hand is dying.

When I returned home and placed it in the foyer of our home, not only did I bring back a rug, but I brought a piece of history, culture and beauty from Turkey!