The Turkish Knot

An Interactive Guide to Anatolian Rug Weaving

Also known as the Symmetrical Knot · Ghiordes Knot

Begin with two vertical warp threads. These are the structural backbone of the carpet — tightly strung and under constant tension on the loom.

Origins

A knot that has outlasted empires

The Turkish knot — known in academic literature as the Ghiordes knot after the weaving town of Gördes in western Anatolia — has been documented in Anatolian textiles since at least the 8th century BCE. It is the structural foundation of some of the world's most prized rugs.

Unlike its Persian counterpart (the asymmetrical Senneh knot), the Turkish knot wraps symmetrically around both warp threads, creating a denser pile and a more durable structure — ideal for the hardwearing village rugs of Central Anatolia.

2 500+

years of documented use

400–900

knots per dm² in fine work

warp threads per knot

100%

symmetrical — both sides equal

Structure

Turkish vs. Persian

Property	Turkish (Ghiordes)	Persian (Senneh)
Symmetry	Symmetrical — both warps	Asymmetrical — one warp
Pile density	Lower — but thicker	Higher — finer detail
Durability	Very high — double anchor	High — single anchor
Origin regions	Anatolia, Caucasus	Iran, Central Asia
Pile direction	Divided — exits centre	Single direction

The symmetry of the knot is not an accident — it is a philosophy. Both threads held equally, neither neglected.

— Attributed to traditional Anatolian weavers' practice

Applications

Where you find this knot

Village rugs (Köy halısı) — coarse wool, geometric motifs, high durability
Tribal kilims — flat-woven borders using Turkish knot pile sections
Hereke silk carpets — extraordinarily fine Turkish-knotted luxury work
Caucasian rugs — Kazak, Shirvan and Karabagh traditions
Contemporary restoration — museum conservators match original knot type

Anatomy

The completed knot — labelled

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