Türkiye’s 200-year-old palace carpets restored to former glory

The Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye’s Directorate of National Palaces has embarked on a meticulous restoration process to bring back two 200-year-old palace carpets, which are among the rarest pieces of Ottoman palace culture, to displayable condition.

Located at the Directorate of National Palaces Carpet Restoration Workshop in Yildiz Chalet Complex, Besiktas, Istanbul, a team of experts is working tirelessly to restore two priceless carpets from Beylerbeyi and Yildiz palaces.

Expert team preserves 200-year-old palace carpets for future generations

Sadi Ozturk, a carpet restoration master who has worked for the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Directorate of National Palaces for approximately 17 years, explained that the workshop, with a dedicated team of eight specialists, is responsible for restoring carpets from the palaces, mansions, and pavilions under the directorate’s care.

Ozturk emphasized that all processes to restore the carpets are meticulously documented and tracked for future reference, ensuring transparency and quality throughout the restoration journey.

A detailed and skilled restoration process

The restoration begins with selecting yarns that match the original texture of the carpet. Ozturk provided detailed insight into the process.

“Once the appropriate threads are chosen, they need to be dyed to match the original colors. We dye the threads in a pot, then begin the restoration process, ensuring that the design and texture of the original carpet are accurately replicated. The carpet’s warp, the foundation of the weave, and its weft are connected to the overall design. The intricate patterns are recreated stitch by stitch on the loom. However, in our restoration process, we manually recreate the warp and weft, tying the loops by hand to match the original design. This is a labor-intensive, long, and delicate process that requires great patience,” said Ozturk.

As the project progresses, the team takes satisfaction in seeing the restored patterns and colors come to life, which provides both motivation and energy to continue the work.

Ozturk reflected on the sense of achievement that comes with completing such a project: “These two carpets actually showcase two different knot styles. After restoration, one of the most rewarding aspects is being able to visit the final display and say, ‘Yes, I restored this carpet.’ It’s an incredibly motivating feeling for us. Our work is a process that demands patience, skill, and dedication.”

A 6-month restoration journey for historical masterpieces

The restoration of the carpets from Beylerbeyi and Yildiz palaces has been ongoing for six months, with Ozturk revealing that the restoration of the Hereke carpet from Beylerbeyi Palace is nearing completion. However, work on the second carpet, an Iranian piece, is still underway. The Iranian carpet has suffered significant moth damage, prolonging the restoration process.

Intricate design of Beylerbeyi Palace Hereke Carpet

The Hereke carpet from Beylerbeyi Palace is approximately 20 square meters and was woven in the 19th century using Turkish knotting techniques. The carpet features a cream-colored background with large borders and intricate floral motifs. In the center, a bouquet of green, red, and pink flowers is displayed within blue ribbons. The restoration process involves repairing damaged fringe chains, replacing missing weft and warp threads, and fixing moth damage. Additionally, the missing water paths are being re-woven to strengthen the edges. Once the restoration is complete, the Hereke carpet, signed by Hereke, will be restored to its former glory through smoothing and ironing.

A 19th century Iranian Carpet’s revival at Yildiz Palace

The 29-square-meter Iranian carpet from Yildiz Palace, also woven in the 19th century using Iranian knotting techniques, is another masterpiece being carefully restored. This carpet features a dark blue background with white flower and vine motifs, surrounded by red and cream borders.

The restoration will be completed once the fringes are added to both sides of the carpet.

Careful restoration process with focus on authenticity

The restoration process, conducted by a specialized team, uses threads that are true to the original texture and color of the 19th-century carpets. Over time, exposure to heat, humidity, and light has caused wear and tear to these historical treasures. Special techniques are now being used to reinforce the carpets and ensure they can withstand the test of time.

First, the carpets undergo detailed photographic documentation. Then, areas in need of repair are identified, and the carpets are washed. The threads used for restoration are dyed according to the original colors and textures. Once the woven areas are complete, the carpet is carefully finished by trimming excess fibers and ensuring its aesthetic appearance.

The Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Directorate of National Palaces Carpet Restoration Workshop continues to meticulously preserve these historic carpets, passing them down to future generations through the expert craftsmanship of dedicated restorers. These unique masterpieces, once displayed in the palaces for centuries, are brought back to life thanks to the patience and skill of the restoration team.