The village of Hereke is recognized for producing the finest hand knotted carpets in the world. These special carpets represent the pinnacle of the Turkish carpet weaving tradition. Sultan Abdulmecid, Ottoman Emperor, established the Hereke Imperial Factory in 1843 to produce carpets, fabric, upholstery and curtains exclusively for the Ottoman Court. Sultan Abdulmecid asserted that the greatest palaces in the world should also display the finest carpets in the world.

During the late 19th century and early 20th century, Hereke weavers produced their unique craft exclusively for the aristocracy of the Ottoman Empire, visiting dignitaries and heads of state. Fine Hereke hand knotted carpets have been presented as gifts to the royal families of Japan, Russia, Germany and England and the President of the United States.

The superlative quality of Hereke carpets was realized by combining the best carpet making techniques available, thus creating a new archetype. Hereke weavers used wool on cotton warps to create the highest quality carpets. Silk from Bursa permitted even finer hand knotted carpets. German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II visited Hereke in 1894, bringing colorfast, permanent chemical dyes, which outperformed their natural counterparts. This technological advance allowed Hereke artisans to begin producing the finest carpets ever made. The Hereke weaving tradition continues today, as exquisite 100% handmade wool and silk rugs are produced for discerning collectors worldwide.

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