A KILIM (or Kelim) is a flat-woven rug which takes its name from the Turkish word for prayer rug.

Produced in Anatolia (central and east Turkey, by Turkish, Yoruk, Kurdish and Turkman nomads, kilims are produced by tightly interweaving the warp and weft strands of the weave to produce a flat, pile-less surface.

Kilims are becoming ever more popular because of the many ways in which they can be used. Not only do they make splendid floor coverings but can be used as wall hangings, furniture covers, table covers, cushion covers and bags etc.

Similar in appearance to the Kilim is the SUMAK which has a more intricate weave and takes longer to produce than a kilim, resulting in a much more substantial rug. The sumak weave crosses several foundation threads then doubles back below, comes to the surface again and moves forward again to produce a very varied and intricate pattern.

Well looked after old Turkish KILIMS and SUMAKS not only retain their value but in some cases, if the design is particularly rare, significantly increase in value.

Depending on the age and the amount of wear, older kilims can usually still be used as a floor covering.