$2,100
There are no other people on earth for whom rugs, rug making, and the whole culture of rugs are more central to their existence and perception than the Turkomans. There is scarcely a Turkoman family to be found, at least among those from Afghanistan, where the women don’t weave and the men are not involved in rug trade in some way.
The nature of mid 20th C and earlier Turkoman rugs is superb weaving, dyeing and wool. This quality is impossible to re-create.
An art form in its own realm. Note the extensive abrash, horizontal colour variations from small dye lots.
100% Handspun wool.
In stock
If you would like to see a particular product in person through our Bangalow store, please contact us in advance so we can be of the best assistance.
hello@therugshop.com.au / 02 6687 2424
Free Shipping within Australia.
Your rug will be shipped within 1-3 business days and should arrive within 3-5 business days from the ship date. Multiple items within the same order may not arrive together.
When your order is processed, you will receive an email containing a tracking number and dispatch confirmation.
Domestic shipping we use TNT express couriers & Aus post.
International shipping we use INTERPARCEL.
Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are considering a return. Buyer is responsible for return postage cost. Any returns must be unused and in original of when purchased.
No returns on our “Clearance” rugs or any rugs on sale.
Among the most recognisable and enduring textiles of Central Asia, the Afghan Turkoman Rug holds a place of power and prestige. At The Rug Shop, we are proud to present a collection of these remarkable works, each one a woven document of nomadic life, family heritage, and tribal identity. The Afghan Turkoman Rug is not merely a floor covering—it is history in wool, a testament to the mastery of Turkoman women who wove their people’s story into enduring patterns.
The Turkoman tribes of northern Afghanistan have long been famed for their weaving. Living a nomadic life, they created rugs that served both practical and symbolic roles—bedding, prayer rugs, dowry pieces, and trade goods. The Afghan Turkoman Rug is distinguished by its deep reds, born from natural madder dye, and its geometric gul motifs, which act as tribal signatures. Each rug carries the identity of the clan, making it as much a mark of belonging as a shield of protection.
What makes the Afghan Turkoman Rug so captivating is its disciplined geometry and its bold use of colour. The deep crimson fields, offset by midnight browns and ivory highlights, create a sense of strength and continuity. The repeated octagonal guls are not merely decorative—they are the emblematic heartbeat of Turkoman art. Viewed in low light, these guls often shimmer and shift, an effect that has led collectors to speak of them as rugs that seem alive.
Beyond design, the handle of an Afghan Turkoman Rug is a pleasure. Hand-spun wool, dense in weave yet soft to the touch, gives these rugs an unmistakable texture. Unlike the fast factory rugs of today, the structure of a Turkoman weaving is tight, balanced, and built for generations.
The power of the Afghan Turkoman Rug lies in its symbolism. For the nomads, the lion was the land, the gul was the family, and the red field was life itself. Such rugs were exchanged as dowries, offered as gifts of honour, or traded for camels and horses. A large, finely woven example could secure grazing rights or establish alliances between tribes. To own an Afghan Turkoman Rug was to hold wealth and identity underfoot.
Though modernity has swept much of Central Asia, the weavers of northern Afghanistan continue to keep this tradition alive. The Afghan Turkoman Rug is still woven on simple ground looms, often inside family tents, with every stage—from wool shearing to spinning, dyeing, and weaving—done by hand. This continuity ensures that when you purchase one from The Rug Shop, you are not just buying a rug; you are investing in a way of life that has survived for centuries.
At The Rug Shop, we work directly with weaving families, ensuring authenticity, fair trade, and exceptional quality. Each Afghan Turkoman Rug in our collection is carefully sourced from the families who still honour this tradition, meaning you receive the genuine article, not a commercial copy. By purchasing from us, you support these communities, keeping alive the very art that has defined them for generations.
While steeped in tradition, the Afghan Turkoman Rug is remarkably versatile. Its bold patterns can anchor a modern room, while its historic symbolism enriches traditional spaces. Whether placed in a living room, study, or entrance hall, it commands attention and sets a tone of strength and refinement. The depth of colour and symmetry of form allow it to pair beautifully with wood, stone, and natural materials, creating a grounded yet elegant environment.
Few rugs endure as well as the Afghan Turkoman Rug. Woven tightly with high-quality wool, they are resistant to wear, maintaining their beauty even after decades of use. With care, these rugs do not fade into obscurity—they mature, becoming richer and softer, heirlooms to pass from one generation to the next.
The Afghan Turkoman Rug is a creation where art, heritage, and endurance meet. It is the voice of a people expressed in wool, a story told in red, ivory, and brown. To step upon one is to stand upon history.
Explore the collection at The Rug Shop today and experience the living tradition of the Afghan Turkoman Rug—a true masterpiece of Central Asian weaving.
Can I get the same rug in a different size?
Each of our rugs is an individual, hand made work of art because of that it is not possible for us to have duplicates in different sizes.
How are your rugs made?
All of our rugs are 100% Handmade on a loom. We have created a close relationship with all of the craftspeople who make our rugs which allows us to get the highest quality rugs directly from the people who made them.
Are your rugs new/used?
We offer a variety of both new and used Persian rugs from many areas including Persia, Turkey, and Morocco see below for more info on locations.
NEW: We support over 30 families in Afghanistan who produce the highest quality Persian rugs.
OLD ANTIQUE VINTAGE: We source our used rugs from village and tribal families at source. As well as attend worldwide auctions. We have formed relationships with Persian rug collectors that allow us to get incredible pieces that are not normally on the market.
Can I try before i buy?
We have a “try before you buy” system for approved customers.
Where are your rugs from?
Afghanistan, Persia, Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Morocco etc.
