Kilim is a Turkish word defined in dictionaries simply as “flat woven rug”. However, it seems to derive from the Persian form gilim which can be traced back to the 10th and 11th centuries. This word was used specifically for flat woven covers, blankets and garments, as distinct from floor coverings and rugs.

In most recent times the word Kilim encompasses a family of woolen, tapestry woven, weft-faced rugs. It has become apparent through the Kilims themselves, that there is no clear limit or boundary defining the Anatolian or Turkish Kilims. The same weaves and weft-faced textiles can be found in the antique French Aubussons, Scandinavian rugs, South American pre-Columbian, Navajo, Indonesian, and Chinese Kilims.

The Turkish Kilims are known for the geometric design and a wonderful palate of colors in their use of vegetable dyes used in this area. The tapestry weaves of the Turkish Kilim incorporates the use of several types of weaves, of these are the slit tapestry, the diagonal line or lazy line, and the more common single interlock tapestry weave. The most common of the designs of the Turkish Kilim is a multitude of diamond patterns, but others are diagonal bands, stripes, hexagon, and boxed designs.

Nomadic tribes wove the Kilims, and designs reflect the areas and families that wove these carpets. They were usually narrow and sometimes long, but not often, for the tribes traveled from village to village, and these carpets were laid out inside tent and used for ground cover to sleep and eat on. They were then packed back into camel-bags, and the tribe moved to the next village.

The antique Kilims of this region that have survived are in good condition and are becoming sought after carpets that designers and collectors seek out.