Persian vs Turkish Area Rugs: How to Tell the Difference

Arsh's Rug Library · Buyer Questions

Persian-design floral rug in a living room with a fireplace — Shown: Shawanda, 9'1" x 11'0"

Persian and Turkish rugs are the two great traditions most buyers compare. They share a long history, but they look and feel different once you know what to check.

The knot

Persian rugs are traditionally tied with the asymmetric (Persian, or Senneh) knot, which allows finer, more curved detail. Turkish rugs use the symmetric (Turkish, or Ghiordes) knot, which is very sturdy. Our knot guide shows both. Many weaving regions use both knots, so the knot alone does not prove origin.

Design

Persian: detailed, often curvilinear designs: medallions, vines and flowers drawn with many small motifs. See our Kashan and Tabriz guides.
Turkish: bolder, larger-scale designs, from the open florals of Oushak to the geometric motifs of Anatolian village rugs and kilims.

Blue and ivory rug from the Heritage Istanbul collection — Left: a detailed Persian design. Right: Istanbul Leland from our Heritage Istanbul collection, with a bolder, more open layout.

Color

Classic Persian rugs favor deep reds, navy and ivory with strong contrast. Turkish rugs range from the soft terracotta and celadon of Oushak to bright reds and blues in village rugs.

Feel

Fine Persian city rugs are often thin, dense and firm. Many Turkish rugs have a slightly longer, more lustrous wool pile that feels softer.

Which suits your home?

Choose a Persian design for formal, traditional rooms and detail you can study up close. Choose a Turkish design for softer color and a relaxed, open look. Our Heritage Istanbul collection is made in Turkey, and our traditional collection offers Persian designs hand-knotted in Pakistan.

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