Yahyali Vintage Rug Runner: Hand-Knotted Wool Medallion, Rust & Navy

Meet your new heirloom

Lovingly knotted by a village weaver in central Anatolia, this compact runner brings classic Yahyali design language—bold madder-rust field, inky indigo corners, and a star-floral ivory medallion—into a size that’s perfect for entryways, kitchens, and bedside layers. One of a kind and woven entirely by hand in the 1970s–80s, it’s a durable, soulful piece with rich, naturally variegated color.

Weaving tradition & structure.
The back shows square, balanced knots and straight weft shots consistent with Anatolian village weaving using the Turkish (Ghiordes) symmetrical knot on a cotton foundation with a hand-spun wool pile. Side selvedges are overcast with wool (the pink overcast is a nice village touch), and the short, original fringes are intact.

Regional origin.
Palette (madder-rust, deep indigo, olive green, ivory, salmon) and the elongated hexagonal field with a snowflake/star center and rosette “gül” motifs point to Yahyali/Kayseri area of central Anatolia.

Age.
Dye saturation and even, full pile with a gentle fold line suggest late-vintage (circa 1970s–1980s) village work.

Motifs & meaning.

Central octagonal ivory medallion filled with rosettes (gül) and small lozenges—symbols of prosperity and protection.

The elongated hexagon field reads like an abstract mihrab niche, a classic Anatolian layout signaling sanctuary and blessing.

Main border with a meandering rosette vine, a life/continuity symbol.

End panels carry crenellated “castle/kufic” steps and ram’s horn elements—strength and good fortune in nomadic vocabulary.

Design theory (naqsha).
A three-part axis runs through medallion – latch-hook cartouches – end pendants, framed by indigo spandrels. The borders deliberately echo the field with repeating floral units, keeping the eye circulating around the rug rather than off the edge.

Technical specifications

Dimensions: 112 cm x 52 cm (approximately 3’8” x 1’9”)

Weave: Hand-knotted with Turkish/Ghiordes knots

Estimated knot density: ~70–90 KPSI (about 11–13 knots x 7–8 knots per inch)

Pile: Hand-spun sheep’s wool, medium pile (~6–8 mm) with a soft, resilient handle

Foundation: Cotton warps & wefts; wool overcast selvedges

Dyes: Traditional village palette—madder-based rust and indigo blues with complementary greens/ivory; stable and colorfast

Origin: Central Anatolia, Yahyali aesthetic

Age: c. 1970s–1980s

Condition: Excellent vintage. Even pile, firm edges, original fringe ends. Minor age-appropriate abrash (natural shade variation) and a faint historic fold line in the field—no holes, stains, or obvious repairs.

Time investment: At this fineness and size, a single weaver would spend roughly 2–3 weeks of steady work to complete the knotting, plus washing and finishing.

Features you’ll love

Authentic one-of-a-kind Anatolian village rug

Versatile narrow runner size for entries, kitchens, vanities, or bedside layering

Rich rust & navy palette with a luminous ivory medallion

Durable wool on cotton construction—made to be used for decades

Beautiful vintage abrash that gives the rug movement and depth

Care instructions

Use a rug pad to prevent slip and reduce wear.

Vacuum weekly on low suction (no beater bar).

Rotate every 3–6 months for even patina.

Spot clean immediately: blot (don’t rub) with a dry cloth; if needed, use a small amount of mild wool-safe detergent and cool water.

Professional hand wash for deep cleaning; avoid steam cleaning or harsh chemicals.

Keep out of direct, intense sunlight to minimize UV fading.



Bring home a real piece of Anatolian craft history—compact, durable, and beautifully balanced. If you’d like a free rug pad cut to size or styled photos in your space, message me and I’ll help you make the perfect fit.