Vintage Yörük Kilim Runner: Anatolian Tribal Flatweave Wall Hanging

Hand-woven by nomadic Yörük weavers of central/southern Anatolia, this long, narrow piece began life as a chuval (storage/grain bag). The decorated kilim “face” and the rustic plain-weave back were opened out to create a striking runner with true tribal soul—perfect on a console, entry bench, narrow hallway, stair rail, or as dramatic wall art.

Weaving tradition: Classic Anatolian Yörük kilim work. The upper panel shows slit-tapestry kilim with extra-weft brocading; the longer lower section is a sturdy, weft-faced plain weave typical of chuval backs, with small brocaded guard stripes.

Knot structure: None—this is a flatweave (no pile). The tapestry joins form small “slits,” visible in the close-ups, confirming traditional slit-weave construction.

Regional origin: Central–Southern Anatolia (Konya–Karaman–Taurus nomadic zone). The hooked lozenges, “ashik/amulet” diamonds in the borders, and the warm apricot, saffron, tan, and charcoal palette are hallmarks of this area’s bag faces.

Age: Mid-20th century, circa 1950s–1970s. The mellowed colors, gentle abrash, and hand-finished seams where the bag was opened indicate authentic age and use.

Maker’s hallmarks: Repeating amulet (nazar) diamonds and ram’s horn motifs along the guard borders; protective symbolism is intentional in Yörük weaving, meant to bless provisions carried in the bag.

Materials: Hand-spun wool with possible goat-hair content in the plain-weave body for strength (typical of nomad baggage weaves). Natural and early synthetic dyes with attractive age-softened tones and abrash.

Pile & handle: Flat, medium-firm handle; no pile (approximately 0.2–0.3 cm thickness in the kilim panel, slightly thinner in the back panel).

Pattern & symbolism

Central field: Three stacked, latch-hook lozenges inside a stepped diamond frame—tribal emblems of protection and fertility.

Side borders: Alternating small ashik/eye diamonds and ram’s horn forms (strength and good fortune).

Lower body: Earth-toned plain weave with fine horizontal striping and tiny brocaded markers—functional, durable weaving that identifies this as a true chuval.
The design logic (naqsha) contrasts a richly patterned “face” (meant to be seen) with a utilitarian back, a beautiful expression of nomadic practicality.

Technical specifications

Type: Hand-woven flatweave kilim chuval runner (bag face opened)

Dimensions: 202 cm x 50 cm (approx. 6’7” x 1’8”)

Weave: Slit-tapestry kilim + extra-weft brocade (face); weft-faced plain weave (back)

Warp/Weft: Wool warps; wool and possible goat-hair wefts

Thickness: ~2–3 mm (flatweave)

Age: c. 1950–1970

Origin: Anatolia (Turkey), Yörük tribal work

Condition: Vintage, good, lived-in. Light edge waviness; minor weft wear and small slit separations typical of old kilims; a few hand stitches and tiny tidy mends; even handle and ready to use. Clean and odor-free.

Time to weave: For a weaver working on a narrow ground loom, 2–3 weeks including the brocaded panel and finishing.

Features you’ll notice

Authentic chuval construction—decorated face + rustic back, not a reproduction.

Warm, desert-sunset palette (apricot, rose, straw, tan, bottle-green, indigo-blue, charcoal).

Versatile runner/wall hanging size for narrow spaces.

Naturally lightweight and reversible; hangs beautifully with a simple rod clip.

Styling ideas

Bohemian, wabi-sabi, rustic farmhouse, global eclectic, Japandi, and Southwestern interiors. Gorgeous as a wall hanging, across a console/sideboard, on a stair rail or gallery ledge, or as a bed/sofa runner.

Care instructions (flatweave safe)

Vacuum lightly with suction only (no beater bar).

Rotate quarterly for even fade. Keep out of prolonged direct sun.

Blot spills immediately with a dry white cloth; if needed, dab with cool water and a drop of mild wool soap.

For a full wash, use a wool-specialist rug cleaner familiar with flatweaves.

Store rolled (pattern out) with breathable wrap; avoid plastic.

SEO-ready keywords

vintage kilim runner, Turkish kilim, Anatolian Yörük chuval, tribal grain sack rug, nomadic flatweave, boho wall hanging, long narrow runner, kilim bag face, ethnic textile art, rustic farmhouse decor


Bring home a true piece of nomadic craft—functional history with pattern, patina, and soul. Have questions about hanging hardware or styling? Message me and I’ll help you get it just right.