Vedat Demiralp - Coban Rugs

The inspiration for Coban Rugs came to Vedat Demiralp twelve years ago during a visit to Turkey, where a striking rug on a friend’s floor stirred childhood memories of his native Black Sea region. It reminded him of the traditional goat-hair rugs, once a cherished part of a woman's dowry and a vital element of Turkish rural culture. Handwoven with great care, these monochromatic rugs, though simple in appearance, held deep cultural significance.

As rural communities migrated to cities in search of work, the ancient craft of weaving these rugs all but disappeared. Younger generations favoured the vibrant, mass-produced textiles of the late 20th century, leaving the traditional weavings to fade into obscurity. Determined to revive this disappearing art, Demiralp traveled to a remote village where a few weavers continued the craft. Though production had slowed and the pool of skilled artisans was shrinking, he discovered exquisite examples of the old designs.

Motivated to preserve this unique heritage, Vedat founded Coban Rugs and set out to reintroduce these remarkable pieces to a modern audience. By partnering with the finest weavers, he refined the designs while staying true to their origins, creating rugs that honour the past while appealing to contemporary tastes. Today, Coban Rugs brings the beauty and tradition of these timeless works to interior designers in the UK and beyond, ensuring that this cultural treasure endures for future generations.

Vedat Demiralp was featured in Selvedge Magazine issue 74, Wild.

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