Reviving Tradition: Ege Rug Collection by Fulden Topaloglu

Merging Centuries-Old Craft Traditions with Modern Design Sensibilities

The Ege Collection draws its inspiration from two primary sources: the Aegean Sea and the age-old craft traditions of Anatolian kilim weaving. The rugs in the collection reflect an admiration for the visual and emotional expressiveness of the sea surface, with its fluid movements and hues of color reflections that create a relaxing effect on the human psyche. The name 'Ege' is the Turkish name for Aegean, reflecting the collection's muse.

What sets the Ege Collection apart is its fusion of traditional craft techniques with a modern, artisanal, and sensual design approach. Handwoven by Anatolian weavers using 100% sheep wool, the collection aims to bring the Aegean spirit full of sea, wind, sand, and nature to the interior space. The rugs are not just functional items but also pieces of art that establish a contemporary expression at the intersection of design, craft, and art.

The rugs in the Ege Collection are handwoven by skilled Anatolian weavers from the Aegean region in their own homes, following ancient techniques of kilim rug weaving. The material is 100% Anatolian sheep wool, which is colored using vegetable-based dyes. The design and production process support the sustainability of craft traditions, as well as respecting nature through natural dying processes.

The Ege Collection is not just about aesthetics but also about functionality. The rugs can be customized in dimensions and colors according to user needs and wishes, and can be placed on floors or walls. The natural material of sheep wool combined with the flatweave technique gives warmth in cold days while keeping the space cool in warm days. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of wool inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, making the kilims anti-odor.

The project began in Spring 2018 and the first kilims were produced in Autumn 2018. Since then, many kilims have been woven in different colors and sizes. A kilim rug takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to make, including handweaving, shaping, washing, and finishing. The design stage is carried out in Istanbul, Turkey, and the weaving is carried out throughout Anatolian villages of the Aegean region. The Ege Collection received the EDIDA - Elle Decoration International Design Awards in Turkey in 2020.

The Ege Collection is a testament to Fulden Topaloglu's commitment to reviving traditional craft techniques while infusing them with a modern design sensibility. The collection is a celebration of the beauty of the Aegean Sea, the skill of Anatolian weavers, and the timeless appeal of kilim rugs. It is a reminder of the power of design to bridge the gap between the old and the new, the traditional and the contemporary, the functional and the aesthetic.