About Nomadic Vintage Rugs
Nomadic Vintage Rugs hand picks each rug from a variety of vendors in Turkey, Morocco, and beyond. The owner, Nedim Korkmaz, travels to small communities where the process of hand-weaving rugs is still a main source of income. With industrial machine-made rugs on the rise, it is becoming more difficult for these small communities to continue this art as a trade. Nedim wants to change this. He meets with the weavers, learns their stories, watches their process, and brings these beauties back to his home in Portland, OR. This is a huge support for the communities that still rely on this for financial support.
Many of these rugs have been passed down through generations, and all of them tell an intricate story of love, heartbreak, spiritual devotion, womanhood, manhood, and countless more. These stories are told through “motifs,” which are intricately woven images and symbolism that piece together a theme being told. Nedim has a vast knowledge of motifs, and loves to explain the themes being portrayed in each woven art piece.
About the Owner, Nedim
A nomadic childhood, a heritage of artistry.
Nedim Korkmaz comes from a long lineage of Kurdish nomadic craftspeople; a love for these beautiful rugs is ingrained in him. He is one of nine siblings, all born in a barn on a handwoven rug that their mom had made. In childhood, he would often sit at his mom’s side while she hand-wove rugs at the loom. Growing up with an intimate connection to these majestic rugs was an absolute gift.
Following a nomadic lifestyle, his family traveled east of Turkey, surrounded by nature, wild animals, and pure organic fruits. Their main source of income was shepherding sheep. Some seasons, his dad would have 150-200 sheep, and they would milk all the females one-by-one. They would sell fresh homemade cheese and, of course, the best quality wool for rug weaving.
It was the best childhood ever. Memories of a nomadic childhood are the most beautiful thing in his life and will always be cherished forever.
Today, Nedim weaves together his past with his present by selling handwoven vintage rugs from Turkey to his hometown in Portland, OR.
Image Credits: Mason Trinca @mason_trinca | www.masontrinca.com