Bukhara
Bukhara rugs are world-famous for their typical octagonal gül medallions on a deep red ground.
- Region
- Turkmenistan
- Category
- Nomad rugs
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Knot density
- 120,000 – 400,000 knots/m²
Profile
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Origin
- Uzbekistan — Bukhara region
- Pile material
- Wool on wool or cotton
- Knot density
- 120,000 – 400,000 knots/m²
- Features
- Octagonal güls, deep red ground, very dense weave
Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Origin
Bukhara rugs originally come from the region around the historic trading city of Bukhara in present-day Uzbekistan and the adjacent areas of Turkmenistan. These rugs are traditionally knotted by Turkmen nomadic tribes, particularly the Tekke, Salor, and Ersari. The name "Bukhara" became established because of the city's role as an important Silk Road trading hub through which these rugs were exported for centuries.
Characteristics
Bukhara rugs are distinguished by their characteristic octagonal medallions distributed in even rows across the entire field. These medallions — often called "gül" — are usually rendered in warm reds and separated by fine geometric lines. The dominant colour scheme includes deep red and burgundy tones, complemented by black, ivory, and cream accents.
The border typically consists of several narrow bands with geometric patterns. The decoration is strictly symmetric and follows centuries-old Turkmen tribal traditions. Each tribe used slightly different variations of the base patterns, which allows experts to identify provenance.
Material and technique
Traditional Bukhara rugs are knotted exclusively from sheep's wool — for pile, warp, and weft. The wool typically comes from Karakul sheep, known for their particularly fine, lustrous wool. Historically, dyeing was done with plant dyes — madder for the red tones and indigoIndigoPflanzlicher Farbstoff aus der Indigopflanze, der tiefe Blautöne erzeugt. Einer der wichtigsten Naturfarbstoffe orientalischer Teppiche.Read in glossary → for dark accents.
The knotting follows the Turkish knot with knot densities between 160,000 and 400,000 knots per square metre. The pile is sheared relatively short, which emphasises the precision of the geometric patterns. The selvedges are reinforced and often bound with coloured yarns.
Worth knowing
The original Bukhara rugs served the nomads not only as floor coverings but also as wall hangings, saddle bags, and tent furnishings. Each pattern carried a specific meaning and function in nomadic life.
Today, alongside authentic Turkmen Bukhara rugs, reproductions are also made in Pakistan and other countries. These modern interpretations adopt the classical patterns but often differ from the originals in material quality and knot density.
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognise an authentic Bukhara rug?
Authentic Bukhara rugs from Turkmenistan are knotted exclusively from wool and feature the characteristic octagonal gül medallions. The back shows a clean pattern, and the selvedges are traditionally reinforced.
What do the different medallion patterns mean?
Each Turkmen tribe used its own gül variation. The Tekke gül, for example, is rounder and more compact, while the Salor gül is more angular and richly detailed. These differences originally served as tribal identification.
Are modern Bukhara rugs equivalent to antique pieces?
Modern Bukhara rugs, often from Pakistan, use similar patterns but mostly different materials and production methods. While they preserve the aesthetic features, they often lack the cultural authenticity and material quality of traditional pieces from Turkmenistan.
Impressions of the origin
Places, landscapes and landmarks around the home of Bukhara rugs. Click any image for a larger view.
