Care and Cleaning of Area Rugs
Modern carpet fibers are designed to hide dirt and grime as much as possible. This can be a blessing for a homeowner, but it can also end up shortening the lifespan of the carpet since the area rug or carpet may not get cleaned as often as it should be. Soil can damage the fibres of a carpet if allowed to stay in the carpet too long. Regular cleaning, even if the carpet does not appear soiled, can extend the life of the carpet or area rug considerably and improve the appearance immeasurably. The first step is to vacuum high traffic areas often and regularly. Removing lose soil from the surface of your carpet or area rug prevents the razor-sharp particles of soil from working their way into the carpet or area rug's fibers and doing permanent damage. Remember that briaded rugs, like Capel braided rugs, may require a slower vacuuming motion to get out ground-in dirt. The careful and regular cleaning of carpets is the best thing you can do to extend not only their life but their original beauty as well.

Turkmen Trappings
This provides a history and overview of Turkmen weavings. Around 1875, the Czarist Russian government finally succeeded in conquering the various groups, known collectively as the Turkmen confederation, who fiercely resisted all efforts to remove them from the area of southwest Russia. The war had lasted for several decades and the Turkmen, like the native Indians of the American southwest, were able to remain victorious against superior military technology and numbers. When the Russian government allocated tremendously increased resources and manpower (like the government of the United States did against the American Indians) they succeeded. Territorial imperatives were satisfied - at the expense of the total destruction the Turkmen (and as was the case in America, the American Indian) lifestyle, traditions and culture. More information includes photos of Turkmen rugs.

All About Turkish Carpets and Rugs
This resource provides many pictures and topics and classifies rugs by type and region, e.g.,:Bergama, Antalya, Hereke, Ladik, Kars, Kayseri, Kozak, Kula, Kulluce Milas, Taspinar, Yahyali, and Yagcibedir. It covers the history of rug and kilim weaving, construction techniques and materials and dyes used, the "language" of the motifs used, and much more.