We also made a couple of short but informative stops at factories. One place showed us how they make vases, etc. out of onyx or marble. It was a simple shop in the basement which one man seemed to run. Upstairs was another situation entirely. We were free to roam around jewelry stands (cases) and viewed very lovely precious and semi precious jewelry. Of course we were free to buy it too. They had antique turquoise (no longer available out of Turkey) but they wanted over $500 for a smallish necklace pendent. They had harem rings, and finely woven silver bracelets but I had no need for those either. While we wandered through the store we were served an elegant glass of apple tea.
Later in the afternoon we finally got to what seems to be the best Turkish carpet factory. Upon walking in we immediately saw ladies (some looked like teens), weaving on their looms. It was obvious the work was beautiful and they knew what they were doing. We saw wool knotted into a cotton backing, wool on wool, and silk carpets being finely woven. They were all pieces of art.
Our group was guided into a large viewing room. There we were graciously welcomed by the director, and offered drinks – tea, coffee, raki, wine, water.
Then they started throwing gorgeous carpets on the floor. So beautiful and such a variety. Invariably, as a carpet was rolled out, many of us would gasp at the gorgeous vision before us! All the time he was teaching us about the various patterns and types and fabrics. At the end I saw a lovely sage green silk one and I asked it if was available in wool. They searched and searched but (fortunately for us) they couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. We came close to buying but in the end actually got out of there without one. 2 or 3 of our group did buy. They make Costco prices look good.
Outside were lovely gardens of dahlias so I took a few shots of them.
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