From 1935, Çınar Rugs has kept a heritage, billions of knots carefully unknotted and reknotted. Every single artwork contains the soul of three generations. Hardship marked the start. A boy lifted rugs, motivated by artistic dreams, refined designs, and exceptional zeal for artistry.
Mehmet Çınar leads as the second-generation guardian of this heritage. He is the father of Ahmet and Funda Çınar, who manage operations now. His voice carries both historical respect and hopes for the future.
“My father belonged to a baker family. He became an orphan at age 14. No inheritance awaited him, no money supported him. He began his journey with rugs on his back, responsible for himself and six siblings. Our business started through the sales of pre-made rugs. Later, we established our production. Poplar tree fibers became our material back then. My sister and brother-in-law shifted toward silk rugs as years passed. Family operations expanded year by year…’’
Until the 1980s, all Çınar family members ran this enterprise together. Mehmet Çınar assumed leadership afterward. He valued tradition but yearned to establish his distinctive approach. He succeeded.
“Rugs surrounded my childhood. My youth unfolded among carpets. Their scent lives in my memory; their texture feels familiar under my fingers. A person cannot succeed in this field for financial gain alone. A passion for rugs must exist; an intense one. Such passion filled me. Dreams about designs came to me; collections formed in my mind. Every time a rug from the village arrived, I thoroughly examined it. Some designs truly brought tears to my eyes. My dedication ran so deep.”
For Mehmet Çınar, carpets exist as entities with souls. He sees each carpet as a living creation with souls, yet design theft hurts him profoundly because of this perspective.
“Carpet patterns face frequent copying. Machine-produced items sell under false claims as handwoven treasures. Even trusted associates participated in such practices. Legal systems offer little protection. Such situations cause great distress. An art form reduced to mechanical reproduction… A human touch creates spiritual elements machines cannot replicate.”
Handwoven carpet value has increased substantially compared to previous eras. As availability decreases, value rises. Mehmet Çınar feels reassured because his children, Ahmet and Funda, work alongside him now. Their carpet passion signals a strong future for their lifelong devotion.
“My approach avoided pressure on anyone. Carpet creation enormously challenges its makers . My children developed their love for this art. Their continued enthusiasm fulfills my greatest wish.”
Çınar Rugs is now among a small group of Turkish companies still producing hand-woven carpets. While numerous competitors moved production abroad, Çınar still keeps its local presence.
‘’Expenses grew obviously. Many businesses relocated outside our borders, yet our operations continue here. Our presence stems from true passion. Our stores showcase our designs. Pride fills my heart.”
Çınar Halı also excels at uniting tradition with contemporary elements. A collaboration with Les Benjamins portrays this union.
“Our Les Benjamins partnership brought me great happiness. Carpet patterns transformed into wearable art seemed almost dreamlike. Together, we created a 100th anniversary carpet. Japanese audiences understand carpet artistry exceptionally well. Their culture values detail and skilled labor. Additional Türkiye visits to Türkiye from Japanese buyers would benefit everyone. Designers seek Les Benjamins’ partnerships because carpet aesthetics appeal to them. Finding such appreciation and collab greatly honors me.”
Mehmet Çınar shares a tale built upon patience, loyalty, and devotion rather than commercial success. He approaches every carpet creation as a sacred act. His enthusiasm is still alive today, from his early days gathering workshop employees in his service vehicle before dawn.
“My heart chose this profession. My continuation stemmed from passion. Each design still excites me. Every knot, every pattern… all contain our collective stories.”
