Türkiye is a unique country, serving as the centre of several powerful empires throughout its history. It has assimilated Eastern and Western cultures, resulting in distinctive traditions and a unique blend of local customs.

When travelling in Türkiye, the diverse and authentically "Turkish" handicrafts and souvenirs are incredibly enticing. While not necessarily intricate, they are reasonably priced, making them excellent choices for keepsakes or gifts.

The most reflective of Türkiye's ancient history is its traditional crafts, including needlework embroidery, weaving, and crafts made of copper and silver. These traditional crafts are trendy among local and foreign tourists, making them preferred items in gift shops and souvenir stores. Renowned celebrities and even politicians have been known to purchase world-famous Turkish carpets and bring them back to their home countries during their business or leisure travels.

Whether vacationing along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts or in major cities, you can find these traditional handicrafts. They can be used to decorate your home or office as reminders of the beautiful times spent in Türkiye. The most iconic Turkish woven items are carpets and tapestries, with each small rug containing countless treasures of craftsmanship.

In the late 13th century, when the great traveler Marco Polo visited the city of Konya in the central-southern Anatolian plateau, he marveled at the art of carpet weaving. To this day, a folk song in Türkiye sings: "Oh, that winding little path, covered with vibrant carpets, depicting the joy of festivals and feasts, laid out for the guests from afar, piled up outside the palace gates."

The "bird" carpet emerged in Türkiye in the 16th and 17th centuries as a unique art form with distinct characteristics. It was designed to meet the growing demand for exports to Europe, featuring patterns resembling bird shapes. The intricate and imaginative patterns made it a sought-after art piece among the upper echelons of European society.

The "bird" pattern in Turkish carpets was developed in the late 16th or early 17th century when the Ottoman Empire peaked in prosperity and development. During this time, regions in North Africa, the Balkans, and Hungary were under Ottoman rule. During a brief period of peace, they emerged during the prolonged struggle between the Ottoman Turks and Western rulers, leading to a flourishing trade industry.

Exporting carpets from Anatolia to the European market became a revenue-generating pillar industry. However, the designers decided to adopt simple pattern models due to the complexity and lengthy production time of traditional carpet patterns and limited weaving techniques. This allowed for quick and easy completion of pattern weaving, meeting the market's demands. In such a historical context, the "bird" carpet emerged—simple yet elegant, lively yet rich in ancient charm.

The "bird" pattern carpet design achieved great success and gained wide acclaim in Europe during the 17th century. People spared no expense in acquiring these carpets, not necessarily placing them on the floor but often using them as table coverings or hanging them on walls as art collectibles. The patterns of "bird" carpets found their way into the works of many famous European painters, appearing frequently in murals and oil paintings.

For instance, a mural in the royal palace in Munich, Germany, and a painting created by Varotari in a monastery in St. Petersburg feature the "bird" carpet pattern in the early 17th century. These artworks provide excellent material for studying and understanding "bird" carpets from a different perspective.