About Us
The story of Alarug
The Soul of Anatolia: Our Journey from Village to Global Artisan
The story of AlaRug is woven from resilience, family heritage, and a deep respect for the discarded. It is a journey that began in a small village and now adorns homes across the globe.
The Roots: A Father’s Legacy (1981–1992)
Our story begins in 1981 in Malatya, Turkey. When our father, a minibus driver, fell ill and could no longer drive, he turned to the intricate craft of rug repair to support us. We were five brothers, and our childhood wasn't spent on playgrounds; it was spent in our father’s workshop after school. There, among antique threads and dusty looms, we learned the language of knots and the patience required to restore forgotten beauty
The Apprenticeship: Istanbul and the Source (1992–2008)
In 1992, the pursuit of this craft led my older brothers to Istanbul. In the historic heart of Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar, we mastered the trade. We learned not just how to repair, but how to identify true value. We began traveling deep into Anatolia, sourcing rugs that carried the authentic soul of the region.
Caption: Our journey starts at the source. We travel door-to-door in remote Anatolian villages, collecting authentic, time-worn rugs directly from traditional homes.
By 1999, we realized the world was hungry for this authenticity and completed our first international export. We knew then that Anatolian craftsmanship had a global audience.
The Rebirth in Malatya: The Patchwork Era (2008–2012)
In 2008, I returned to my roots in Malatya with my wife to establish our own path. We started in a modest 150-square-meter workshop, focusing on the meticulous trade and repair of traditional rugs.
Our humble beginnings. In this 150m² space, my wife and I worked side-by-side, laying the foundation for what would become AlaRug.
By 2010, we recognized the emerging global trend for patchwork rugs and began our own production. This was a period of intense creativity. We didn't just sell rugs; we reimagined them. We developed a unique process to take vintage pieces and breathe contemporary life into them through washing, neutralizing, and expert over-dyeing.
A personal touch. From the very start, I have been personally involved in the dyeing process, ensuring every shade meets our high artisan standards.
Our commitment to sustainability meant avoiding industrial shortcuts. After the dyeing process, we allowed the environment to do the rest of the work.
Sun-drenched quality. Our rugs are laid out to dry naturally under the Anatolian sun, a traditional method that locks in vibrant colors and preserves natural textures.
This dedication to quality resonated at major international fairs like Domotex Germany in 2011 and 2012. Building relationships with clients from Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, and the USA allowed us to scale quickly. To meet this global demand, we moved into a 1,000-square-meter facility in the Organized Industrial Zone, transitioning from a small local shop to a full-scale production house.
The Human Touch: Empowering a Community (2012–2017)
As demand grew, we didn't turn to machines; we turned to our community. The intricate stitching required for our patchwork designs became a source of livelihood for local women.
More than just a business. At our peak, we provided work to 57 households in Malatya, where local women hand-stitched our designs, adding a personal touch to every piece.
Every AlaRug from this era carries the energy and skilled handiwork of the women in our community.
The Modern Evolution: Timeless Artistry for the Digital Age (2017–Present)
By 2017, as global design trends shifted, we evolved from specialized patchwork to focusing on premium vintage-style rugs. We refined our techniques to create a sophisticated, modern aesthetic that honors the rug's original, century-old structure while making it compatible with today's luxury interiors.
A Story of Transformation. Our unique ability to identify and revive dormant historical pieces has been recognized by the national press. We take pride in breathing new life into forgotten textiles, transforming them into sought-after gallery pieces valued for their heritage and artistry.
Today, through Alarug.com, we bring this entire journey—from the quiet village homes of Anatolia, through the sun-drenched fields of Malatya, to the skilled hands of our local artisans—directly to your doorstep. We do not just sell decor; we deliver a piece of history, meticulously reimagined for the modern home.
Contact
Contact form
info@aladdinsrugs.com
+1 (347) 963-2628
Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Mah. Suffe Sok. No: 22/1, 44900 Yesilyurt/Malatya, Turkiye