Sheep have been raised in Anatolia since 9000 BCE, and the nomadic people caring for them became masters of wool. Until the 1970s, pastoral nomadism was the preferred lifestyle of a significant number of the Anatolian population, and wool remains one of the primary products of the area.

Through their deep and technical knowledge of the qualities of wool – including different breeds of sheep, shearing, spinning, dyeing and weaving – nomadic people have created visual and utilitarian wonders from this abundant yet distinct material.

In this virtual talk, Deniz Coşkun will examine properties and qualities of wool through different techniques such as shearing, bowing, combing, spinning and weaving. Coşkun will focus on pile carpets from throughout Anatolia, woven by nomadic groups who mastered the properties of wool in a clever and aesthetic way.

About Deniz Coskun
Born in Istanbul, Türkiye, Deniz Coşkun focused on weaving and natural dyeing while he was studying chemical engineering at university. He then completed an M.B.A. degree and specialized in nomadic and cottage weavings, studying with scholars and expert dealers. Fascinated by the weaving style of Anatolian Turkmen nomads, he traveled among Turkmen tribes examining the continuing tribal and ethnic structures of Anatolia since the Ottoman era. Coşkun often speaks at textile events, teaches natural dyeing and weaving courses, and leads cultural and textile-oriented tours in Anatolia.

How to Participate

You can register for this program online. After you register, we will email you a link and instructions for joining online via Zoom. Simply follow that link at the time the event starts (11 a.m. EDT / 8 a.m. PDT). When you register, you can also request to receive a reminder email one day before the program with the link included. 

About Rug and Textile Appreciation Mornings

Collectors and experts discuss textile topics and display examples from their personal holdings. This series is named in honor of late Textile Museum trustee emeritus, Harold M. Keshishian. Browse upcoming programs