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The Curated Collection of Mahmut Balkir

November 8, 2022

Originally from Istanbul, Mahmut Balkir has spent his entire life surrounded by fine antique rugs, carpets, and kilims. At the young age of twelve, he began assisting his father in the family rug business. This business spans three generations, having been founded by Mahmut’s grandfather in the late 1930s. Happily the business continues to be run by the Balkir family in Istanbul to this day.

Although the Balkirs have been in the business of selling rugs for almost a century, their history with the world of fine rugs and carpets extends far beyond this. Generations of Mahmut’s family on both his father and his mother’s side were skilled rugmakers and were making rugs during the time of the Ottoman Empire as far back as the family tree can be traced.

At the age of 20 Mahmut left Turkey and came to Dublin. His father’s business supplied several established rug shops in Dublin at the time, one such establishment being ‘Empires’ in the Westbury Mall. Upon his arrival in Dublin Mahmut worked at Empires and in 2000 he went into partnership with the then owners Bill McNair and Jayne Baird. The business was moved to Francis Street in 2006. Mahmut took over the business and took on the Oriental Rug Co. name, giving new life to an old brand established in 1985.

This collection of fine rugs and carpets has been carefully curated by Mahmut Balkir himself. Many of the pieces have been in his collection for decades. Like all the rug he sells, every piece is handmade – the wool and silk hand spun and hand knotted.

This sale is an expression of Mahmut’s vast knowledge and experience and offers both established collectors and newer buyers the opportunity to acquire very special and fine examples. As an artform, the designs are directly influenced by the different regions and periods in which they were made. It is fascinating to see rare examples of Antique Baluch carpets from Afghanistan, alongside DOBAG rugs from Turkey as well as tribal salt bags from Persia.

For a grander and more formal setting the sale presents some spectacular large-scale wool and silk carpets. There is also an extensive range of flatwoven kilims, rugs and runners of varied colour palettes and sizes which present a great opportunity to acquire a beautifully crafted addition to ones’ home.

Each rug holds a fascinating history that expresses the distinct styles and cultures of the regions in which they are made and of the skilled craftspeople that have created them. As furnishings for people’s homes, the rugs offered warmth and colour while also incorporating symbols and emblems in their designs associated with blessings offered for protection of the household.

We hope you enjoy The Curated Collection of Mahmut Balkir.

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Amy McNamara
Associate Director

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Written by:
Amy McNamara
Associate Director
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Amy McNamara
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