DOBAG Project

DOBAG is the abbreviated name of a natural dye research and development project - in Turkish - "Dogal Boya Arsatirm ve Gelistirn Projesi"

Antique nomadic carpets are famous for their powerful designs and wonderful natural colours. But over the last 100 years synthetic dyes and other influences have displaced the traditional values and craft techniques. Usually, new carpets are endowed with "old patina" by treating them with chlorine and caustic soda. Patterns are changed to satisfy the whims of current fashion and the weavers are grossly underpaid.

The DOBAG project grew out of an extensive research programme on antique carpets which led to the rediscovery of the original natural dyes and dyeing methods. In 1981 the Project was started up in mountainous regions where traditional patterns and weaving techniques had survived. Today carpets of the original quality are again being crafted.

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Co-op based direct export has led to marked improvements - especially for the social and economic status of the women. Weaving is done in the home as a natural part of the daily family routine. There is no child labour. The DOBAG Project is self-financing, and in 2003 it involved 350 families in 35 villages. In these villages emigration to the cities has stopped. A measure of prosperity has been introduced without disturbing the traditional way of life.

DOBAG carpets are priced according to the number of knots that they contain, thus ensuring a fair wage system. A carpet measuring 6 by 9 feet can have up to 600,000 knots and represents about 120 days of weaving. This does not include shearing, washing, sorting, carding, spinning and dyeing the wool, set-up time, fringe weaving and the final washing and drying.

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Following strict quality control, a leather tag displaying DOBAG's internationally registered trademark is affixed to the carpet with a lead seal. An attached label gives the weavers name and village, knot count and certification number. The same information is kept on file at Marmara University who administer the project.

We have actively supported the DOBAG project since 1987 and received nothing but positive response from our customers. Not only are they practical, they also represent great value for money with a potential bonus as future collector's items.

The DOBAG project is a unique effort, to our knowledge the only one of its kind in the world. It is breathing new life into old traditions in natural environs. Because of the limited scope of the Project, relatively few carpets and kilims are produced and they are difficult to obtain. DOBAG carpets are available only through authorized dealers.