About Us

Our Founder

Ibrahim Tekin, founder of RugSpecialist, was born and raised in Konya, Turkey—a central Anatolian city celebrated for its centuries-old rug-weaving traditions. As a teenager, a summer job in an antique rug shop near the tomb and museum of the 13th-century Sufi poet Rumi unexpectedly changed the course of his life.

At first, Ibrahim saw the job as an opportunity to meet people from all over the world visiting this historic site. But he soon fell deeply in love with the rugs themselves—their colors, textures, and patterns—and the way they fascinated visitors just as much as they captivated him. This passion became the foundation for what would become his life’s work.

A Lifelong Journey in Rugs

From his early days in Konya, Ibrahim’s journey took him across the globe—studying and working in the UK for a decade, visiting museums, galleries, and international fairs in Europe, and exploring stately homes and design centers in the United States. Over the past 25 years, he has formed lasting relationships with rug enthusiasts, collectors, scholars, dealers, weavers, and interior designers.

Through these experiences, he developed an expert eye for quality and authenticity—understanding not only what makes an antique rug exceptional, but also how to design and produce modern handmade rugs that meet the highest standards of craftsmanship and style.

Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation

While deeply rooted in tradition, Ibrahim has always followed evolving design trends. This is why RugSpecialist also produces Moroccan and Tulu rugs, reimagined vintage Turkish rugs, and faithful recreations of antique masterpieces.

Our two workshops, located near Konya in Sultanhani and Güzelyurt (Aksaray Province), are at the heart of our production. These historic towns—once key stops along the Silk Road—are home to generations of skilled weavers. Here, rug-making is more than a craft; it’s a way of life passed down through families whose ancestors were nomads, shepherding sheep across the Anatolian plains and transforming their wool into treasured rugs for their homes and children.

We continue these traditions today—locally sourcing wool, hand-dyeing yarns under the Anatolian sun, and weaving on traditional looms. Every rug we create supports our community of artisans, preserves cultural heritage, and brings genuine craftsmanship into the modern world.

What We Do

At RugSpecialist, we:

• Restore antique rugs to their original beauty.
• Reimagine vintage rugs with updated colors and patterns.
• Create bespoke rugs in any design, size, and color combination.

From the initial design to the final weaving, every stage of our process is approached with meticulous care. Our expertise ensures that each rug we deliver becomes a cherished, lasting centerpiece in our clients’ interiors.

Our Locations

RugSpecialist operates from New York and Istanbul, with production in Aksaray, Turkey. Our work bridges continents, connecting the finest traditions of rug-making with discerning clients across the world.