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About Us
Our Story
Woven History & Silk Road is a family-owned textile business rooted in a deep respect for the living traditions of handcraft. Since 1986, we have been connecting our clients with extraordinary rugs and weavings from across the ancient Silk Road — each one a singular work of art, made by hand, built to last generations.
Where We Began
Our story started at the iconic Eastern Market Flea Market on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., where founder Dr. Mehmet Yalcin — a Turkish-American academic specializing in Central Asian history and culture — began sharing the textiles he encountered through years of extensive travel and scholarly study. What began as a passion became a purpose.
Today, Woven History & Silk Road is continued by Dr. Yalcin's daughter Rabia, and is located in the historic Eastern Market district, a fitting home for a business built on heritage, community, and the enduring beauty of handmade things.
What We Carry
We specialize in new, semi-antique, antique, and collectible rugs from over 20 countries spanning South Asia, Central Asia, West Asia, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Caucasus. As our name suggests, each piece tells a unique story — no two are alike.
Beyond rugs, we carry a curated selection of furniture, jewelry, instruments, gift items, and more from along the ancient Silk Road — the lands stretching between modern-day China and Turkey — including traditional clothing, accessories, and home décor sourced through artisan cooperatives throughout the region.
Direct from the Weavers
We are the direct source for everything we sell. Every piece is hand-selected by our team — no middlemen, no auction houses, no shortcuts.
We maintain our own looms in Nepal, working with Tibetan refugee weavers, and in Pakistan and Afghanistan, working with Hazara and Turkmen refugee artisans. For the rest of our collection, we source directly from weavers or families of weavers who have practiced their craft for generations. A select few rare antique and collectible pieces are sourced from private collectors.
By working directly at the source, we ensure our weavers receive fair wages and ethical working conditions — and that our customers receive fair, transparent pricing. This is what it means to be at the forefront of cultural and environmental sustainability in the textile industry.
Organic Materials & Lasting Craft
The majority of our rugs are handmade from organic, vegetable-dyed wool — no chemicals, no machinery, no compromises. A select few are crafted from silk or a combination of silk and wool. Every weaving is made using traditional methods, revived and preserved through the hands of skilled artisans.
We source with your descendants in mind. A handmade rug woven from organic materials, with care and intention, can last for generations. That is not a marketing claim — it is the nature of the craft.
Visit Us
We are located in the historic Eastern Market district on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. Whether you are searching for a statement piece, a meaningful gift, or simply want to experience the beauty of these textiles in person, we welcome you.
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