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wner Ercan Nalkiran takes pride in his extensive collection, which includes everything from traditional Oriental and Southwest rugs to Turkish Kilims and more contemporary pieces that boast a variety of creative, awardwinning designs. The traditional rugs are mainly produced in Afghanistan and incorporate intricate floral or geometric patterns, while the Kilims are flat, woven rugs originating from Turkey and the Balkans, made especially for The Rugman. Then there are the handmade Persian Gabbeh rugs, woven with natural dyes and local hand-spun wool that has a lofty and soft-to-the-touch pile.
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Exotic World By Debbie Stone
When customers step into The Rugman on Old Santa Fe Trail, they are greeted with a vision of bold colors, unique designs and a myriad of textures. Many feel as if they’ve been transported to a beautiful and exotic world. The shop, a longtime fixture in Santa Fe, is a treasure trove of rugs from around the globe.
Unlike most contemporary rugs, those sold by Nalkiran are handmade using a combination of spun wool and silk. Each piece is ethically produced in Nepal and features designs inspired by nature, antique Asian tapestries and modern architecture. Trusted weavers in Turkey create Navajo and Southwestern designed rugs for The Rugman, which are also crafted with local, hand-spun wool and natural dyes. According to Nalkiran, the Southwestern rugs are the most popular among his customers, as they fit so well within the décor of most New Mexican homes. Nalkiran is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to all things rugs, and he enjoys sharing his information with LEFT: Photo courtesy of David Marlow
customers. Those who frequent his store consistently comment on the educational and instructive guidance he provides when it comes to helping them choose that special rug for their home. They also appreciate that their shopping experience is devoid of hassle and hustle, often noting that Nalkiran displays appreciation for his customers through his no-pressure sales approach. Both locals and visitors in-the-know rely on the fact that they will be treated fairly and respectfully when making their purchases. The Rugman also offers rug cleaning, rug repair and rug appraisal services. Each rug is hand washed using eco-friendly, gentle soap and water, while repairs can be made on all types of rugs except those that are machine made. As for appraisals, Nalkiran consults with three rug experts and any relevant literature available on the particular rug type.
Then there’s the wooden furniture, which is locally made and covered in either cowhide or Kilim. The metal bases are forged in Mexico and then later upholstered in Santa Fe. For interiors from East and West of the Bosporus, The Rugman is a one-stop shop.
The Rugman of Santa Fe 628 Old Santa Fe Trail 505.988.2393 therugmanofsantafe.com
In addition to rugs, the store carries lovely old copper pots from Turkey that were once used in Turkish homes for cooking, washing and bathing. Most have brass or hand-forged iron handles and are priced according to their weight. They hang from the store’s ceiling in an artful, gleaming, eye-catching display. “People like to put plants in them or firewood or other objects,” explains Nalkiran. Ercan Nalkiran Photo by Kerry Gallagher