Gagauz Carpets (Carpet Weaving Festival)Gagauz Koraflari

The Gagauz Koraflari (Carpet) Festival is an annual event in the village of Gaidar celebrating traditional carpet weaving. Historically, carpet-making was a vital home-industry: every bride wove carpets for her dowry, symbolizing diligence. Today, weavers gather at the Gaidar Carpet Weaving Center to exhibit and sell hand-made rugs and share techniques. The festival features loom demonstrations, live weaving, folk music and dance, and contests for the most beautiful carpet. Visitors can watch artisans at work, purchase textiles, and enjoy Gagauz hospitality. The main activities are typically held on a Sunday in mid-August 1 2.

Carpet weaving among the Gagauz traces back to nomadic Turkic ancestors. Each village had distinctive patterns and the craft was part of domestic life. Gaidar was known regionally for its unique kilim designs. Koraflari revives and publicizes this heritage, connecting the craft to modern tourism. The center’s efforts indicate a broader cultural revival: it taught younger women the weaving skills to prevent the tradition’s extinction 1.