The DOBAG project was started in 1981 by Dr Harald Bohmer, a German teacher based in Istanbul - see separate page on the now defunct DOBAG project on this website. The project has now ceased to exist, the co-ops in both Yunt Dag and Ayvacik engaged in the more lucrative production of tomatoes and onions, with generous subsidies from the Turkish state. The most recent info I have is that 2 weavers still make rugs in Ayvacik and possibly a couple in the Yunt Dag but they are sold to local dealers who subject them to damaging chemical "antique wash" treatments to make them saleable to gullible tourists. Those of us involved from the beginning of the DOBAG project always knew it would have a limited life cycle and end up being an important part of carpet history.
Please note: if you own a DOBAG originally purchased from Peter Linden, complete with the original certifications, I'm always interested in looking at it, provided it's in good condition. Updated 26/03/2024
A very pretty little DOBAG of an unusual design but one that suits some weavers who love to improvise and "play" with the colour sequences. The weaver Ruvice Yaman has signed it near the upper right corner and further down you'll find the date 2000 plus Y for Yunt Dag. In excellent condition, only showing slight fading of the purple dye.
€SOLD
This 30 year old DOBAG rug from the Ayvacik region of the now defunct Dobag Co-op is a telling example of the quality of genuine DOBAG pieces. Sold by us to a private client in 1995 it has clearly been well looked after and respected, still in perfect condition and with a very attractive natural softening of the colours, further helped by the natural glossy sheen. In full pile throughout, no repairs, original kilim ends and side cords, signed by the weaver S.T. in the upper right field corner.
For further info on this piece look at Recent Acquisitions and scroll down.
€SOLD
A very nice runner woven 30 years ago when the DOBAG project was at its peak, now sadly defunct and gone. Good examples that retain their original guarantee certificates, and preserved in good condition, are now much sought after by a growing number of international collectors. This runner is in excellent condition, recently undergone a professional clean bringing all the lovely colours back.
Signed C.S. by the weaver.
€1900
This magnificent, oversize DOBAG carpet was commissioned for an Irish dining room in 1994 and it has recently found its way back to me. It took a team of 4 experienced weavers, all members of the DOBAG project, over a year to complete, holding in excess of 1 million hand tied knots.
Hardly used, the carpet is in excellent original condition throughout with no wear or repairs. Since 1995 it has acquired a bit of patina with a sheen from the wool pile that will only get better the more it's used. DOBAG is now defunct and so this is a unique treasure that can never be recreated - it is also one of the largest DOBAGs we ever handled. It comes complete with its original certificate and DOBAG label.
More images available on request. The carpet has been professionally cleaned after photography and the wool has a rich sheen reflecting the glowing colours.
€11000
