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Glossary/Ghiordes KnotTechnique

Ghiordes Knot

Also called the symmetrical or Turkish knot, the primary knotting structure in Moroccan Amazigh pile weaving. Each knot wraps symmetrically around two adjacent warp threads.

Also called Turkish knot or symmetrical knot. Ghiordes refers to the Anatolian town (modern Gördes) associated with this technique.
Definition

The Ghiordes knot (named after a Turkish weaving city) is the symmetrical knotting structure used in Turkish, Caucasian, and most Moroccan Amazigh pile-knotted rugs. The yarn wraps around two adjacent warp threads and the cut ends emerge between those two warps, making each knot symmetrically placed.

The symmetrical knot produces a firmly knotted, dense pile that tends to wear evenly. It is technically simpler to tie than the asymmetrical (Senneh) knot and well-suited to bold geometric patterning. The pile angle leans slightly toward both sides from the centre of each knot.

Why it matters for buying
Identifying knot type is primarily useful for authentication and scholarly attribution, not for everyday buying decisions. It confirms that a pile rug is hand-knotted (rather than machine-made) and helps place it within a regional technical tradition.
Related Terms
Pile-KnottedIndividual wool knots tied around warp threads, row by row, then clipped. The surface is warm underfoot, acoustically dense, and slow to make.Senneh KnotAn asymmetrical knotting technique in which pile yarn wraps around one warp thread and passes behind an adjacent one. Also called the Persian or asymmetrical knot.Knot DensityThe number of hand-tied knots per square centimetre in a pile-knotted rug, a measure of fineness and a factor in pattern resolution and durability.
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