About Us
Stories can be told in many forms — an oriental rug is one of them.
Meaning ‘curiosity & wonder’ in the Turkish language, Merak sources and curates timeless, artisan-made oriental rugs from Anatolia. We aim to present vintage rugs that have the power to transport us to faraway places and evoke fond feelings and memories while effortlessly adding comfort and beauty to our lives.
A splendid image of a profound, honest, and beautiful world.
In this complicated modern age, objects crafted by the human hand not only soothe the senses; they act as visual reminders to be more mindful about what we bring into our homes. A handcrafted heirloom rug is ever-present, there to ground and nurture us.
Responsible, sustainable, and traceable.
We are committed to rediscovering and rejuvenating timeless oriental rugs that showcase outstanding authenticity and sustainability whenever possible. We are driven by our passion for circularity and craftsmanship. We always source, design with these attributes in mind, and respect the provenance and people behind our handcrafted vintage rugs.
“I started Merak Rugs to replace the antique rugs and textiles my father had to let go of when he closed his business in Istanbul. In honor of those priceless heirlooms, I instinctively began searching for vintage pieces that stood the test of time. My hope is that, after a lifetime of use, you’ll be able to pass your Merak rug on to another generation as an heirloom; yet another story will be written.”
— Derin Dündar, Founder
The founder.
As the founder and chief merchant of Merak Rugs, Derin Dündar travels in search of one-of-a-kind handcrafted rugs. Each oriental rug is hand-selected for his inspired collections. Harboring authentic relationships with his suppliers, he has invested in their stories. After years of traveling for his career in the fashion industry, Derin’s life-long love for culture and his discerning eye for art and design in all forms led him to launch Merak. As Derin spends most of his time in his hometown of Istanbul, he boasts personal, hands-on involvement in every step of the process, from sourcing to overdyeing, shipping, storing, photographing, and delivering.