From Library Director to Rug Producer: A Remarkable Journey
1990: The beginning
Between 1990 and 1992, Gülhatyja served as a library director while Çarymuhammet worked as a driver. After stepping down from their respective positions, they embarked on a new adventure in the world of rug making.
Their journey in the rug industry began modestly, selling rugs in a small corner of the bustling Jygyldyk (Tolkuchka) Bazaar — one of the liveliest local marketplaces.
The area shown in the photo came to life twice a week at the break of dawn, in a desert climate where summer temperatures soared above 40°C (104°F).
Under the scorching sun and amidst the crowded marketplace, their early sales efforts reflect the dedication and hard work that marked the beginning of their rug-making legacy.
1993: Growth and International Recognition
In 1992, growing demand and interest in Turkmen rugs—especially from Europe and the United States—enabled our small business to expand its inventory. This marked a major step toward becoming one of the leading rug suppliers in the region.
At the same time, the marketplace, which had become a popular destination for tourists from all around the world, attracted not only the local community but also foreign visitors.
To meet the increasing interest, we expanded our product variety and adopted a service approach that could cater to the needs of all customer segments.
1995: The First Workshop and a Leap into Production
A major step was taken toward handmade rug production by providing employment opportunities to local Turkmen women living in rural areas of the Balkan and Ahal regions. Under the leadership of Mother Gülhatyja, women were encouraged to weave Turkmen rugs in their own homes through cooperative agreements.
This initiative aimed not only to preserve traditional handicrafts but also to support the local economy.
Thus, under Gülhatyja’s guidance, the era of handcrafted rug production officially began.
Door-to-Door Rug Promotion
1996–2000: Early Expansion Through Local Marketing
The handmade Turkmen rugs produced in our workshops began reaching the public through local marketing efforts in Ashgabat, one of the most populous cities in Turkmenistan. Gülhatyja and her husband personally carried the rugs from door to door, showcasing them directly in customers' homes.
Throughout this period, they worked tirelessly—regardless of scorching summer heat exceeding 40°C (104°F) or freezing winter temperatures dropping to -20°C (-4°F). Often, the rugs were carried on their backs up to the upper floors of apartment buildings without elevators.
Each visit, each step climbed, was a testament to hard work, belief, and a dream built with passion.
Caption
2005: A New Generation Joins the Journey
At just 20 years old, after completing his military service, Arslan chose to dedicate himself to the cherished craft his family had nurtured for years. Inspired by Gülhatyja and Çarymuhammet, he saw Turkmen rug making not merely as a means of livelihood, but as a cultural heritage worth preserving.
He started by delivering the orders collected by his mother, and over time, he took on active roles in finance, accounting, and operational management. Despite his young age, Arslan assumed great responsibilities and made significant contributions to the sustainability of the family business.
Thus, the journey of rug making was strengthened even further with the spirit of a new generation.
2019–2020: The Birth of the HEMDEM Brand
From Marketplace to Store, from Tradition to Brand
In 2019, with the energy and vision of Bagtiyar, the youngest member of the family, we transitioned from a marketplace to an independent store. This new step was not only a physical change; it was also the beginning of our branding process.
In 2020, we officially established the “HEMDEM” brand. In the same year, with the pandemic that affected the whole world, we switched to digital transformation and turned to e-commerce channels.
Thousands of Carpets, Thousands of Stories
Before the HEMDEM brand was born, who knows how many thousands of different carpets traveled to thousands of different places with different stories. Maybe in a Hollywood studio, maybe in the home of a state administrator, maybe in a living room in your neighborhood... Each one of them still continues to be valued in the places where they belong. And this journey continues today.
2025
Today: From Tradition to the Future
From the Foothills of Köpetdag to Homes Around the WorldFrom the pure wool of sheep grazing freely on the slopes of the Köpetdag Mountains, Turkmen rugs emerge after months of dedicated craftsmanship.
They arrive in your home not just as a furnishing, but as a symbol of elegance, authenticity, and cultural heritage.Listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Turkmen rug weaving continues to live on as an art passed down through generations.
At HEMDEM, we are committed to bringing this ancient tradition to more people by blending it with modern design.
Our Vision
To revive the fading traditional Turkmen rug motifs and pass this unique cultural heritage on to future generations.
At HEMDEM, our vision is to become a globally recognized and respected cultural ambassador by blending centuries-old patterns—handed down from generation to generation—with a modern design approach.
With every rug, we unite the traces of the past with the aesthetics of today, bringing forgotten motifs back into contemporary living spaces.
Our Mission
To carry forward our journey that began in the foothills of Köpetdag by preserving the art of handwoven rugs passed down through generations.
To support traditional craftsmanship by providing employment opportunities to local weavers.
To connect the modern world with organic, healthy, and sustainable Turkmen rugs.
To share the effort, culture, and story behind each rug with people around the world.
To strengthen our brand through digital platforms and reach every corner of the globe through e-commerce.