Antalya: Thousands of carpets and kilim rugs spread out in the sun form a festive and kaleidoscopic patchwork on the outskirts of Antalya, a coastal tourist city in southern Turkey. From June to September, in harvested fields cleared of stubble, merchants bring their cargo to age in the sun, tempering the bright hues of their natural colors and ridding them of undesirable elements.

According to France24.com, Hasan Topkara washes wool-knotted carpets and rugs that come from across Turkey. He dries them, trims their fringes and stray strands if necessary, then spreads them out in the sunlight for three months, on the bare ground. Around 50 workers watch them day and night, turning them regularly and monitoring the weather. About 100 people rush in from the surrounding villages to help fold the carpets if there is rain. In 45 minutes, everything must be put away in a sheltered place, then brought out again once the rain has stopped.

Once they have reached the desired shade, most of the carpets are sent to Istanbul and its historic Grand Bazaar, from where they are frequently shipped abroad. Over the years, Topkara's field of colors has become a tourist attraction, especially after Turkish pop singer Mabel Matiz recorded a video clip for his song "Sarmasik" there in 2018.