Oushak rugs originated in the small town of Oushak in west central Anatolia, roughly 100 miles south of the city of Istanbul in Turkey. Oushak has produced some of the most decorative Persian influenced rugs of all times. Oushak has been a production center of Turkish rugs since the 15th century. In the late 15th century the 'design revolution' took place. Before, producing carpets was part of the nomad culture, meeting people's daily needs, but for the first time the works of designing and weaving rugs were split in two. These Turkish rugs began to be produced commercially. From the 16th up to the 18th century the most famous manufacturers of ottoman times worked in Oushak. A special heirloom wash produces the subtle color variations that give rugs their distinctive antique look.