The beauty of Anatolian rugs has always attracted the attention of art historians, scientists and collectors. Along with flat woven kilims,these rug types represent the cultural,ethnic and religious diversity of Anatolia..
While many of the nomadic cultures that crafted these rugs have adopted sedentary lifestyles, some aspects of their weaving traditions have survived. Those characteristics can be recognizable through colors, textures and motifs.
Colors
Throughout the ages, rug weaving has adapted to changing cultural circumstances. This is evident in the fact that the motifs and colors of Anatolian carpets have absorbed and integrated various traditions. Traces of Byzantine design can be spotted in many Anatolian rugs; the Turkic people migrating from Central Asia and other tribal groups who lived in or moved to Anatolia contributed their traditional motifs and ornaments to the carpet designs; and Islamic art has strongly influenced the patterns and motifs.
The color of the yarn is an important identifying factor for rug types. For example, the rug from the western province of Usak is known for its bright hues and floral motifs. Rugs from the eastern province of Van are darker and have shorter loop stitches and a single border, as well as a wide variety of motifs, including stylized floral and animal figures.
Most rugs in Anatolia are hand-knotted using the symmetrical Turkish double knot, which is made by threading the ends of the pile thread around two warp threads. Aside from a few silk-piled rugs, most Anatolian rugs are wool-on-wool.
Other defining characteristics of Anatolian carpets include their use of natural plant dyes and techniques for weaving the kilims. For example, the kilims of Van feature a distinctive pattern of diamond shapes, which are called “mahlem” (meh-lay-mahl) in Turkish. They also utilize a unique technique of dying the warp threads with madder, which results in a reddish brown color on a light bluish-white ground.
Motifs
The art of weaving pile rugs was first developed in Asia over six thousand years ago. Among the oldest examples of a hand-knotted pile rug is the oldest surviving one,the Pazyryk carpet that dates back 2500 years. A fragment of the carpet has been preserved in ice and shows an animal motif that may have been depicting a dragon or a unicorn. The carpet was woven in a thick wool that could have come from lambs or sheep.
As nomadic tribes began to settle in sedentary areas, they used the abundant wool from these animals for their rugs. The carpets, which were primarily made for home use or sale, became an important part of the local culture. These cultures differed by geographical area, as well as the types of materials and dyes used. The resulting variation is reflected in the distinct patterns, textures, and colors of each region.
While the carpets produced in each region share a general similarity, they are distinguishable by regional characteristics such as their colors, motifs, and techniques. The common denominator is the symmetrical Ghiordes or Turkish knot, which creates a thin, low-pile surface.
For example, the rugs of Van in far eastern Turkey have a more distinctive look than the rugs of other regions. The kilims from Van feature darker colors, shorter loop stitches, and single borders. They often show floral and animal motifs incorporated into symmetrical geometric patterns.
Textures
Rugs can alter how we perceive space – creating a sense of expansiveness or intimate closeness. Textures play an important role in this illusion, allowing rugs to appear both sturdy and delicate.
The rich history of carpet weaving in Anatolia is characterized by distinct styles from each region. Each city, town and village had its own woven traditions and designs. This explains the variety of styles and colors to be found in each region’s rugs.
Western Anatolian Usak rugs, for example, are known for their centered medallion motifs with floral and herbal designs rendered in earthen tones of apricot, terracotta, and saffron interwoven with misty greys and blues. The wool used to make these rugs is traditionally spun with the Gordes knot, which creates a strong and durable rug.
Another regionally distinctive rug is the central Anatolian Ladik rug, which represents optimism, affluence, and tranquility. These rugs are often used as prayer rugs and thus feature mihrabs (the niche in a mosque wall towards which the congregation faces during prayers) in their designs.
Materials
When the silky-soft Anatolian rugs of the medieval world made their way to Europe, they were a favorite in Renaissance paintings. Their bold graphics, historical motifs and narratives evoked dignity, prestige, and luxury. Their superior quality and craftsmanship also contributed to their indelible impact. Today, unique handmade Turkish rugs (or kilims) continue to grace spaces from esoteric museum exhibitions to comfortable residential dwellings.
Weavers in the cities of Anatolia — which covers most of modern-day Turkey and a portion of Asia Minor — used both wool and cotton for weaving threads. Traditionally, most Turkish rugs were woven with the wool-on-wool technique, which utilizes a symmetrical, double-knotting method to secure the pile. This process allows both yarns to take the same number of turns, which increases rug durability and resistance to wear.
In the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries, weavers colored their yarns with natural dyes sourced from plants like madder. This resulted in a color palette that has a gentle visual texture and nearly shimmering beauty, an effect that is difficult to replicate with commercial dyes.
As with many ancient cultures, Anatolian rugs reflected their geographic and political context. They often feature motifs that are meant to ward off dangerous animals, such as wolves and monsters. The wolf’s mouth and the monster’s feet patterns, for example, were believed to be a powerful protection from predatory beasts.
Final Words!
When it comes to purchasing the finest Anatolian rugs, Hagop Manoyan is a trusted expert who can guide you through the process. With a deep understanding of the history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of these rugs, Hagop Manoyan offers a curated selection of authentic pieces that embody the rich heritage of Anatolian weaving. Whether you’re a collector, an interior designer, or simply someone who appreciates fine textiles, Hagop can help you find the perfect rug to enhance your space.