Antique Konya Prayer Rug Central Anatolian Turkish Carpet

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About the Item

This is a Central Anatolian antique prayer rug from the Konya region with a rare and beautiful color composition. This is a unique example of an Anatolian Village prayer rug with its typical pattern and a characteristic palette of a particular region. Among specialists, Anatolian carpets and kilims are believed to record symbols of ancient values and ideas. This tradition dates back several millennia and was only displaced during the Industrial age. The Anatolian Kilim design tradition probably owes its lucky survival to the fact that pile-woven carpets look more precious and would already have had a higher prestige value several millennia ago. Kilim weaving was, therefore, able to survive undisturbed within an intact cultural context for a long period of time. As early as the 13th century MarCo Polo noted, in his account of his travels to the region, that superlative rugs were to be found in the Konya area. Fortunately, the art of weaving good kilims has not totally died out even today, for there are small quantities of kilims still being made with hand-spun wool and mainly natural colors. As the capacity for such production is not large and prices remain high, it is unlikely that commercialism will corrupt these enterprises. Konya, in south-central Anatolia, was the capital of the Seljuk Empire from the mid-eleventh to the thirteenth century and was in its prime during that period. Many of Konya's impressive buildings were constructed at that time by the Seljuk sultans in an architectural style reflecting Persian and Byzantine influence. Previously known as Iconium, this is one of the oldest urban centers in the world: according to Phrygian legend, Konya was the first city to rise from the waters after the great flood. Excavations here have revealed bones from the Bronze Age (c. 3000 BC). In the third century, the town was mainly occupied by the Greeks. Konya has always been an important center for religion, culture, and trade, and also as a collection point for the many weaving centers nearby. The mystical order of the Whirling Dervishes was established in the town in the twelfth century by Mevlana Celal ad-Din ar-Rumi, an Afghan from Balkh, and a dervish festival is held in Konya during December. This festival is tolerated but has suffered government oppression since the time of Ataturk. During Ottoman times the dervishes were powerful, but Ataturk viewed the group as contrary to the modern development of Turkey, and many monasteries have now been turned into museums. Konya continues to be a very religious place and presently is becoming even more so. Konya kilims feature the most varied compositions found in Anatolia, and there have been a great number of kilims made there over the centuries. Old Konya kilims still occasionally appear on the market today - but not necessarily in Konya itself. Although patterns are very diverse, they generally have much decoration covering the whole field of the Kilim - a design format of large hexagonal motifs with extending hooked arms is a well-known characteristic. Again, a great variety of colors is used, most often of a lighter palette than in eastern Anatolia. Some very fine kilims have emerged, but in general, the kilims are of the medium-fine texture of weave, mostly made in slitweave technique with some çiçim. New kilims tend to be woven on thick warps. Konya kilims are made in all sizes, although there is fewer medium Size. Ladik, Çumra and Eregli all lie close to Konya. Ladik is best known for its carpet production. It does, however, produce kilims that often have tulip motifs incorporated into the design. Weaving in Çumra has long since ceased, but the kilims that still remain are very similar. Recent Eregli kilims are well made with good wool and tend towards the dark colors that greatly benefit from sun-fading.

Dimensions:
Width: 39.77 in (101 cm)Length: 40.16 in (102 cm)
Style:
Oushak (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Natural Fiber,Wool,Hand-Knotted,Hand-Woven
Place of Origin:
Turkey
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1900
Condition:
Repaired: Minor repairs, with antique natural dyed wool threads by our repair specialists. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
Seller Location:
Tokyo, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU8206233619582