Prayer Motif Turkish Hand-Knotted Rug – Vintage

Description
This vintage Turkish hand-knotted prayer rug features a classical composition organized around a pointed mihrab arch, symbolizing a sacred space for devotional practice. The central red field is framed by layered borders filled with geometric medallions, floral rosettes, and stylized vegetal forms, all rendered in a restrained palette of madder red, soft greys, muted golds, and earthy ochres. The drawing is precise yet subtly irregular, reflecting hand craftsmanship and regional workshop traditions. Woven in wool, likely on a cotton or wool foundation, the surface shows gentle wear and tonal variation consistent with age and use. The balance between architectural structure and decorative detail aligns with Turkish prayer rug traditions associated with weaving centers such as Kayseri, Gördes, or Sivas, where symbolism, proportion, and tactile richness were integral to both spiritual and domestic settings.

Artist
Artist unknown; woven in Turkey, likely early to mid-20th century.

Artist Details
This rug reflects Anatolian prayer rug traditions where mihrab designs and symbolic motifs were adapted according to regional aesthetics. Such works emphasize spiritual function, durability, and refined patterning developed through generations of workshop and village weaving.

Movements
Anatolian Turkish Textile Tradition

Artist Influenced by
Influenced by Ottoman decorative arts and regional Anatolian weaving schools, including Kayseri, Gördes, and Sivas.