This small prayer rug, 4.10x3.10 feet, was woven in the late 17th century. Another 17th century example with the rare white mihrab is in the Iparmuveszeti Museum in Budapest, and others are in Transylvania where they were imported from Anatiolia in the 17th and 18th centuries for use in Saxon churches. Many sources identify this design as being from the Gordes region of Turkey. And indeed many carpets were made there with this design. However, the weaving structure and wide range of dyes in this piece, including an oxidized dark brown not normally seen in Gordes rugs, indicate a center of weaving more likely in the Ushak region, near Gordes. Many rugs from Ushak were exported to Transylvania and this is likely one of them. Published and exhibited: Prayer Rugs from Private Collections, plate 3, p. 9, The Textile Museum, Washington, DC, 1974.

Dennis Dodds Collection
http://www.maqam-rugs.com/