Antique Melas (Milas) prayer rug, circa 1860

About the Antique Rugs of the Future Project

Sheep Breeds of Azerbaijan

Shearing, Sorting, Washing, Carding, Spinning

"The advantages of handspun yarn to machine spun yarn"

Rediscovery of Ancient Natural Dyes

Our Natural Dyestuffs

Mordants

Difference between synthetically and naturally dyed rugs

Weaving and Finishing Steps

Galleries of ARFP Caucasian Azerbaijani Rugs

Back to "Antique Rugs & Textiles" Main page

Antique Melas (Milas) prayer rug

Code: MLSP02A

Age: circa 1860

Size: 106x142cm

Size (ft): 3'5"x4'8"

Structure: wool pile, ivory wool warps and dark red wool wefts.

Knots: Gördes (Turkish, symmetrical)

Description: Prayer rugs or "seccade" carpets were among the most popular rugs woven in Anatolia. Common features are the characteristic niche design evoking the mihrab or prayer niche and the smaller size that makes such carpets suitable for individual use. Departing from classical Ottoman court carpets, distinct designs and styles were created over time in villages and smaller towns of Anatolia, explaining the existence of a variety of types. This example from Milas in western Turkey shows a stylized niche with an arch shaped into a lozenge and a small notch atop the niche, as well a distinct color palette that uses a pale eggplant color in contrast to the more.

CF: Vakiflar Museum, Istanbul, inv. no: E 136

For more information about the above rug or to place an order please email vd@azerbaijanrugs.com
We will get back to you within 24 hours or less.