Anatolian Rugs and Anatolian Kilim Motifs

Anatolian rug, one of the first to come to mind for authentic rugs globally, has a unique position in Turkish handicrafts regarding its prevalence and history. Anatolian rugs have been almost the only means of expression in the hands of Anatolian women who have lived as nomads for many years. For this reason, the motifs embroidered on Anatolian rugs are as much cultural heritage.

Expressive Power of Anatolian Rug

Anatolian rugs tell the history of Turks and Turkish culture, stretching over centuries and many geographies through rug motifs. This plain and strong expression creates the universal aspect of Turkish rugs.

What makes Anatolian rugs unique is the weaving technique and the weaver's hopes, prayers, and past and future expectations in every stitch. Anatolian rugs have a feature that is known and sought after worldwide in terms of durability, unique color preferences, and aesthetics of motifs.

Anatolian Kilim Motifs and Patterns

Symbols on kilims are called MOTIF, and all of them are called PATTERN. Anatolian rugs brought some of their pattern features from Central Asia, and over time, they gained personality according to each region. Anatolian rugs are divided into classes according to the rug's woven areas, the color of the herbal dyes used, and the most commonly used motifs. The motifs on the Anatolian rugs vary according to;

• The characteristics of the period,
• Local culture,
• Customs and traditions,
• The expectations and hopes of the rug weaver.

Classification Of Motifs Used In Anatolian Rugs:

1- Animal Motifs: Although bird motifs are the most used in these rugs, dragon and insect motifs are also used.

2- Floral Motifs: Tree, leaf, flower, and fruit motifs are used.

3- Geometric Motifs: It is the most preferred type of motif due to its ease of weaving. The most common shapes are triangle, quadrilateral, rectangle, and rhombus.

4- Mixed Motifs: Medallions, rosettes, hooks, columns, letters, vases, etc., used.

5- Symbolic Motifs: These are the motifs that symbolize the weaver's emotional thoughts and the forces of nature. Bird, tree of life, hand, comb, pitcher, oil lamp, etc., motifs are included. 

The Meanings Of Some Motifs Used In Anatolian Rugs:

1- Hand on the Waist: It symbolizes the concepts of maternity and fertility.

2- Aries Horn: It symbolizes abundance, good luck, fortune, happiness, joy, longevity, heroism, and strength.

3- Hook: It represents removing the evil gaze with its pointed ends.

4- Human: It symbolizes woman, man, and fertility.

5- Hair Tie: It is used for young girls to show their desire for marriage.

6- Earring: The young girl's statement to her family that she wants to get married.

7- Hand: It is used to protect against evil eyes.

8- Water: It is a motif used in ancient times.

9- Eye: It is used as a protection against eye contact.

10- Tree of Life: Symbolizes the immortality of the lineage

11- Bird: It is a motif that symbolizes auspicious and bad luck.

Thousand Of Years History Of Anatolian Rugs

Anatolia, which has hosted many cultures throughout history, has also been a center in handicrafts with a wide variety and rich features. Anatolia, which offers rich works to the world cultural heritage in many fields from tile making to ceramics, from stonework to glasswork, from wood carving to copper work, is also highly developed in rug weaving. Anatolian rugs, outstanding folk art examples with hundreds of years of cultural accumulation, have particular importance.

Decorate Your Home With Anatolian Rug Motifs

Although the motifs used in Anatolian rugs were generally used in carpets, tiles, marble, and wood carvings in history, you can easily use rug motifs in your home decoration today. You can decorate your home with Turkish Kilim Pillow Covers, Rug Pillow Covers, and Table Runners offered by Akasia Design.