Ottoman Imperial carpets

General view of the Carpet Museum, Istanbul

Development of the Turkish art of carpet weaving since the 12th cen- tury is known. Besides the carpets themselves, in Turkey and other coun- tries, it is possible to see examples of Turkish carpets in the paintings of 15th-16th century European painters.

In general, the Seljuk carpets have geometric designs. Starting in the 15th century , the Ottoman carpets were imported to Europe by Latin traders, and thus elegant, durable and decorative carpets were used in the western world for the first time.

The stylised animal figures and geometric designs used in the 14th and 15th centuries were replaced by stylised plant motifs in the 16th century. The 17th century is the age of Ottoman Imperial carpets with designs of medallions and detailed plant motifs. Rooted traditions ensured the progress of the art of carpet weaving even during the difficult periods in the Ottoman Empire.

The silk carpets produced on the palace-subsidied looms of Hereke and Kumkapi in the 19th century, are amazingly beautiful museum pieces. After 1923, and Turkey becaming a Republic, the State subsidied the production of carpets from time to time.

In regard to variety, quality and the price, todays Turkish handmade carpets produced in both private and state-subsidied workshops, along with those produced in towns and villages, are durable and beautiful handmade products popular all over the world.

Milas prayer rug, 19th century exhibited at the carpet museum, Istanbul