Anatolian Rugs
There are many different regions where Anatolian rugs (also known as Turkish Rugs) are created. Usak and Hereke have long histories and produced the Usak and Ottoman Palace rugs. Other regions, such as Kula and Ghiordes, are famous for their prayer rugs.
Anatolian Carpets
Ghiordes is the region in which the Turkish knot may have originated, and the creation of prayer rugs was common here. The mihrabs have a high arch, and the niche is relatively plain. The borders have intricate flower patterns, and two decorative columns are found on either side of the prayer arch. Anatolian rugs from this region are white, which is unusual for an oriental rug.
Kula rugs are similar to Usak and Ghiordes rugs, and it is hard to distinguish later rugs from this region from Ghiordes rugs. These rugs have been extensively exported to Europe, but are often labelled Usak or Ghiordes carpets. They have narrow border stripes decorated with small flowers or polka dots. The prayer rugs have a straight, triangular arch with a plain niche similar to Ghiordes.
Prayer Rugs
Ladik prayer rugs nearly contain a row of five lilies or pomegranates on stiff, straight stalks just above or below the mihrab. Ladik was an important carpet centre in the 16th century, and the majority of carpets produced were prayer rugs. The borders are usually alternating lilies and rosettes. They are created with many colours, although the prayer niche is usually plain and red.
Usak Rugs
Turkish carpets from the region of Usak are created in two styles, the ‘Star’ Usak and ‘Medallion’ Usak rugs. Star Usak rugs contain eight pointed stars which alternate with diamond medallions. The stars are usually blue, with the carpet containing a red field.
The medallions of Persian carpets may have influenced the Medallion Usak rugs. The best Anatolian rugs from Usak were produced in the 18th century, and contained yellow floral designs with a dark blue field. The medallions were usually a rich red colour, although a red field with blue medallions was also common.
Usak also has a long history of creating large, square prayer rugs. Early prayer rugs from this region consisted of large cloud motifs, which may have had influence from China. Later designs were influenced by the Ottoman palace carpets, which meant they contained floral motifs.
Bergama Rugs
There is a long history of Turkish carpet weaving in Bergama, which was a rich and powerful ancient city. Prayer rugs have a similar style to the early Seljuk Turkish rugs, with geometric and stylised floral motifs. The prayer niche is unique to the region. The niche is surrounded by hooked and curved flower stems, and often contains lozenges.
Hereke Rugs
Hereke was a major centre for Ottoman Palace rugs. In 1843 the Hereke Imperial Factory was set up. Today, Anatolian rugs labelled as Hereke rugs are not necessarily produced in this region; the term often simply means a high quality Turkish carpet.
Hereke rugs have a fine weave, and are often made of either silk or fine wool. Gold and silver thread was often used in these carpets. Blues, cream and occasionally yellow and cream are common. The more antique rugs from this region contain floral designs of Turkish flowers, such as the tulip, hyacinth, carnation and rose.