Konya Rugs

Guide to Turkish Konya Rugs & Carpets

Konya (Konieh, Koniyeh, Koniah), a city in Asia Minor. It was the capital of the pashalik of Karaman, which includes the greater part of Phrycia and Pamphylia, Konya is situated in a wide plain in 37* 54′ N. lat., 32° 4V E. long, 305 miles E. by S. from Smyrna, and the same distance S.E. from Constantinople (Istanbul). Prior to the Ottomen conquest it was on of the Turkmen Border States that were tributaries of the Mamluk empire based in Egypt. Konya was part of the Mamluk Egyptian empire for longer then it was part of Ottoman Turkey and far longer then it has been part of Turkey.

konya region map

Konya rugs are one of the largest and most important groups of the Central Anatolian rug group. Ssome of the rugs we call Konya Rugs may actually from the surrounding area. The Turkman influence in older Konya rugs is very strong. In fact the older the rug generally the stronger the use of Turkman iconography. To complicate the matter however there is evidence that many Armenians converted to Islam and became part of the Turkman people. Harold Keshishian pointed out to me that many vestiges of Christianity remained in the culture long after the people lost conscious memory of their heritage. We see this in such things as cruciform tattoos and crosses on top of their loaves of bread.

In the canon of Antique Konya Rugs we see a diversity of design from simple village peasant rugs to much more formal rugs. Connoisseurs have come to prize the wide range of Konya rugs with the smple village rugs receiving as much interest as the far more formal pieces.

The Konya region not only predates modern Turkey as a weaving center but it easily predates the Ottoman Empire as a weaving center. Konya was a Seljuk state and a vassal of the Mamluk Sultans of Egypt for far longer than it has been a part of Turkey and figured prominently in the Mamluk Mongol wars that to a great extent defines large parts of our world today.

Seljuk Ersari/Azari Turkmen rugs
The Seljuk Turks were Turkmen and are closely related to the Ersari tribe of Central Asia. Once they moved into Central Anatolia they brought a distinctly Turkmen influence into the Greeks and Armenians of the region. Konya rugs are a fusion of Turkman as well as the indigenouus Christian. Examples of Seljuk rugs have been identified from Konya dating to the 13th and 14th centuries. The Seljuk were the Elite clan of the Ersari/Azari Turkmen confederation whoruled most of Central Anatloia until the Mongol invasion in the 11th century.

Examples:

Konya Saf Fragment 18th century
Konya Saf Fragment 18th C. lot 15


Konya Rug Fragment late 18th century
Konya Rug Fragment late 18th c.
Fragment of a divan carpet, originally made of two halves. The exquisite colours seem to indicate an early date. – Expertly mounted on canvas.


A Central Anatolian Kilim

A Central Anatolian Kilim
Turkey, Circa 1800


Konya Rug Central Anatolia circa 1800
Konya Rug Central Anatolia C. 1800
the border device reminds me of the main motif in a Turkish Gelveri Rug


Konya Rug Fragment 18th century
Konya Rug Fragment 18th C.
Origin: Central Anatolia, Eastern Konya Region, 18th century


A fragment of a rare village rug, Eastern Konya area, 17th century 

A fragment of a rare village rug, Eastern Konya area, 17th ct.

Size: 140 x 60 cm

Description: In the group of the yellow-colored Konya carpets of the Kirchheim collection, there is a fragment of such an octogonal carpet by Friedrich Spuhler in the 17th century. The main motifs of this group are the so-called “Memling-Gül,” the motifs of which are octagons and the archaic-like internal hook-drawing the main border are usually shown on a white background here.


Konya Rug Fragment 18th century

Konya Rug Fragment 18th C.

Origin: Central Anatolia, Konya Region, 18th century

Size: 256 x 110 cm

Condition: A fragment of a rare red-ground village rug with two rows of Memling guls in great color variations. Traces of age, holes; the upper part missing. Expertly mounted on red canvas.


A rare village rug, Eastern Konya Area, late 18th century

A rare village rug, Eastern Konya Area, late 18th ct.

Size: 186 x 129 cm

Description: This carpet is certainly one of the best of its sample group with its fleshy thick pile, which is fully preserved up to age-corroded brown parts. The striking inner-panel pattern is shown with only four rectangle fields in a rarer variant. Particularly beautiful are the narrow-sided end panels with their carnelian-colored ground and the Muska amulets at the bottom. Rare collector’s item.


The Krayer Konya Karacadag Rug

The Krayer Konya Karacadag Rug

The Konya plain is bordered on the east by the Karacadag mountains. Rug is attributed to the Karacadag mountain area.


Turkish Konya Area Sleeping Rug (yatak)

Turkish Konya Area Sleeping Rug (yatak)
Size: 208 x 180 cm / 6’10” x 5’11”

Region: West Asia>Turkey>Central Anatolia>Konya

Item Type: Rugs and Carpets>Yatak

Period / Date: 19th century>early (1800 – 1833)

Materials: Wool

Structure / Technique: Symmetrical knot, 2 tan wool ground wefts between rows of knots.

Comments On Condition: Original long pile length found in areas along the ends, otherwise low and extensively repaired; sides original, one end (repaired in places) is original.

Full Description: Rugs with long pile made to be slept on are called yatak in Turkey. This rare early 19th century example, unlike any others often seen, has a grid of squares filled with a geometrized version of the cloud collar motif. The violet shade that figures in it prominently is a color that died out in Turkey in the late 19th century, only to be rediscovered in the late 20th century as coming from madder. This old rug is both collectible and highly decorative.


Turkish Rugs: Konya Yastik 19th century
Turkish Rugs: Konya Yastik 19th century

Origin: Central Anatolia region Konya, 19th century.

Dimensions: approx 64 x 53 cm

Such pads are called in Anatolia “Yastik.” This knotted copy from the Konya region shows on a red background a simple but expressive patterns with two large octagons in blue and green, which include a bright red star motif. The white Konture are occupied with long hooks. Checkerboard-like patterned triangles arranged like a fence around it. Newly overcast sides, ends slightly reduced, some old repairs.


Turkish Rugs: Hotamis Kelim Circa 1800
Turkish Rugs: Hotamis Kelim Circa 1800

Country of origin: Western Central Anatolia, circa 1800

Dimensions: approx 383 x 172 cm

This large kilim woven in one piece of Hotamis nomads from the region between Kütahya and Afyon. The field center consists of three wide panels with a grating pattern of bars and diamonds. The upper and lower ends are decorated with cross strips. Restored places, sewn, framed.


Hotamis Konya kelim 1st half 19th century
Hotamis Konya kelim 1st half 19th century

Origin: Central Anatolia, 1st half of the 19th century. Dimensions: 429 x 163 cm. Two-lane, white-ground kilim from the Konya region with horizontal stripes in bright colors. Minor traces of age, in good condition.


Konya Prayer Rug
Konya Prayer Rug

Central Anatolia, circa 1870.

Warp: Wool, Z2S, ivory.

Weft: Wool, Z1 (loosely spun), 3 – 6 shoots red.

Pile: Wool symmetrical knot.

Density: 7-8H, 10-11V.

Sides: 4 cords of 2 warps each, overcast in various shades of red.

Ends: Warp fringe

Size: Approximately 4 ft. 3 in. by 4 ft. (1.30 m. by 1.22 m.)

Colors: Cinnabar, raspberry, caramel, olive, medium to deep moss, ivory, china blue, grape, ochre, cayenne, seal brown.


Konya Prayer Rug mid 19th century
Konya Prayer Rug mid 19th C.
Corroded browns, slight losses to pile, small repairs.

Size: 114 x 114 cm

Description: This square prayer rug with its typical drawing is characterized by a lively yet finely tuned color composition in the classic warm tones from Central Anatolia. The main motif in the covered red mihrab is a diamond with remains of an old braid ribbon contour.


Konya Rug mid 19th century
Konya Rug mid 19th C.

Mid 19 ct., repailed areas. Size 173 x 135 cm


Konya Rug Fragment
Konya Rug Fragment

Origin: Central Anatolia, Konya Region, late 18th century

Size: 77 x 86 cm

Notes on Condition: Lower right corner of a red-ground village rug with the characteristic Memling guls. Expertly mounted on canvas.


Konya Prayer Rug Early 19th century

Konya Prayer Rug Early 19th century

Central Anatolia early 19th century

Oxidized browns, rewoven area upper left corner.

Approximately 4ft. 8in. by 3ft. 9in. (1. 42 by 1. 14m.)

Warp: wool, Z2S, natural ivory

Weft: wool, Z, 2 shoots, natural ivory

Pile: wool, symmetric knot

Density: 8-9H, 11-12V

Sides: 4 cords of 2 warps wrapped with yellow wool

Ends: upper: 1/2″ red kilim then warp fringe; lower: 3″ red Kilim with remnants of macramé fringes

Colors: madder red, blue, blue green, rust, gold, yellow, brown, ivory, walnut

The design of the rug here offered is a provincial adaptation of an Ottoman six-column prayer rug. It seems very possible that the weaver of the present lot knew of Ottoman rugs such as that, as the flowering shrub at the base of the field in the 16th century rug has been preserved in the offered example. The offered rug also retains the general design scheme of its Ottoman antecedent; however, the columns have become stylized and decorative. In the present rug, the sinuous arabesque and floral decoration of the Ottoman style have been replaced by colorful, abstracted floral motifs. The upper reserve includes a row of tulip blossoms that are familiar to us from other Anatolian village rugs, in particular, those from Ladik.

The luminous color and lustrous wool pile of the present rug set it apart among surviving Anatolian village rugs. In the present rug, the browns have oxidized down to the foundation lending the rug a sculptural effect. This is a rug that remains in excellent condition and appeals to both visual and tactile senses.

Note the minor motif in the border bears a likeness to the stylized Iris Flower motif.


A Konya Prayer Rug, Central Anatolia
A Konya Prayer Rug, Central Anatolia

Circa 1875. Original flatwoven end finishes with pile embellishments, oxidized browns. Approximately 3ft. 8in. by 3ft. 8in. (1.12 by 1.12m.).

In near original condition, this rug testifies to the skill of Anatolian village weavers. Lustrous wool, a wide range of colors and careful execution of a well proportioned design typify Central Anatolian village rugs such as the present lot. The border is also found on rugs with the Ghirlandaio or “Holbein variant” design.


Konya Rug yellow ground mid-19th
Konya Rug yellow ground mid-19th

Central Anatolia, mid-19th century. Oxidized browns, small reweaves, scattered repiling, minor tinting, overcast sides. Approximately 8 ft. 4 in. by 5 ft. (2.54 by 1.52 m.)


Nagel Konya Village Rug late 19th C.
Nagel Konya Village Rug late 19th C.

Late 19th ct.. Slight losses to pile. Size 255 x 120 cm


A Konya Rug, Central Anatolia
A Konya Rug, Central Anatolia

Mid-19th century. Oxidized browns, partial end guard borders, foldwear, small reweave, selvage breaks. Approximately 5 ft. by 3 ft. 10 in. (1.52 by 1.17 m.)


Konya Prayer Rug
Konya Prayer Rug

Origin: Central Anatolia, 1st half 19th century

Size: ca. 141 x 111 cm

Notes on Condition: Both ends re-knotted, sides restored; scattered re-knotted areas throughout., now in good condition.


A Konya Prayer Rug, Central Anatolia, 19th century
A Konya Prayer Rug, Central Anatolia, 19th C.
Size 140 x 105 cm

Description: Simple graphics make this a very attractive rug. The Mihrab and niches are in complementary colors red and green. The top panel shows geometric bloom trees, which are reminiscent of ‘Ladik’ ornamental art. Hook-filled polygons occupy the broad, white ground main border.


Antique Konya Aksaray Prayer Rug 
Antique Konya Aksaray Prayer Rug

Anatolia, 1st half 19th c. Very damaged, holed and areas of wear. Size: 200 x 120 cm


Anatolian Animal Pelt Long Rug
Anatolian Animal Pelt Long Rug

Central-East Anatolia, Last Quarter 19th Century

Having a brown and cream checkered field with attenuated, stylized medallions within a camel polychrome cruciform border.

Approximately 10ft. 1in. x 4ft. 9in. (307cm. x 145cm.)

The most intriguing aspect of the present lot is the spotted field which mimics animal pelts and probably derives from the classic cintimani design. The current lot finds few related examples. Also noteworthy is the treatment of the elongated skeletal repeat medallion superimposed on the speckled field. The guard stripes, however, are more typical and reminiscent of Kurdish rugs from Eastern Anatolia. Interestingly, the lower end of the cruciform border changes to ivory creating what could have been intended as a prayer arch. While the present lot was woven much later than the examples cited, the design remains archaic and is a further addition to the mysterious puzzle of the Anatolian village rug tradition.


Antique Konya Rug Fragment Late 18th century
Antique Konya Rug Fragment Late 18th century

Size: approximately 186 by 120cm., 6ft. 2in. by 4ft.


Antique Konya Rug Fragment Late 18th century
Antique Konya Rug Fragment Late 18th century

Type: Turkish Rug, Konya Rug. Approximately 187 by 107cm., 6ft. 2in. by 3ft. 6in.


Antique Konya Long Rug Dated 1804

Antique Konya Long Rug Dated 1804

Type: Turkish Rug, A Konya Long Rug. Central Anatolia

Dated 1219 (1804 AD)

Small Patches and rewoven areas.

Size: 10ft 5in by 4ft 6in. (1.80 by 1.37m)




Antique Konya rug with a yastik design mid 19th century
Antique Konya rug with a yastik design mid 19th century

Size: approximately 5ft. by 3ft. 10in. (1.52 by 1.17m.)

Notes: mid-19th century. Oxidized browns, partial end guard borders, foldwear, small reweave, selvage breaks


Antique Konya Long Rug mid 19th century
Antique Konya Long Rug mid 19th century
304 by 127cm., 9ft. 11in. by 4ft. 2in.



Antique Konya Yastik circa 1880
Antique Konya Yastik circa 1880

approximately 105 by 67cm., 3ft. 5in. by 2ft. 2in.


Antique Konya Yatak mid 19th century 
Antique Konya Yatak mid 19th century

Approximately 6ft. 5in. by 6ft. 5in. (1.96 by 1.96m.). Mid-19th century. Original kilim end finishes, oxidized charcoals, reweaves, partially reselvaged.


Antique Konya Rug 2nd half 19th century
Antique Konya Rug 2nd half 19th century

180 by 141cm., 5ft. 11in. by 4ft. 8in.


Antique Konya Rug from Nazmiyal
Antique Konya Rug from Nazmiyal
Antique Konya Rug, Turkey, late 19th century. Antique Konyas are among the most prized oriental village rug for their rich, saturated colors, as well as for their bold drawing and design, and this one certainly exemplifies these qualities. Three rows of octagonal ‘Memling Guls’ with hooked step designs dominate the rich, fiery terracotta field, with smaller star octagons as subsidiary fillers. The narrow simple border of checkered squares yields pride of place to the field, using its soft green color to frame the complementary tones of the interior.

Size: 5. ft 05 in x 6. ft 01 in (1.65 m x 1.85 m)

Konya Bag circa 1870
Konya Bag Circa 1870
Konya Bag Circa 1870 2

Type: Turkish Rug, Konya Rug

MEASUREMENTS

Approximately 70 by 70cm. 2ft. 3in. by 2ft. 3in.

DESCRIPTION

Circa 1870

Condition Note: some losses to ends