Anatolia - ‘Land
of The Rising Sun’ - is the name given to the Asian
part of Turkey, in particular that part which extends from
the Taurus mountain range in the south-east of Turkey to
the central plateau.
General Description: The name Anatolian is often given to a rug which is Turkish by manufacture but to which no closer attribution can be made. In a way it is a label of convenience. It can, however, be more specific and generally be taken to indicate rugs made by two principal groups- Mudjur and Kirsherir and woven in villages of the same name; and Yuruk and Yahyali which are produced by nomadic tribes. Generally however, the term Anatolian can refer to rugs made over a wide area and include rugs woven both by village craftsmen and nomads.
Because of the variation in the place of manufacture there is also a variation in looms used and of course in quality and inspiration. Wool is normally chosen for the pile and for the weft and warp, though in the latter cotton is occasionally found. The knot is always Turkish, varying in density between 40 and 100 per square inch.
Yuruk rugs are
mainly geometric in design. A popular design was a hexagonal
motif surrounded by a key design known as the ‘running
dog’ motif. The area within the hexagon would be decorated
with a design of diamonds of various sizes, within each
other, each of a varying colour. Outside the hexagon at
each corner would be an octagon within which would be an
eight-pointed star. Borders are wide and usually composed
of four guards containing geometric leaf motifs. Colours
are vivid but pleasingly combined. They include violet,
yellow, green, blue and orange.
The rugs of Yahyali
are similar to Yuruk but are simpler in design. The number
of diamonds and or hexagons are reduced, and gone is the
running dog key. The overall effect is much closer to the
Caucasian style. Shapes are more elongated and colours darker,
more sedate.
Specification: Loom - Yuruk and Yahyali - horizontal. Mudjur and Kirshehir vertical. Warp - wool. Weft - Wool. Pile - Wool. Knot - Turkish, 40 to 100 knots per square inch. Motifs - geometric including hexagons, diamonds, running dog, stars etc. Also prayer rugs.
