Carpet-Kilim Art in the Turks and the Meaning of Motifs in the Context of Islamic Culture

Abstract

This study examines Turkish carpet and kilim art through its historical development, cultural context, and the spiritual and symbolic meanings conveyed by motifs within the context of Islamic culture. Developed by the Turks as a consequence of their nomadic lifestyle, starting in Central Asia, the art of weaving reflects a history spanning thousands of years, with early examples like the Pazyryk Carpet. Reaching its peak during the Great Seljuk and Ottoman periods, this art, with its aesthetic and functional value, has permeated a wide range of areas, from mosques and palaces to everyday life and international trade.

Carpets and kilims are not merely decorative objects; they are also carriers of social memory, belief, and identity. The textiles known as "Ölümlük" (death garments) used in funeral rituals are among the most striking examples of this cultural depth. With the adoption of Islam, the aesthetic approach to abstraction in art manifested itself in carpet and kilim motifs, with geometric patterns and stylized plant and animal figures becoming widespread.

One of the focal points of this study is the connection of these motifs with Islamic Sufism. The principle of monotheism is symbolically expressed in compositions based on central and infinite repetition; the idea of ​​Unity of Being is expressed in holistic patterns where all motifs are interconnected; and the concept of Fena Fillah is symbolically expressed in motifs that simplify and intensify toward the center. Traditional motifs such as the hands-on waist, ram's horn, tree of life, mihrab, tulip, amulet, and waterway each carry profound meanings, symbolizing abundance, power, protection, qibla orientation, and divine unity.

In conclusion, Turkish carpet and kilim art, beyond mere technical perfection, is a cultural code and a means of spiritual expression passed down from generation to generation. Preserving this art form and its symbolic language is one of the most valuable cultural legacies to be passed down to future generations.