Turkish Prayer 1476

This mid-20th century Turkish prayer rug was handwoven in the renowned Melas region of Anatolia, celebrated for its distinct prayer carpet traditions of great spiritual and artistic refinement. The rug features the classic mihrab design — the arched prayer niche pointing toward Mecca — rendered in a harmonious palette of butter yellow, chocolate brown, and soft ivory, with naturally dyed tones continuing through the elegant border.

The Melas region of southwestern Anatolia has produced prayer rugs of distinctive character for centuries — pieces known for their unusual color palette, their quiet devotional spirit, and a design sensibility that balances geometric precision with organic warmth. The understated color composition and refined workmanship of this example reflect the signature artistry of Melas weavers at their most accomplished. The Anatolian prayer rug tradition is one of the most ancient and spiritually resonant in the entire textile world. The mihrab — the arched niche that orients the rug toward Mecca — gives these rugs their distinctive directional quality and their connection to the devotional life of Islam. Village prayer rugs of the 19th and early 20th century are among the most personal and expressive textiles ever made, each a unique expression of the individual weaver's artistic sensibility within a form of deep religious significance.

Dimensions: 3' 9" x 6' 3"

Date of Manufacture: 2nd Quarter of the 1900s

Place of Origin: Turkey (Melas region, Anatolia)

Material: Wool on a wool foundation with vegetable dyes

Condition: Good

SKU: 1476