Store displaying their traditional pottery and carpets
Carpet weaving represents a traditional art, dating back to pre-Islamic times. During its long history, the art and craft of the woven carpet has integrated different cultural traditions. Traces of Byzantine design can be detected, Turkic peoples migrating from Central Asia, as well as Armenian people, Caucasian and Kurdic tribes either living in, or migrating to Anatolia, brought with them their traditional designs. The arrival of Islam and the development of the Islamic art also influenced Turkish carpet design. The history of its designs, motifs and ornaments thus reflects the political and ethnic history and diversity of the area of Asia minor. However, scientific attempts were unsuccessful, as yet, to attribute a particular design to a specific ethnic, regional, or even nomadic versus village tradition.[2] When political contacts and trade became more intense between Western Europe and the Islamic world after the 12th century AD, also woven carpets became known in Europe. As direct trade was initially established between Europe and the Ottoman Empire, all kinds of carpets became known in Europe by the trade name of "Turkish" carpets, regardless of their actual provenience.[3] When Western European art historians developed a scientific interest in "oriental" carpets in the late 19th century, the richness and cultural diversity of the carpet designs was better understood.
Size: 4500px × 3003px
Location: Pergamon, Turkey, Present day Bergama
Photo credit: © Mike Compton / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: None
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