Vol.16, No.2 | [Article] Study of the Historical Evolution and Distinctive Features of Turkish Carpets

This study investigates the historical evolution of Turkish carpets within the context of Turkic history, Islamic influence, and the geopolitical landscape of the Anatolian Peninsula. Tracing the journey from the mid-7th century Arab expansion into Central Asia to modern Türkiye, the research delves into the transformation of these carpets from utilitarian objects to symbols of artistic, religious, and cultural significance. It examines how the progressive Islamization of the Turks, particularly through Sufism, and the cultural synthesis under the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires influenced carpet-making. The pivotal migration of Turks to the Anatolian Peninsula, the Seljuk Empire’s rise and fall, and the Ottoman Empire’s cultural dominance are explored as key factors in the evolution of Turkish carpets. Incorporating documentary research and fieldwork, including interviews with contemporary artisans, this study provides a comprehensive view of the socio-economic and cultural roles of carpet weaving in Türkiye. It presents Turkish carpets as dynamic cultural artifacts that reflect the rich heritage of the Turks and their ongoing adaptation to modernity.