Konya’s Rich Carpet Weaving Tradition

Konya has a deep-rooted history in carpet weaving, with significant weaving centers in regions such as Kavak, Sarayonu, Kadınhanı, Ilgın, and Sille. The carpets woven in these areas stand out with their unique motifs and patterns, preserving traditional weaving techniques. Sille, located near the center of Konya, has long been known as a major carpet hub, where hundreds of looms once operated, making it a primary source of income for many people.

Ladik carpets are classified as prayer rugs and other forms (such as side rugs, pillow rugs, and floor rugs). Prayer rugs have either a single mihrab or three mihrabs. The mihrab arch is either placed directly on the ground or carried by pillars. The top of the mihrab arch is ornate. In the space above the arch, a motif called kirman or şapla in the region and a symmetrical ewer motif can be seen. The verse section has been removed from prayer rugs, and tulip branches have been placed side by side on this section or on the base. This motif is characteristic of Ladik carpets. While there are broken branches and flowers, zigzag and Zencerek on the borders, the motifs of unblown tulips and bloomed tulips in the region are arranged alternately on the wide border. In some publications, the tulip motif is called the Ladik rose. Ladik carpet samples also have carnation or hyacinth themes. In some single mihrab prayer rugs, a single or three oil lamp motifs hang down from the mihrab. Carpets from the Konya Kavak region have inverted tulip branches and a composition of a branch, massive leaves, and a flower in the center. In Kavak carpets, this design is layered on top of one another.

Side carpets, which are spread side by side on a couch or the floor and are known locally as village carpets or double carpets, are given to the brides-to-be, one for each of their families and the families of their spouses. According to the decorations on their medallions, they are known as tray rosette, vase, star rosette, gazelle, kirman, mihrab, Isfahan, and so on. Similar Ladik carpets were woven in Sarayonu and the district's villages, in Konya's city, and in areas like Kadınhanı, Ilgın.

Sille, which is close to Konya's center, has long been known as a prominent carpet hub. There have been times when hundreds of looms were operated. It was formerly the primary source of income for many people, but currently, it is difficult to find a carpet loom. The antique Sille carpets employed the Gördes (Turkish) knot method. It usually has three or five medallions. Almond, navel, and medallion are the dominant patterns in Sille carpets. The prayer rugs have columns facing each other and the mihrab in the center. In the mihrab, there is normally a chandelier-shaped oil lamp.