TEXTILES
Turkey: Istanbul
Prayer rug
c. 1850
Plain weave; Knotted pile
Silk; Metallic thread
74 1/2 x 47 in. (189.2 x 119.3 cm) overall
Gift of James D. and Stephanie Burns
TC 2008.4-9

This style of rug is referred to as “Kum Kapi,” after their place of manufacture; these rugs were woven by Turkish weavers employed by the Sultan. They copy the designs of 16th-century Persian rugs acquired by Ottoman rulers. Kamkapi translates literally from Turkish as “sand gate.” It is a community on the Marmara shore of the Istanbul peninsula and was the location of the workshops of the Sultan’s master weavers and the home to many Armenian weaving workshops.

Prayer rugs have existed almost since the time of Mohammed and the beginning of Islam. Often small in size, measuring perhaps 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 feet, they may be floral, geometric patterned, or unadorned, and are often hand woven. Patterns and colors may reflect the style of the region where they were made. In the last hundred years prayer rugs have become larger and design conventions used on prayer rugs have begun to appear on rugs made for export to Western markets. Some rugs, as on this example, use architectural details of arches and niches and the hanging lamps found in mosques to identify the direction that the rug should be laid to face Mecca. Travelers can access internet sites to determine the times for prayer and check for the direction for pointing their prayer rugs to Mecca. Prayer rugs are portable, easily rolled or folded up, and they are carefully kept clean.

Salah, or prayer, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Observant Muslims must stop five times in their day to face the Kaaba in Mecca and pray. Prayer is a private act that allows a person to focus his or her mind on God and express gratitude. During Islamic prayer, the worshipper bows, kneels, and lays prostrate before God. People may pray wherever they are, as long as the prayer is performed in an area that is clean and after the worshipper has washed. Prayer rugs are commonly used by Muslims, but use is not mandatory. Laying down a prayer rug or prayer mat designates a space as clean and is a signal for others in the area to respectfully stay away and not disturb the worshipper. -- Label copy for Vortexhibition Polyphonica: Opus II rotation 2, March 24 to May 2, 2010.