Vintage Turkish Prayer Rug | Hand-Knotted Wool Mihrab Design

This authentic hand-knotted prayer rug is a classic Anatolian village-style piece, recognizable by its architectural mosque panel at the top (twin minarets, prayer niche/mihrab framing, and stylized “building” forms) and the tall mihrab field below. The warm rust–burnt orange ground, creamy border, and deep brown/black details are lifted by small violet accents—an earthy palette that reads both traditional and very modern in contemporary interiors.

The design is more than decorative: the mihrab niche guides orientation for prayer, while the repeating star/rosette border works like a protective frame (a common weaving language across Anatolia). In the close-ups, the wool pile shows a gently aged, slightly “melanged” look with a medium pile height and a sturdy, practical handle—ideal as a bedside rug, entry accent, or a meditation corner piece.

Features

Size: 100 cm x 68 cm (approx. 3.3 ft x 2.2 ft)

Weaving tradition: Anatolian Turkish village prayer-rug tradition (mihrab + mosque/architecture panel)

Construction: Hand-knotted pile rug

Knot structure: Most consistent with symmetrical (Turkish/Ghiordes) knotting typical of Anatolia (exact knot type can’t be 100% confirmed from photos alone without a macro shot of the back)

Materials: Wool pile; foundation appears sturdy with tightly packed wefts/warps (likely wool foundation; may include some cotton—cannot be confirmed with certainty from photos)

Pile height: Medium/low-medium (approx. ~6–8 mm visually), with a dense, even surface

Knot density (estimate): Medium density for a village prayer rug (approx. ~70–100 knots per sq. inch range visually; best treated as an informed estimate)

Dyes: Colors appear stable and well-saturated; likely a mix of traditional dye practice with later dyes (common in late-20th-century village rugs)

Motifs & meaning:

Mihrab (prayer niche): devotion, orientation, sacred space

Mosque/architecture panel + minarets: spiritual landmark / blessing symbolism

Star/rosette border: protection, guidance, good fortune

Geometric diamonds/hooks in field: tribal identity marks and protective geometry

Age (visual assessment): Vintage, likely late 20th century based on color retention, wool character, and overall construction finish

Condition: Very good vintage condition; light, even age/handling visible in the wool (no major repairs visible in the provided photos). Slight edge waviness typical of handmade rugs.

Estimated time to weave: For a hand-knotted rug of this size and density, typically 4–8 weeks of work depending on the weaver’s pace and loom schedule.

Decor match: Boho, rustic, southwestern, eclectic, maximalist, warm modern, wabi-sabi, and curated vintage spaces. Works beautifully in entryways, beside a bed, reading nooks, prayer/meditation corners, and layered rug styling.

Care Instructions

Vacuum gently (no beater bar) in the direction of the pile

Rotate every few months for even wear and sun exposure

Spot clean with cold water + a small amount of wool-safe soap; blot, don’t scrub

Avoid soaking; dry flat and fully

For deep cleaning, use a professional rug wash (hand-wash method preferred)

This is a one-of-a-kind handmade piece—when it’s gone, it’s gone.