Anatolian Rugs

The term “Anatolia” has become the preferred label for traditional weavings from the region now known as `Asia Minor`. Although the label Turkish is perfectly acceptable, Anatolia (`Land of the East`, from the Greek word meaning sunrise) carries nuances of something much older than the founding of the modern Turkish state. Many nomadic and village women in Anatolia wove patterns that have features in common with the traditional rugs and Kilim of Persian tribes in the Zagros, north-western Iran, and the Caucasus, but with many inventive adaptations.