Hi friends!

In the famous Palace of Ibrahim Pasha on Sultanahmet square (Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi, Meydanı Sok. No: 46, 34122 Fatih / Istanbul) is a huge Museum, which includes more than forty thousand exhibits-a Museum of Turkish and Islamic art.

The Palace of the glorious vizier was huge, so it will not take one hour to go around all the corners of the Museum. Fans of this area can find something to do for the whole day. If you are in a hot time came to Istanbul and want to walk comfortably, learn about the history of Ottoman and Turkish art - you in this Museum. The building is always cool and it's great!

Today we will see a collection of hand carpets, which is one of the richest in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic art . Some carpets are already five hundred years old. The Museum began its activity in 1914 in the period of the Ottoman Empire.

It has been under UNESCO supervision since 1985.

The Museum contains so many exhibits that it can be divided into several museums. I advise you to see this Museum when you arrive in Istanbul

Left carpet Seljuk style, 13-14. century, of Konya

In the Museum collection there are more than 1700 carpets of different times

Very often, even this Museum is called carpet. Presented early carpets that date back to 1200-1300 years. During this period, the art of the Seljuk era rises high. Many carpets were brought to the Museum from the old temples of Konya. Seljuk carpets combine refinement and determination, aestheticism and perfect perfection of lines. Patterns and ornaments are intertwined with the ideas of space and the universe

The bottom rug of the 16th century for prayer, Ushak

The strongest, with an original style are the carpets of uşak province (Turkey). In General, all provinces of Turkey are characterized by their special geometric shapes, patterns and colors. Yellow, rich red, blue carpets with studded medallions.

Scientists even systematized Ushak carpets as follows:

Carpets with medallions slices
Carpets Of Smyrna
Carpets with geometric medallions
Prayer mats

In the center of the carpet Seljuk style, 13-14. century of Konya

The following are the most famous styles of Turkey:

The carpets of Ushak
Carpet products of Holbein
Carpet products Lotto
Carpets York
Prayer rug
Carpet products Hereke

Left carpet Seljuk style, 13-14. century

In modern Istanbul there are carpet shops, where the artisans still hand-made fine wares. More than once I watched such action. Carpet weaving in modern Turkey retains its long tradition. At the Grand Bazaar you can buy amazing handmade carpets, including silk. They are quite expensive. If you are offered a cheap carpet under the guise of silk, run! A lot of decent sellers who explain everything and will not impose their services

Some of the ancient carpets of the Ottoman Empire in the Museum are presented in the great hall. Some of them imitate the open book of the Koran

Another collection of ancient carpets can be found in the museums of the city of Konya

A little digress from the Museum carpets and consider modern Turkey. How are the houses and apartments? Do Turks buy carpets? Of course! Prayer rugs are sold most of all. The Turks take their packs to for all occasions holidays to get a different rug. I've never seen a prayer Mat worn and old.

For decoration of their homes by the Turks, of course, to buy outdoor rugs. Especially in Turkey carpets for every taste and pocket. The house can have several additional carpets on the occasion of Muslim holidays. Often during the holidays the carpets are a light color. Well, now that can be taken to the dry cleaner for carpets. But the average level of Turkish women themselves Polish carpets. At what they do it every day. Many religious Turks still eat on the floor, so the carpet is a must