The cultural symbols and motifs that have been passed down from generation to generation, reaching the present day, are actually indicators of beliefs, stories, and various rituals specific to the period in the society they belong to. The Turkish community, influenced by the nomadic lifestyle, turned weaving into an art, and Turkish culture has preserved kilim motifs and their meanings as a significant cultural value to this day.
In Turkish weaving, which can also be referred to as nomadic art, it can be said that the motifs woven onto carpets and kilims are symbols that represent different beliefs and provide information about the lifestyle of that period.
The symbols and emblems on carpets and kilims are called "MOTIF," and the overall collection of these is referred to as "PATTERN."
ELIBELINDE MOTIFS
It is the symbol of femininity. It represents not only motherhood and fertility but also luck, prosperity, fate, happiness, and joy.
The "eli belinde" motif used in today's weavings is a continuation of the cult of the mother goddess, indicating the cultural heritage of the belief in the mother goddess that has come down to us.
RAM'S HORN MOTIFS
The ram's horn motif is a symbol of abundance, heroism, masculinity, and strength. In Anatolian culture, it is a motif used alongside or after the mother goddess. The horn symbol has been associated with power and strength throughout human history, often linked to masculinity.
The finest examples of animal symbols in Turkish ornamental art can be seen in tombstones adorned with ram, sheep, or mountain goat sculptures. Today, ram's horn motifs are widespread in rugs and kilims in Anatolia.
ABUNDANCE MOTIFS
- Grup: The first group consists of plants such as mulberry, watermelon, melon, grape, fig, pomegranate, and animals like butterfly, fish, deer, ram, bull, snake, dragon, symbolizing infinity and happiness, representing abundance motifs.
- Grup: The second group consists of tree leaves and pomegranate motifs. While the tree of life symbolizes abundance and plenty, the pomegranate represents prosperity.
- Grup: The third group consists of rocks, waters, mountains, and certain natural phenomena.
HUMAN FIGURE
The person weaving these figures depicts the desire for a male child or the yearning for a beloved one who is far away.
HAIRBAND MOTIFS
It is a symbol of young girls of marriageable age desiring to marry. Young girls who want to get married cut their hair, make a single braid. Newly married young women braid their hair in two and cut their braids. They attach colored threads to the ends.
EARRING MOTIFS
The motifs found in Çatalhöyük indicate that young girls wore earrings to express their desire for marriage. It has been observed that men also wore earrings. Traders of that time wore earrings on their right ear to symbolize their expertise in their profession. Emperors, dervishes, and women also wore earrings. Translation:
BUTTONHOLE MOTIFS
The term for the iron chain placed on the front two legs of horses to prevent them from straying is "hobble chain." It symbolizes the continuity of the family and represents love and union. Tying engagement rings with a red ribbon is also one of these symbols.
WATERWAY MOTIFS
TREE OF LIFE MOTIFS
The Tree of Life represents the vertical symbolism of life that is constantly evolving and growing, ascending towards heaven. In a broad sense, it signifies life that is constantly evolving and changing. It combines the three important elements of the universe: the underground with its roots delving into the depths of the earth, the sky with its lower branches and trunk, and heaven with its upper branches ascending towards the light. It is a symbol of communication between the earth and heaven.
Trees symbolize rootedness and permanence due to their ability to root and settle in a specific area and grow. They represent life, beauty, eternity, simplicity, and the immortality of the universe and the axis of the earth.
SNAKE MOTIFS
In Anatolian textiles, the snake motif has been interpreted and understood in the forms of zigzag (meander), cloud, and dragon.
The snake has been considered a sacred entity in Anatolia since ancient times; it is regarded with a mix of fear, reverence, and respect. The double-headed snake, symbol of medicine, is depicted in association with poison/antidote.
SCORPION MOTIFS
Scorpion motif is one of the motifs made to protect against evil spirits. This motif represents the soul of evil. The scorpion, always ready to kill, is a symbol of ill will and senseless fighting. People in Anatolia use woven kilims in their homes where the scorpion would have difficulty walking.
BIRD MOTIFS
Bird has become a part of the daily life of the Anatolian people. In Anatolian symbolism, the bird has many meanings. Sometimes it symbolizes love, beloved, or even the soul of the deceased. The bird is associated with women. It is sacred, reminiscent, and a harbinger of news.
SEAL MARK MOTIFS
Throughout history, Turks have used specific symbols or seals called "damga" to signify their power in various social units like family, tribe, clan, community, or state. These symbols or seals, known as "im" in Turkish, represent the reality of an individual or a community. They ensure the continuity of family and lineage names as well as the preservation of valuable family belongings. These seals facilitate the identification of the culture to which a particular textile belongs, aiding future generations in understanding and learning about their heritage.
EYE MOTIFS
The human eye can cast both benevolent and malevolent glances. It is believed that the one who casts the malevolent glance is also the carrier of the evil eye. As a preventive measure against the evil eye, the eye motif is incorporated into textiles, especially around or within the motif of a ram's horn, with the hand on the waist, or within the motif of prosperity.
