KONYA SELJUK (Selçuk) RUGS

Oldest examples of Turkish rugs, with symmetrical Turkish knots, were made in the 13th century, during the time of Anatolian Seljuks who came to Anatolia before Ottoman Turks and established a sultanate lasting 150 years. Eight of these rugs were discovered by the German Consul, Loytved, 1905 the great mosque of Alaeddin in Konya. 

This great discovery drew the attention of a Swedish researcher, Martin, who was the first person realizing importance of these rugs. Upon the request of the Swedish king photographs and water colour pictures of these rugs were produced. This was how these rugs were introduced to the rest of the scientific world. In 1914, Seljuk rugs were transferred to Istanbul. In our time these rugs are displayed in the museum of Turkish Islamic Arts. These rugs, woven in the capital city of Seljuks or in the town of Aksaray, are known as Seljuk rugs. 

Praised by Marco Polo and Ibni Batuta Konya region was one of the greatest centers of weaving. Up to present day 18 pieces of Seljuk rugs were discovered in the city of Konya and Aksehir. Ten of these rugs decorate the walls of Turkish museums, but seven were taken out of the country and displayed in the public of private museums

BEYSEHIR SELJUK RUGS

Three other Seljuk rugs were discovered by an American scholar, Professor R.M. Reifstahl in 1930 in Esrefoglu mosque at Beysehir. Published by the same scholar and made known to the scientific circles, Beysehir rugs were moved to Konya where two of them are still on display. One of these rugs which had disappeared a mysterious way was recently rediscovered in a private collection in London.

FUSTAT RUGS

Seven other rugs belonging to Seljuk Period and originating from Konya District were discovered in Fustat (old Cairo) during the archeological research done 19335 and 1936.