Pazyryk Carpet Models
The Pazyryk Carpet has earned a solid place in history books as one of the oldest and most important examples of the Turkish carpet weaving tradition. With roots dating back to the 5th century BC, approximately 2,500 years ago, this unique carpet is an elegant reflection of both Turkish culture and nomadic lifestyle. Found during excavations at the Pazyryk Kurgans in the Altai Mountains in 1949, this carpet has survived to the present day as one of the most beautiful examples of the aesthetic understanding and technical skills of the Turkish people throughout history.
How to Identify Original Pazyryk Carpet?
An original Pazyryk Carpet is distinguished by its woven Turkish knot (Gördes knot) , a density of 35-36 knots per cm² and colours obtained from natural root dyes . The irregularities in the knots on the back of the carpet (traces of hand workmanship not seen in machine weaving) and the symbolic depth in the motifs (horsemen, griffins, four-leafed flowers) are important clues. In addition, the double-twisted fine wool yarns used in original Pazyryk Carpets and the fact that the fringes are a natural extension of the weaving (not sewn) are among the distinguishing features.
The Artistic Richness and Deep Meaning of the Pazyryk Carpet
The Pazyryk Carpet not only has an aesthetic value with the motifs on it, but also provides important information about the belief systems and social structure of the period. The figures on the carpet, horsemen, mythological animals and geometric patterns symbolize the life, struggles and religious beliefs of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia. The mythological animal figures in particular attract attention as powerful symbols that describe the relationship of these peoples with nature and the universe. These motifs transform the carpet from being a mere decorative tool to a carrier of culture and history.
The Pazyryk Carpet contains the artistic and aesthetic understanding of the period in every detail, while also bearing the traces of nomadic culture. The details in the design of the carpet represent the strong bond, mobility and durability of these people with nature and their environment.
Weaving Technique
One of the most striking features of the Pazyryk Carpet is the weaving technique used. The carpet is woven using the traditional "Gördes knot" or "Turkish knot" technique as it is known among the public. This technique is one of the most fundamental elements that ensure the durability and longevity of the carpet. The Gördes knot preserves the structural integrity of the carpet in terms of both aesthetics and durability, making it resistant to wear and tear or deterioration over time. This feature is one of the most important reasons why the Pazyryk Carpet has survived to the present day without deterioration for thousands of years.
This unique technique allowed each motif to be crafted in detail and with exquisite detail, with each knot being meticulously tied by hand. Even today, this weaving technique is considered one of the most fundamental elements of traditional Turkish carpet weaving.
Material and Color Selection
The Pazyryk Carpet is hand-woven entirely with wool yarns, and the quality of the materials used ensures the durability of the carpet. Wool, due to its natural structure, offers both an aesthetically rich texture and contributes to the longevity of the carpet. The colors in the Pazyryk Carpet are obtained with completely natural root dyes. The use of these root dyes has helped the carpet's colors to maintain their vibrancy, and they have not faded or deteriorated over time. Even after centuries, the colors in the carpet have remained fresh and vibrant, which has increased the cultural and artistic value of the Pazyryk Carpet.
What is the meaning of the motifs on the Pazyryk Carpet?
The motifs on the Pazyryk Carpet carry a symbolic language reflecting the nomadic lifestyle, religious beliefs and mythological elements of the Central Asian Turkish culture. Deer figures are considered celestial beings in Turkish mythology and are believed to carry souls to the other world. While the depictions of mounted cavalry are interpreted as symbols of nomadic life and warrior identity, the knotted tails of the horses are a detail documenting the daily life practices of the Huns.
The four-leaf flower motifs and lotus decorations in the center of the carpet are associated with fertility and the cycle of life. The griffins (eagle-headed lions) in the geometric borders serve as protective talismans, forming a shield against evil spirits. In addition, the Turkish star motif is thought to represent universal order and directions.
All of these motifs carry the artistic and religious codes of the 5th century BC steppe culture and create both an aesthetic and functional integrity.
From Which Plants Are the Natural Root Dyes in the Pazyryk Carpet Obtained?
The natural root dyes used in the Pazırık Carpet were prepared using traditional methods from the roots, leaves, bark and fruits of plants in ancient times. The most prominent color sources are:
- Red : Obtained using Rubia tinctorum (the madder plant) and cochineal (the red beetle). The alizarin pigment in the roots of the madder plant is the main source of this color.
- Blue : Created with pigment extracted from the indigo plant ( Indigofera tinctoria ).
- Yellow : Plants such as onion peel, turmeric and chamomile were used.
- Brown/Black : Produced using walnut shells and acorn oak cones.
- Green : Obtained by mixing yellow and blue dyes.
In addition, yellow tones were taken from the euphorbia plant, reddish colors from pomegranate peel and supporting tones from rose petals. These dyes were boiled with wool yarns to fix the color and ensure durability for thousands of years.
The Pazyryk Carpet and Modern Reflections
Today, as Art Doku Halı, we continue to bring this unique heritage to modern living spaces. We combine the traditional weaving techniques and aesthetic understanding of the Pazırık Carpet, which dates back 2,500 years, with contemporary interior designs, making it compatible with modern life. Each of our carpets is meticulously woven by our masters and produced with the traditional Turkish knot technique. This allows us to offer high quality products in terms of both aesthetics and functionality.
As Art Doku Halı, we integrate motifs inspired by the Pazyryk Carpet into our modern designs in our carpets produced with natural materials. The 100% wool yarns and root dyes used in our hand-woven carpets allow us to produce both environmentally friendly and healthy products. The modern carpets we design inspired by the historical motifs of the Pazyryk Carpet add both aesthetic and cultural richness to your interiors.
Why Art Doku Carpet?
- Hand Weaving Sensitivity: As Art Doku Halı, we attach great importance to the fine workmanship and traditional techniques of our masters in weaving each carpet. Each carpet is a work of art that blends traces of the past with modern designs.
- Natural Materials: We produce carpets that are both healthy and durable by using root dyes and 100% wool yarns. These materials ensure that our carpets maintain their aesthetic value for many years.
- Aesthetics and Function: Inspired by the motifs of the Pazırık Carpet, the carpets we design add a historical touch to modern interiors. Our carpets, which are both visually aesthetic and functionally perfect, will completely change the atmosphere of your living spaces.