Close-up of a hexagonal motif in the kilim on the last picture. Yörük, woollen weft on woollen strands.

The blue design is a ‘Canavar Ayağı’ (Monster’s foot), symbolizing the Dragon, a creature believed to be the master of air and water and the guard of treasures and secret objects. A related theme is the fight of the Dragon and the Phoenix, which is believed to produce fertile rains of spring and connects both creatures with the themes of fertility and renewal.
Inside this ‘Monster’s foot’, two other motifs have been woven. The one in red is a ‘Nazarlık’ (amulet against the Evil eye): used to reduce the effect of the evil glance, which is believed to be a power possessed by some people, that causes harm, injury, misfortune and even death. The yellow one, looking like a double arrow, is called ‘Bukağı’ (Fetter): a cuff-shaped motif symbolizing the continuity of the family union, the devotion of lovers and the hope that they should always stay together.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: ‘Kilim catalogue’ – Güran Erbek (DÖSÍM - Kültür Bakanlığı/Ministry of Culture)