Reflections of Animal Symbolism on Anatolian Turkish Rugs

Abstract

Ornamentation diversity (symbolic, figural, architectural, written, cosmic) is quite rich in Turkish art. Nature has been widely used as an artistic discourse in Turkish decorative arts. The human, animal and plant species in nature are applied by bringing the meanings attributed to their physical characteristics to the forefront in the discourse of art and have been kept alive as a cultural identity. Figurative ornaments, which are about human and animal depictions that exist for this dynamic, are common in Turkish art.The aim of this study, which includes animal patterns, one of the figurative ornament groups, is to touch upon the reflections of animal symbolism on Anatolian rugs. For this purpose, the development of animal patterns in Turkish art was addressed, and animal patterns applied on rugs woven in various regions of Anatolia were mentioned. The study, which has been introduced by making use of secondary data is qualified to set an example for various studies to be conducted in this field. As a result of the study, it was observed and apprehended that animal symbolism was applied in almost all regions of Anatolia, especially in Central Anatolia. While animal patterns are not generally applied as the main and exclusive pattern on rugs, it is seen that they have been attributed a protective role rather than being the main pattern per se. In this context, animal patterns applied on borders and surrounding the main pattern were encountered in general. Nevertheless, as a result of the study, it was determined that animal patterns differ slightly from region to region in terms of composition, but they had similar features in terms of weight of sense and were generally applied for protection purposes.

Keywords

• hayvan sembolizmi
• dokuma
• kilim
• figürlü süsleme
• türk sanatı
• animal symbolism
• weaving
• rug
• figurative embroidery
• turkish arts