The Saddlebags and Tribal Bags. The Hidden Language of Identity in the Nomadic World!
The (xurcun, Khorjin, Heybe) or tribal bag has never been merely a carrying tool. Throughout history it has been an essential part of nomadic and pastoral life — a vessel of identity, memory and belonging. Whether worn over the shoulder, hung from a horse’s saddle or balanced on both sides of a camel, its function exceeded practicality.
The Philosophy of Chaharbagh Design in Tabriz Carpets
Among the masterpieces of Safavid-era Azerbaijani (Persian) carpet art, the Chaharbagh (four gardens) or garden carpets stand out not only for their beauty but also for their deep philosophical and cultural meaning. Woven by Tabriz masters, these carpets were inspired by palace garden architecture and embodied the essence of the universe and life through rich symbolic imagery.
The Philosophy of the Border: Evolution of Boundaries in Carpet Design.
In carpet art, the border is not merely a decorative frame but a structural element carrying symbolic and cultural meaning. The border separates the inner field from the external world, providing protection and regulating the composition.
The Meaning of the Star Symbol in Tribal Woven Art
The star is one of the most ancient and enduring symbols found in tribal woven art. Across Turkic nomadic cultures, as well as in Islamic, Persian, and Sufi traditions, the star motif has carried deep cosmological, spiritual, and protective meanings. Far beyond a decorative element, it represents a bridge between the earthly and the celestial — a woven echo of the sacred order of the universe.
Hidden Desires: Erotic Symbols in Tribal and Nomadic Woven Art
Throughout history, nomadic and tribal weavers have used carpets, kilims, and textiles not only as functional objects but also as a form of emotional expression. Among the various motifs found in antique woven art, erotic symbols occupy a unique and rarely discussed place. These symbols reveal the longings,
Dragon and Phoenix (Simurgh):
In Eastern philosophy and Sufism, the Dragon and the Phoenix represent two eternal symbols of spiritual journey. The Dragon symbolizes the ego, desires, fears, and worldly attachments, while the Phoenix embodies divine wisdom, enlightenment, and unity with God. These symbols were not only philosophical but also deeply integrated into carpet and textile art, carrying hidden messages over centuries.
The Eagle Symbol in Antique Turkmen Woven Art
For ancient Turks and the nomadic tribes of Turkmenistan, the eagle was more than just a bird; it represented power, wisdom, and divine protection. In antique Turkmen rugs and woven arts, the eagle appears not just as a decorative motif but as a deeply symbolic and mythological figure. In this article, we explore the origins of the eagle symbol, how it was manifested in tribal art, and its continuing presence in Turkmen culture.
Azerbaijani Carpet Splendor Safavid Treasures in Antique Weaving
The Catalog of my exhibition in NYC at the Turkish house. Azerbaijani Carpet Splendor Safavid Treasures in Antique Weaving
The Comb Symbol in the tribal rugs Article
Among the many ancient symbols woven into the textiles of the Caucasus and Central Asia, the comb motif holds a special place. Especially prominent in antique tribal rugs from Azerbaijan — notably in the Shirvan, Quba, and Karabakh regions — this small geometric figure may appear modest at first glance. But upon closer inspection, it reveals deep cultural and symbolic meaning, often connected to purity, femininity, and protection.
The Qoca* "Harshangh" Misnomer: A Forgotten Sufi Symbol in Safavid Carpet Art
For centuries, a distinctive motif frequently found in classical Safavid carpets has been referred to in the market as “Harshangh” (خرچنگ)—a Persian word meaning crab. Dealers and collectors alike have adopted this term, mistakenly associating the form with crustacean-like claws or organic tendrils. However, this misnaming reveals more about modern commercial simplification than historical intent.
The Goat Symbol in Antique Nomadic Rugs
Among the many ancient symbols woven into the textiles of the Caucasus and Central Asia, the comb motif holds a special place. Especially prominent in antique tribal rugs from Azerbaijan — notably in the Shirvan, Quba, and Karabakh regions — this small geometric figure may appear modest at first glance. But upon closer inspection, it reveals deep cultural and symbolic meaning, often connected to purity, femininity, and protection.
