Hereke carpet

Silk Hereke carpet with design based on an Ottoman court prayer rug, from Turkey, early 20th century; in a private American collection.

Hereke carpet, floor covering handwoven in imperial workshops founded late in the 19th century at Hereke, Turkey, about 40 miles (64 km) east of Istanbul. Large carpets and prayer rugs with pile of wool or silk were made there for palace use and for gifts presented by the sultan.

Antique carpets of various kinds were copied or patterns were created following Western fashions. Usually a tiny cartouche hidden in the design identifies the carpet’s origin.

Citation Information
Article Title: Hereke carpet
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 17 July 2012
Access Date: March 14, 2025