Ladik - Persian and oriental rug guide

LADIK

Ladik is located in central Anatolia, a short distance from the regional capital, Konya. The place is famous for its prayer rugs that are made essentially in three styles. The first has a mihrab crowned by a triple arch and is generally made with bright red wool. The second a mihrab with a single, stepped arch, with a bifurcated motif at the top that is sometimes interpreted as a crescent moon, the symbol of Islam; actually it is an Alam the ornament that crowns Turkish minarets and mosques. The background of the niche is usually red, ivory or blue and sometimes has stylized floral motifs. The third type has a triple-arch mihrab or a stepped arch with slender columns that stand out against a dark background. Above, or more often inside, the niche there is a large rectangular panel - generally light blue - with smaller arches. These arches are the starting point for stylized tulips with straight stalks, leaves and bell-shaped corollas. Ladik rugs are usually brightly coloured, with blue and sparkling red the predominant tones. Knot density ranges from 100,000 to 150,000 knots per square meter.