The motif of Turkmen rugs

Written by Abdolhossein Ghasemnejad.

Turkmens are ancient peoples of Asia who centuries ago resided in Iran than in the former Soviet Union, eventually gaining independence living in current Turkmenistan following the disintegration of the USSR. This article centers upon Turkmen motifs based on the book Turkmen Carpets by Bogolyubov written in 1908.

Historical Background

There is no information about Turkmen peoples’ background and how they arrived in Transoxiana. One of the oldest sources about these people is Shajareye Tarakameh written by Abolghazi Bahadorkhan who was a khan in “Khiveh” area. According to this book, Turkmens inhabited in the northern coast of The “Eishigh Gol” Sea in 4000 BC. Later in 600 AD, they migrated to the banks of “Amu Darya”, finally settling in “Merv” in the south of this river in 1000 AD.

Etymology

It is said that the word ‘Turkmen’ is derived from ‘Turk-like’, meaning someone who is like Turks. However, it is also interpreted as a response to Persian-speaking people asking ‘Who are you?’ to which they answered ‘Turk Man’ meaning ‘I am a Turk’.

Ethnic Categories

Turkmens living in Bukhara, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and northeast Iran are of the same origins. They are comprised of five main tribes and several ethnic subsections. The main tribes include Salurs, Sarikhs, Takehs, Yamuts, and Asaris. Sub-categories include Goklans, Ighdirs, Abdals, Oghorj alis, and Al Alis. These subsections are also divided into smaller sects. Turkmen also reside in Asia Minor. It is thought that Salurs are descendants of older tribes living on the other side of the Caspian Sea.

Motifs

To identify Turkmen's weaves, one should consider their patterns. Each tribe or sect has their own motifs specific to them only, though they have also influenced one other throughout history. Yamut Gul, GhezelAyagh Gul, Ersari Gul, Tekke Gul, Sarikh Gul, Salor Gul, Khive Gul, Herat Gul, Chador Gul, Esli Besher Gul.

Bibliography

1. Bogolyubov, Sergei. 1908. Turkmen Carpets. Translated by Naz Diba.