Transilvanian Ushak Prayer Rug

Carpets called Siebenburgen or Transylvanian are those which have been found in the Protestant churches of Siebenburgen. Some of them carry a label on the back stating where, when and by whom the piece has been donated to the church. Siebenbürgen/Transylvania is an area between the South and the East Carpathian and West Siebenbürgen mountains in Romania. In 1541 the area came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire and became a Turkish protectorate of the principality of Transylvania. Legend has it that Suleiman 'the magnificent' sent his vizier with the gift of a beautiful carpet to the Black Church in Kronstadt (Brasov) as proof of his friendly disposition and respect for the Christian religion. Apparently, the patriarch was overjoyed and ordered 2,000 of the beautiful pieces as decoration for his churches. The use of carpets did not remain for long the domain of religion; soon merchants discovered a new market for the Anatolian carpet and a flourishing trade developed. The most appropriate colors to match the original is used for this rug.

Color summary: 8 colors in total, most used 4 colors are;

• Imperial Red  426 (Madder Root)
• Natural Wool Color  320 (Natural Sheep's Color)
• Dark Brown  316 (No Dye - Sheep’s own Color)
• Russian Green  418 (Henna - Indigo)