Mosques and the role of prayer carpets
Muslims lay portable prayer carpets (sajjada) on the floor during their five daily prayers (salat) to ensure a clean prayer space. The carpet has an arched pattern (mihrab) woven into the top edge, which resembles the niche in the wall of a mosque, and when laid out, it faces the direction of Mecca. This arch indicates the direction of prayer and is also said to symbolize the gate to heaven. After prayer, the prayer carpet is carefully rolled up and treated with care.
In Islamic art, the prohibition of idolatry led to the avoidance of depictions of people and animals, and instead geometric and plant arabesque designs developed. Arabesque patterns feature organic designs of intertwining vines and leaves arranged symmetrically in a continuous pattern, allowing the same pattern to be repeated endlessly. This infinitely continuous pattern is thought to symbolize the eternity and omnipresence of God's creation, which extends beyond the visible world. The complex patterns, which harmonize geometry and plants, add a mystical touch to worship spaces and also have the effect of evoking the presence of God in believers.
Carpet weaving has been popular in Persia (present-day Iran) since ancient times, and with the introduction of Islam in the 7th century, traditional techniques were adapted for religious purposes, resulting in the creation of prayer carpets. Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century protected and promoted the carpet industry, helping Persian carpets to flourish internationally. Prayer carpets of the time were woven with Persian poetry and the names of donors, and some were presented to the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Carpet patterns vary by region, and Persian carpets tend to feature intricate floral and arabesque motifs, with motifs symbolizing eternal life such as the "Tree of Life." Meanwhile, prayer carpets in Turkey (the Ottoman Empire) developed a design featuring slender pillars and lamps on either side of an arch reminiscent of a prayer wall.
