Bold and Angular Traditional Mamluk Pattern 9x12 Area Rug

Mamluk rugs are known for being among the most striking and unique patterns seen in rugs from the lower middle east. While much debate exists concerning the origins of a signature Mamluk Carpet style, most scholars are in agreement that Cairene workshops in Egypt are represented in many of the surviving examples.

The foundation of these rug designs begin with predominantly Turkic speaking peoples in Egypt from within a soldier caste rose to prominence to form what has become known as the Mamluk Sultanate. The Mamluk period begins in 1250 and lasted until the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in 1517. During this nearly three centuries of dominance in the region, they halted Mongol expansion, and effectively ended the Crusades in The Levant. Their rugs carry many of the influences stemming from the origins of the captured and enslaved groups that coalesced in a larger Mamluk cultural identity. Influences can be interpreted in rugs from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Persia, and even the Balkans, with Caucasian influences being seen as the most prevalent. However, the most distinct aspect of Mamluk rugs is that they adopted a very Egyptian design sensibility, relying on geometric precision and very evenly balanced visual weight.

This handmade area rug measures 9'0" x 11'8" and has a very durable, low shorn pile making it resistant to collecting debris opposed to deeper pile rugs. The asymmetrical geometric pattern and central eight pointed medallion framing a hexagon in red gives them a strong element to build a room around.

Since its founding in 2006 by King Charles III, Turquoise Mountain has strived to work with the artisans and craftsperson of Afghanistan to rebuild historic Kabul and to establish the sustainability of the Afghan textile industry as a means to improve the quality of life for all Afghans.

We at Christiane Millinger are proud to be able to support Turquoise Mountain and do our part to help each successive generation of Afghans envision lives with more opportunities and hope than the last by being able to bring their quality and craftsmanship to Portland and beyond.

This is just one example of the many wonderful rugs that we have in our showroom. Purchase through our site and have it shipped to you, or come see this or any of our other unique and one-of-a-kind hand-knotted rugs in person at our 2037 NW Lovejoy Street showroom in NW Portland, Oregon.

• Measures: 9'0" x 11'8"
• Materials: Wool
• Hand-knotted in Afghanistan
• Rug # C-1168