Local names and meaning of motifs
used on Anatolian Yagcibedir carpets
by Didem Atis
Translated by Hakan Albayrak 7 May 2004
 The history of Anatolian weaving art traces back to 6000 B.C. When the Central Asian tribes
- who brought along the rug weaving art - arrived to Anatolia, they found a rich cultural inheritance
which had existed since the old Anatolian civilizations. The tribes located in
the Bergama region of Western Anatolia, combined the existing local art with
Seljukian art and synthesized new products at Ottoman times. This affect can be seen the on Yuntdag, Kozak and Yagcibedir carpets, which are subcategories of Bergama carpets
weaved in that region.
The Yagcibedir carpets have been produced by the "Yayci Yoruks"-tribes living around Balikesir, Sindirgi, Bigadic. This region, as its geographical location, was included in Bergama
Kingdom (129 B.C.), Byzantine Empire (1204), Anatolian Seljuks (1077-1308), and Karesi
State (1296-1341) Ottoman Empire and lastly Turkish Republic.
 The region was very near to commercial centers so it was invaded many times in history.
The carpets taking the commercial way to the West became very popular and most of them are now parts of private
collections.
The main difference between Yagcibedir carpets and other Anatolian carpets
are that Yagcibedir carpets have colors limited to red, indigo blue and white. The warp, weft and piles are all wool.
The oldest known piece was made in 17th Century and is now kept at Turk and Islam Art Museum in Istanbul.
The size is
122 x 171 cm. and the knot density 35 x 35 knots per square
decimetre. Beside the dominance of white background color there are indigo
blue, white and
yellow colors. The second oldest piece made in 18th Century, has a size of 120x138
cm with a knot density at 27x38 knots per square
decimetre. The double mihrabs ( niches ) indicates that 18th Century carpet styles are still weaved in similar surface scheme.
As indicated above, not only the surface scheme but also the motifs kept the continuity for centuries. Regarding mankind prehistoric times, the pictures on walls
were not made for decorative purposes but to keep themselves from malice, to show their superiority and to affect their enemies. Affected by Shamanism, the Oguz tribes which lived
in Central Asia used some symbols that indicated their tribal origin. For example, the Gulhan
tribe used hawk motifs and the Ayhan tribe used eagle motifs as their tribal signs. Similarly, Seljukians used the double headed eagles as
state symbol.
The symbolized forms are seen on handmade carpets too as in all other fine arts.
Similar to other Anatolian rugs all emotions and feelings are expressed by symbols on Yagcibedir carpets as well. In fact, the symbolic motifs are a way of communication. However, this way can be used by only people who know the meaning of the motifs. The local names and the meanings of the motifs that were determined by these studies
can be listed as below:
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