The Symbolism of Motifs
Understanding the symbolism of kilim motifs
Each kilim is a visual language , an open book on the beliefs, hopes, and daily lives of the nomadic peoples of Anatolia. The motifs are never chosen at random: they carry within them centuries of tradition and symbolism.
The reasons for protection
The Eye (Göz)
The eye motif protects against the evil eye and negative energies. Present for millennia in Middle Eastern cultures, it watches over the home and its inhabitants.
The comb (Tarak)
A symbol of fertility and birth, the comb also represents marriage and union. It is often given as a gift at weddings to bless the new home.
The scorpion (Akrep)
Paradoxically, the scorpion protects against stings and dangers. Its presence on a kilim wards off threats.
The patterns of fertility and abundance
The Tree of Life (Hayat Ağacı)
A universal symbol linking earth to sky, the tree of life represents immortality, growth and the continuity of generations.
The hand (El)
The five fingers represent divine protection. The open hand welcomes abundance and repels evil.
The ram (Koç Boynuzu)
A symbol of virility, strength and prosperity, ram's horns are particularly present in dowry kilims.
Geometric patterns
The diamond (Elibelinde)
Representing the mother goddess with her hands on her hips, this ancestral motif symbolizes femininity, fertility and motherhood.
The hook (Çengel)
It wards off the evil eye and attracts good fortune. It is often found on the borders of kilims.
The dragon (Ejder)
A symbol of power and protection, the stylized S-shaped dragon brings strength and courage.
Colors and their meaning
- Red : joy, happiness, wealth
- Blue : sky, paradise, spirituality
- Green : nature, paradise, hope
- Yellow/Gold : sun, power, sacred
- White : purity, peace, mourning
- Black : protection, mystery
- Orange/Terracotta : earth, fertility
Read a kilim
Learning to read a kilim means understanding the message the weaver wanted to convey. Was it a dowry kilim, woven for her daughter's wedding? A prayer kilim? A rug intended to protect the family tent?
At Anatolie Kilim , we guide you through this discovery. Each piece in our collection is documented with its origin, estimated age, and the meaning of its main motifs.
Because owning a kilim is much more than acquiring a rug: it's welcoming a fragment of history and culture into your home.