Prayer Pattern

A rug with a representation of a mihrab (prayer niche) or “gateway to paradise.” Columns may be shown supporting the arch and a lamp may be shown hanging from the apex of the arch. Some prayer rugs show other religious or talismanic objects. These may include ewers (for religious ablutions), muskas, the “hand of Fatima,” mosques, and the Ka’ba.

A double prayer rug (a design taken from bookbinding) is one with a niche at either end as a mirror image. Although most prayer rugs were woven in Anatolia, the motif occurs throughout Muslim countries, including Turkestan and India. The prayer rug is not necessarily used for prayer, as any clean area is sufficient for this purpose.¹