Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets: 'Fringes of Heaven' and Centuries-Old Artisans (2026)

Eyüp Sultan Mosque, located at the spiritual heart of Istanbul, captivates its visitors not only with its architecture but with every detail it contains. Undoubtedly, one of the most significant of these details is the Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets. These special carpets, which have added splendor to the mosque's magnificence for centuries and carry a deep spiritual meaning in each interwoven knot, are reflections of craftsmanship and faith extending from the past to the present. Even in 2026, these unique works continue to maintain their initial grandeur, offering both physical and spiritual comfort to the congregation. For more insights into the mosque's inner workings, explore Behind the Scenes at Eyüp Sultan Mosque in 2026.

Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets: A Historical Journey

The carpets of Eyüp Sultan Mosque, like the mosque itself, have a deep-rooted history. Since the first mosque built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, great importance has been given to carpets in the interior design of the mosque in every period. During the Ottoman Empire, carpets specially woven for mosques were considered not merely functional items, but works of art. This dedication to artistry is mirrored in the detailed Eyüp Sultan Mosque Treasury Rooms in 2026.

These carpets were woven with great care by the most talented masters of the period, often by special order. Each pattern, each color choice, reflects the subtleties of Islamic art and the aesthetic understanding of the era. Historical sources indicate that during the mosque's renovations and restoration processes over time, the carpets were also carefully selected and replaced. This shows that Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets are a legacy not only of today but also of the past.

Traces of Ottoman Period Carpet Art in Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets

• Palace Workshops: Like many valuable carpets, some carpets specially woven for Eyüp Sultan Mosque are thought to have been prepared in palace workshops or centers supported by the palace.
• Wool and Silk Workmanship: Woven using high-quality wool and, in some special pieces, silk, these carpets stood out for both their durability and aesthetic value.
• Richness of Motifs and Designs: Geometric patterns, botanical motifs (hatayi, rumî), medallions, and mihrab forms are among the fundamental elements of Ottoman carpet art, and this richness is also observed in the carpets of Eyüp Sultan Mosque.

"Fringes of Heaven": The Spiritual Meaning of Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets

Eyüp Sultan Mosque carpets are not merely floor coverings for the congregation; on the contrary, they are described as "Fringes of Heaven," enveloping worshippers and transporting them into a spiritual atmosphere. This phrase emphasizes the carpets' contribution to the sacred atmosphere of the mosque and their effect on religious worship. This spiritual depth is a common theme, resonating with Lovers and Enchanted Prayers Rising from Behind the Gates of Eyüp Sultan Mosque in 2026.

In Islamic belief, mosques are considered the house of Allah, and the cleanliness, beauty, and order of these spaces are of great importance. Carpets are an integral part of this order and cleanliness. These areas, where the worshipper places their forehead on the ground in prostration, are places where a spiritual connection is established. The quality and beauty of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets enrich this spiritual experience and help in the peaceful performance of worship.

Color and Symbolism in Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets

The colors and designs in Eyüp Sultan Mosque's carpets also carry deep symbolic meanings. For example:

• Green: Symbolizes paradise, abundance, and peace. It holds a special place in Islam.
• Blue: Represents eternity, the sky, and the divine.
• Red: Expresses power, passion, and grandeur.
• Mihrab Forms: Mihrab forms frequently found in carpets show the worshipper the qibla and help them focus spiritually in one direction.

The Touch of Centuries-Old Artisans: How Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets Are Made?

Even today, traditional Turkish carpet weaving techniques are meticulously preserved. The carpets specially made for Eyüp Sultan Mosque are also generally hand-woven, inheriting a century-old tradition of craftsmanship. This process is a long and arduous task requiring patience, skill, and faith.

The weaving process of a carpet begins with the preparation of the design. Then, the yarns are dyed using traditional natural dyes. These dyes do not lose their colors over time and give the carpets a unique brilliance. Afterward, the weaving process begins knot by knot on the carpet loom. Each knot is tied by patient hands, and the carpet slowly takes shape. This process sometimes results in the production of square meters of carpet being the product of months or even years of labor.

As of 2026, only a few masters remain who keep these traditional hand-weaving techniques alive. These masters pass on not only a profession but also a cultural heritage to future generations. The Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets are products of the hands of these masters, each one a standalone work of art. For more on the historical artistic expressions in Islamic culture, you can refer to resources like The Art of Islamic Carpets.

Main Steps of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpet Weaving Process

1. Design and Cartooning: The carpet's design is drawn on paper and transferred to a cartoon for the weavers to follow.
2. Yarn Preparation and Dyeing: High-quality wool or silk yarns are selected and colored with natural dyes using traditional methods.
3. Weaving: On the carpet loom, patterns are created by tying knots using special techniques (such as the Turkish knot or Ghiordes knot). Each knot determines the quality and durability of the carpet.
4. Finishing Touches: After weaving is completed, the carpet is washed, the pile height is adjusted (sheared), and its fringes are braided to give it its final form.

Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets and the Importance of Their Maintenance (2026)

The maintenance of the carpets in a historical and spiritually significant structure like Eyüp Sultan Mosque requires great care and expertise. Even in 2026, these carpets can maintain their original splendor thanks to regular and professional maintenance. Proper maintenance practices extend the life of the carpets, preserve the vibrancy of their colors, and help ensure a hygienic environment.

Historical carpets cannot be cleaned with ordinary cleaning methods. Incorrect applications can cause irreparable damage to the carpets. Therefore, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets are cleaned by expert teams using special organic cleaners and delicate techniques. In this way, the texture of the carpets is not damaged, while accumulated dust and dirt are effectively removed. Insights into textile conservation practices can be found at institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Textile Conservation Department.

Considerations for Historical Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpet Maintenance

• Professional Cleaning: Historical and valuable carpets must be cleaned by professional carpet cleaning companies using specialized methods.
• Humidity Control: The humidity balance in the mosque's interior environment is critical for the preservation of the carpets. Excessive humidity can lead to mildew, while excessive dryness can weaken fibers.
• Moth and Pest Control: Especially wool carpets should be periodically inspected for pests like moths and necessary precautions should be taken.
• Protection from Sunlight: Exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colors of the carpets to fade. Therefore, measures are taken to prevent natural light from harming the carpets. For general guidelines on carpet care, an organization like the Carpet and Rug Institute offers helpful resources.

Your Observations on the Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets During Your Visit (2026)

When you visit Eyüp Sultan Mosque in 2026, we recommend that you pay attention not only to its monumental architecture but also to the unique carpets that adorn its floors. You will notice that the Eyüp Sultan Mosque Carpets make a significant contribution to the indescribable peace you feel the moment you step inside the mosque. These carpets, laid out in the mihrab, in front of the minbar, or in the vast areas where the congregation prays, are veritable works of art that complete the soul of the mosque. The atmosphere they create also complements the serenity experienced in the Eyüp Sultan Mosque's Serene Gardens in 2026.

The soft texture you feel under your feet, the elegant patterns and the harmony of colors that catch your eye, will whisper a story from the past to the present. When you consider that each knot is a reflection of a prayer, a wish, and an artisan's labor, you can better understand the unique value of these carpets. The carpets of Eyüp Sultan Mosque are not merely floor coverings, but also indicators of Istanbul's and Islamic civilization's cultural richness.