Secret Meanings Behind Turkish Kilim Motifs

 In Turkish art and kilims, motifs are far more than decorative designs. They are living stories woven into every thread. Once used to communicate, inform, and share ideas, these symbols gradually became intertwined with myths, gaining layers of deeper, hidden meaning. Beyond their striking beauty, they are believed to carry protective powers, offer guidance, and grant blessings. Each motif is a bridge to a rich cultural heritage, connecting the maker and the viewer to generations of artistry, wisdom, and tradition. Discover these timeless designs and let their stories unfold before you.

Elibelinde (Hands on Hips)

Hands on Hips, is a timeless symbol of motherhood and fertility. Its origins can be traced back to a mother goddess statuette from 3000 B.C. discovered in Ahlatlibel near Ankara. Over millennia, this sacred form has evolved, inspiring countless variations in weaving. Each interpretation carries the essence of feminine strength, nurturing, and the continuity of life, connecting those who create and behold it to a profound cultural and spiritual legacy.

Kocboynuzu (Ram's Horn)

The Ram's Horn motif represents fertility, heroism, strength, and masculinity. It has been a powerful symbol in Turkish culture for generations. This motif appears in a variety of kilims and rugs. Each weaving carries the energy of strength and protection, making it both a visual and symbolic cornerstone in traditional textiles

Bereket (Fertility)

Bereket symbolizes abundance, growth, and the continuity of life. Often depicted as geometric shapes or stylized plants in Anatolian weaves, this motif reflects the hope for plentiful harvests, prosperous families, and thriving communities. Traditionally, it was woven into dowries and home textiles to invite prosperity and a flourishing household, carrying a message of life’s enduring vitality and the blessings of nature.

Sacbagi (Hair Band)

In Anatolia, women have long used their hair to express emotions and intentions. Newly married young women often braid their hair and tie colorful threads called belik at the ends of each plait. The Hair Band motif reflects a young woman’s desire for marriage, and when incorporated into weaving, it can also symbolize a wish for immortality. 

Kupe (Earrings)

In Anatolia, earrings hold deep cultural significance and are considered essential as a wedding gift. When a young woman incorporates the Earrings motif into her weaving, she is expressing her wish to marry and signaling this intention to her family. Variations of the Earring motif can be found across different regions of Anatolia, each reflecting local traditions and the unique artistic touch of the weaver.

Bukagi (Fetter)

The Fetter is a type of cuff traditionally placed on the front legs of horses to prevent them from running away. Connected by a chain about 60 centimeters long and also called Kostek, this motif carries profound symbolism in Anatolian weaving. On textiles, it represents the continuity of family bonds, the devotion of lovers, and the hope for lasting togetherness.

Sandikli (Chest)

The Sandikli motif represents the trousseau chest of a young girl, filled with items meant for her future home. Through the textiles she weaves, knits, and embroiders, the hopes and dreams of marriage and family life are expressed. 

 Ask ve Birlesim (Love and Unison, Ying-Yang)

This motif embodies duality and harmony, symbolizing the balance between the masculine and feminin energies. Inspired by Far Eastern philosophy and embraced in Anatolia, it uses two contrasting colors, each containing a dot of the other, to show that nothing in nature is purely one or without imperfection. 

Yildiz (Star)

This motif represents happiness and joy in Anatolian weaving.. The six-pointed star, often called Solomon's Seal, has been used in Anatolia since the time of the Phrygians, long before the era of Solomon, suggesting a meaning beyond its biblical association. Drawing from ancient mother goddess statues, the star is often connected to fertility, symbolizing the womb and the life-giving force. 

Su Yolu (Running Water)

Running water has always held profound significance for human life, and this reverence is reflected in Anatolian art and weaving.It captures the movement and life-giving essence of water.

Pitrak (Burdock) 

The burdock plant, with its burrs that cling to clothing and animal hair, has long been valued in Anatolian culture for its protective qualities. It is believed to ward off the evil eye, making it a powerful symbol of safeguarding. Beyond protection, the phrase “like a burdock,” meaning abundant with flowers, links the motif to prosperity and plenty. For this reason, burdock designs often appear on flour bags, representing nourishment and abundance. 

Parmak, Tarak (Hand, Finger, Comb)

The hand motif, often depicted with five fingers, has long been used in Anatolia as a protective symbol against the evil eye. Fertility and motherhood are closely intertwined with this imagery, tracing back to ancient figures such as Kybele and the Virgin Mary. The comb motif carries complementary meaning, associated with marriage and fertility, expressing hopes for a blessed union and safeguarding new life.

 Muska, Nazarlik (Amulet, Evil Eye)

In Anatolian tradition, it is believed that certain glances carry the power to bring misfortune, harm, or even death. The evil eye serves as a protective force against this unseen danger.

Goz (Eye)

In Anatolian culture, the human eye is believed to be the source of both vision and the evil glance. To protect against the harm an envious or malevolent gaze may cause, the eye itself is often used as a powerful symbol of defense. On weavings, this protective motif appears in many forms, from a diamond divided into four sections to triangles, squares, and rectangles. Each region of Anatolia has developed its own variations, making the eye motif a uniquely versatile emblem of protection and watchfulness.

Hac (Cross)

In Anatolian tradition, the cross is another powerful symbol used to guard against the evil eye. Formed by the intersection of a vertical and horizontal line, it is believed to neutralize harmful glances by dividing their force into four parts. This motif predates Christianity, with examples appearing in the wall paintings of Catalhoyuk. 

Cengel (Hook)

The hook is a significant Anatolian motif believed to protect against the evil eye. It carries both protective and symbolic meanings. A particular variation called gonul cengeli is commonly seen on stockings and represents the wish for marriage. 

Yilan (Snake)

The snake has long held a powerful place in human history and mythology. Often associated with transformation, renewal, and wisdom.

Ejder (Dragon)

The dragon is a powerful mythological figure, blending the strength of a lion, the fluidity of a serpent, and the freedom of wings. Central Asian Turks imagined the dragon with a beak, wings, and lion’s feet, seeing it as the master of air and water. Its legendary battles with the Phoenix were believed to summon the fertile rains of spring. In Anatolian art, the dragon is often stylized as a cloud, guarding treasures, secret knowledge, and the tree of life. For centuries, it was even thought to be responsible for lunar eclipses. 

Akrep (Scorpion)

The scorpion, feared for its venom, became a powerful symbol of protection in Anatolian culture. People crafted jewelry and adornments in the shape of a scorpion or featuring its tail to guard against harm. On Anatolian weaves, the scorpion motif carries this same protective energy, serving as a talisman to ward off danger

Kurt Agzi  (Wolf's Mouth)

In Anatolian weaving, the motifs known as Wolf’s Mouth and Wolf’s Track carry deep protective meanings On textiles, these motifs served a practical purpose. Nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, whose lives revolved around cattle herding, faced constant threats from wolves. The wolf motifs were incorporated into weaves to shield the herd and the household from danger.

Hayat Agaci (Tree of Life )

The Tree of Life is a universal symbol found across cultures and religions, representing growth, immortality, and the eternal cycle of life. In Anatolia, the cypress tree is the most common expression of this motif, often accompanied by birds that symbolize the souls of life ready to take flight.  Variations of the Tree of Life motif appear widely in Anatolian textiles, carvings, and gravestones, carrying a timeless message of life, protection, and renewal. 

Im (Family Signs) 

Throughout history, the Turks have used distinctive symbols to represent their families and tribes. These signs were often woven into textiles and inscribed on gravestones, serving as a mark of identity, heritage, and belonging. 

Kus (Bird)

In Anatolia, the bird motif is one of the most versatile and meaningful symbols in weaving. Different birds carry distinct messages: owls and ravens are seen as harbingers of misfortune, while doves, pigeons, and nightingales symbolize happiness, love, and good fortune. Birds represent the soul, longing, expectation, power, and strength, and they have served as imperial symbols for various Anatolian states.