{"product_id":"babak-antique-turkmen-prayer-rug-namazlyk","title":"Antique Turkmen Prayer Rug (Namazlyk) — 1890s | 4' x 5'2\"","description":"\u003cp class=\"pl-intro\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBabak\u003c\/strong\u003e is an antique Turkmen prayer rug, or namazlyk, hand-knotted circa the 1890s. Woven by one of the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/leonidascollection.com\/collections\/central-asian-rugs\"\u003eTurkmen tribes of Central Asia\u003c\/a\u003e, this piece reflects the elaborate, structured social order the Turkmen tribes are known for, expressed here through a stepped, multi-paneled mihrab format layered with scrolling vines and dense geometric borders. Part of our \u003ca style=\"color: #764134;\" href=\"https:\/\/leonidascollection.com\/collections\/turkmen-bokhara-rugs\"\u003eTurkmen \u0026amp; Bokhara collection\u003c\/a\u003e, it's an exceptional, well-preserved example of devotional Turkmen weaving.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ===== QUICK SUMMARY (INTENT-LED) ===== --\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"pl-summary\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Turkmen, Central Asia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e Antique, circa 1890s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prayer Rug (Namazlyk)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-knotted wool\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural wool, uniform low pile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indoor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4' x 5'2\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEach rug is handcrafted and unique. Variations in dye saturation, weave density, and wear pattern are natural characteristics of antique handmade rugs and reflect authenticity rather than imperfection.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"pl-hr\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .pl-hr{\n    border: 0;\n    border-top: 0.7px solid currentColor;\n    opacity: 0.2;\n    margin: 12px 0;\n  }\n  @media (prefers-color-scheme: dark){\n    .pl-hr{ opacity: 0.85; }\n  }\n\n  details.pl-row{ margin:0; padding:0; }\n\n  summary.pl-row-summary{\n    list-style:none;\n    cursor:pointer;\n    display:flex;\n    align-items:center;\n    justify-content:space-between;\n    gap:14px;\n    padding:0;\n    margin:0;\n  }\n  summary.pl-row-summary::-webkit-details-marker{ display:none; }\n\n  .pl-row-title{\n    margin:0;\n    padding:0;\n    line-height:1;\n    letter-spacing:0.02em;\n    text-transform:none;\n    font-weight:400;\n  }\n\n  .pl-row-icon{\n    font-size:22px;\n    line-height:1;\n    font-weight:200;\n  }\n  .pl-row-icon::before{ content:\"+\"; }\n  details[open] \u003e summary .pl-row-icon::before{ content:\"−\"; }\n\n  .pl-row-content{\n    padding:12px 0 14px;\n    margin:0;\n  }\n\n  .pl-row-content ul{\n    margin:0;\n    padding-left:18px;\n    line-height:1.7;\n  }\n  .pl-row-content li{ margin:6px 0; }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003c!-- DESCRIPTION --\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"pl-row\"\u003e\n\u003csummary class=\"pl-row-summary\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"h5 pl-row-title\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"pl-row-icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pl-row-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Babak is woven in the distinctive namazlyk format, its stepped, arched mihrab rising through multiple recessed panels toward a peaked crown. Scrolling vine motifs run down the central columns in warm rust, ivory, and gold, flanked by dense geometric bands in deep indigo, burgundy, and blush. For more on prayer rug design and other recurring motifs, see our \u003ca style=\"color: #764134;\" href=\"https:\/\/leonidascollection.com\/blogs\/learn\/common-rug-motifs-explained\"\u003eguide to common rug motifs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe layered, multi-column structure and small-scale repeating geometrics reflect the elaborate, hierarchical social order the Turkmen tribes are known for—paradigms mirrored directly in the discipline of the weaving itself. Explore more Turkmen pieces in our \u003ca style=\"color: #764134;\" href=\"https:\/\/leonidascollection.com\/blogs\/learn\/best-rug-styles-for-collectors#turkmen\"\u003eguide to the best rug styles for collectors\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 4' x 5'2\", the Babak suits entryways, meditation corners, or wall display, where its architectural mihrab form and dense detail can be appreciated up close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"pl-hr\"\u003e\u003c!-- HISTORY --\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"pl-row\"\u003e\n\u003csummary class=\"pl-row-summary\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"h5 pl-row-title\"\u003eHistory\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"pl-row-icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pl-row-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTurkmen weaving is both highly collectible and deeply expressive of the tribal social structures from which it emerged. A namazlyk, or prayer rug, was woven specifically for individual devotional use, its arched mihrab orienting the weaver or owner in prayer—making these among the most personal and symbolically loaded formats in Turkmen weaving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWoven circa the 1890s, the Babak is a well-preserved example of this tradition, now well over a century old. Browse more pieces from this tradition in our \u003ca style=\"color: #764134;\" href=\"https:\/\/leonidascollection.com\/collections\/turkmen-bokhara-rugs\"\u003eTurkmen \u0026amp; Bokhara collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"pl-hr\"\u003e\u003c!-- ABOUT THE NAME --\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"pl-row\"\u003e\n\u003csummary class=\"pl-row-summary\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"h5 pl-row-title\"\u003eAbout the Name\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"pl-row-icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pl-row-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBabak\u003c\/strong\u003e comes from Middle Persian Papak, meaning \"little father.\" This was the name of the father of Ardashir, founder of the Sasanian Empire, and was also borne by the 9th-century resistance leader Babak Khorramdin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name reflects the rug's devotional purpose and its role as a quiet, steady presence in prayer—a piece meant to ground and guide, much like a father figure, across generations of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBabak captures the Turkmen namazlyk tradition at its most personal: structured, devotional, and deeply rooted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"pl-hr\"\u003e\u003c!-- MATERIALS --\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"pl-row\"\u003e\n\u003csummary class=\"pl-row-summary\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"h5 pl-row-title\"\u003eMaterials \u0026amp; Composition\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"pl-row-icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pl-row-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural wool\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-knotted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDye method:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditional dyes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoundation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditional woven foundation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Antique, uniform low pile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"pl-hr\"\u003e\u003c!-- CONDITION --\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"pl-row\"\u003e\n\u003csummary class=\"pl-row-summary\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"h5 pl-row-title\"\u003eCondition Details\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"pl-row-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pl-row-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUniform low pile throughout, with wear present at the ends, consistent with genuine age and use over more than a century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first product image was taken outside under natural light only, offering the most accurate representation of the rug's true color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfessionally cleaned and ready for immediate in-home use or display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"pl-hr\"\u003e\u003c!-- CARE --\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"pl-row\"\u003e\n\u003csummary class=\"pl-row-summary\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"h5 pl-row-title\"\u003eCare Instructions\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"pl-row-icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pl-row-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVacuum gently using suction only. Avoid rotating brushes or beater bars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven its age and low pile, consider low-traffic placement or wall display to help preserve the weave.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor deep cleaning or repair, consult a professional experienced with antique Central Asian tribal rugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"pl-hr\"\u003e\u003c!-- FAQ --\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"pl-row\"\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"margin-bottom: -1.7em;\" class=\"pl-row-summary\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"h5 pl-row-title\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"pl-row-icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top: 2em;\" class=\"pl-row-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a namazlyk?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA namazlyk is a Turkmen prayer rug, woven with an arched mihrab format for individual devotional use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this rug one of a kind?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Antique Turkmen weavings like the Babak are unique in drawing, dye variation, and wear pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it ready for use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. It has been professionally cleaned and is ready for in-home use or display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta content=\"Rugs \u0026amp; Antique Area Rugs\" itemprop=\"category\"\u003e \u003cmeta content=\"Wool\" itemprop=\"material\"\u003e \u003cmeta content=\"Hand-knotted\" itemprop=\"productionMethod\"\u003e \u003cmeta content=\"Turkmen, Central Asia\" itemprop=\"origin\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rugistan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48924093448375,"sku":"K1567","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0735\/7703\/8007\/files\/babak-1.jpg?v=1784908653","url":"https:\/\/leonidascollection.com\/products\/babak-antique-turkmen-prayer-rug-namazlyk","provider":"Leonidas Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}