Vintage Turkish Prayer Kilim — 1930s | 4' x 6'10"

The Hurrem is woven in a classic prayer design, its top mehrab arch enclosing a stylized face motif alongside geometric floral top views—an unusual and striking figural detail within the traditional prayer-rug format. A meandering vine border wraps the outer edge, framing the composition with organic rhythm. For more on prayer rug design and other recurring motifs, see our guide to common rug motifs.

The palette is warm and varied, though notably softened by age: pale cochineal red, saffron yellow, raspberry red, tangerine orange, sunflower yellow, charcoal, beige, jade green, and pale royal blue. Explore more kilim pieces in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 4' x 6'10", the Hurrem is best suited to low-traffic settings, slung over a chair or couch back, or hung as a wall piece where its pattern and coloring can be appreciated without further wear.

Prayer kilims are woven with a mehrab, or arched niche, at one end—a design element referencing the mihrab found in mosque architecture, which indicates the direction of prayer. Turkish weavers have long produced prayer-format kilims in wool, valued for their symbolic structure as much as their decorative pattern.

Woven circa the 1930s, the Hurrem reflects this format with an especially distinctive figural detail within the mehrab. Browse more pieces from this collection in our Kilim collection.

Hurrem is an Ottoman Turkish name derived from the Persian khorram, meaning "happy, pleasant." It was the name given to Hürrem Sultan (1504–1558), consort and eventual wife of Süleyman the Magnificent, also known as Roxelana.

The name reflects the rug's warm, sun-faded palette and its long life—nearly a century old, worn and softened by time, yet still carrying real presence and color.

Hurrem captures the kilim tradition at its most storied: figural, faded, and full of history.

• Primary material: Wool
• Construction: Hand-woven, flatweave
• Dye method: Traditional dyes, faded with minor oxidation
• Condition: Vintage, fragile — see Condition Details

Please read before purchasing: this rug shows genuine, well-worn age. It has multiple holes and threadbare areas throughout, and is faded with minor oxidation common for its type and age.

The weave is mostly in original condition, with original side cord selvages intact and mostly secure sides and ends.

Given its condition, this piece is ideally suited to low-traffic areas, draped over a chair or couch, or hung as wall art—not recommended for heavy foot traffic.

Recently professionally cleaned and ready for the use described above.

Handle gently given its fragile, well-worn condition. Avoid vacuuming directly; light dusting or a soft brush is preferable.

If displaying as a wall hanging, use a fabric-safe hanging method that distributes weight evenly to avoid further strain on the weave.

For any cleaning or stabilization needs, consult a professional experienced with fragile antique and vintage textiles.

Is this rug suitable for floor use?
Given its holes and threadbare areas, we recommend low-traffic placement, use as a chair or couch throw, or display as a wall hanging rather than a high-traffic floor rug.

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Vintage Turkish kilims like the Hurrem are unique in drawing, dye variation, and condition.

What is a mehrab design?
An arched niche motif referencing the mihrab in mosque architecture, indicating a prayer-format rug or kilim. See our motif guide for more.