Oriental Rugs Dictionary
Coupled Column Prayer Rug
Coupled column prayer rugs are a type of early Anatolian prayer rug design characterized by two decorative columns supporting the prayer niche. These columns frame the mihrab, the architectural niche that indicates the direction of prayer in Islamic tradition. Coupled column designs are among the earliest recognizable formats in Anatolian prayer rug weaving. Prayer rugs from Oushak and other areas of Anatolia in which arches of the Mihrab are supported by pairs of columns rather than by single columns. This design may have evolved into vertical panel prayer rugs. Many of the coupled prayer rugs have lazy lines. You may also find Ladik rugs with similar concept as shown below.
