Oriental Rugs Dictionary

Transylvania (Siebenburgen)

The majority of the so called Transylvanian rugs were made during the 17 Century. This name was given to them because they were either sold or offered as gifts in Transylvania during its occupation by the Ottoman Empire. It is known that even Kara Mustafa the Grand Vazir and the nephew of Sultan Mehmet gave rugs as presents. He probably was hoping to acquire a reputation as a man with cultural as well as military interests and as a supporter of religious tolerance.

The Transylvania rugs were made in various workshops or villages throughout Anatolia but mostly were made in Oushak.