The Ottoman and Persian Courts were intense political rivals. Both competed for dominance in the export of their wares to the European market. All the while, they were accusing each other of stealing the other’s designs. Suleiman The Magnificent continued to promote the works of Persian artisans as inferior to those of his own court artisans. During the early years when the Ottoman and Safavids were neighbors, there were five different wartime periods between them. From 1532 until 1639, there were fewer years when the two were at peace than when they were at war.
The consistencies between the designs of the textiles and carpets of the Ottoman courts are intentional. This is true when it comes to the motifs used, and also, with the scale of the designs. Ottoman designs are considerably larger in scale than Persian designs. Suleiman wanted the Ottoman designs to be distinctively different and issued mandates to that effect as Persian designs tend to be more delicate and free flowing.
It is easy to confuse the works of the Ottomans and the early Persian empires. Despite both of their denial, there are many similarities as one can find similar use of colors and motifs. The biggest difference is the larger geometric motifs and the different structural style used in the carpets of the Ottoman Turks. The antique Ottoman carpets produced by the Court of Suleiman the Magnificent are distinctively different than those from the Safavids on purpose. However, concerning the rivalry about which one was the originator, the verdict is still out, and it is not known if this debate will ever be resolved.
Nonetheless, we are pleased to offer a variety of Ottoman and Persian carpets. You will enjoy the beautiful colors and patterns produced on both sides of the border. Feel free to search our rug and textile collection and maybe you will find the perfect addition to your own palace.
This rug blog about Suleiman’s carpets was published by Nazmiyal Antique Rug Gallery in NYC.