Antique Hereke Turkish Rug 44834

Beloved by Ottoman Emperors and international royalty, Hereke rugs consistently rank among the best in the world. This geographic masterpiece features a precisely rendered and exquisitely executed depiction of Istanbul as a bustling seaport with tile-roof buildings, ancient bridges and green hills in the distance. Based on geographical landmarks, this outstanding landscape rug depicts the domed roofs and minarets of the Hagia Sophia, seaside bulwarks, stone-clad towers and the legendary Maiden Tower, a lighthouse of sorts built more than 2,000 years ago to direct sea traffic arriving from Ancient Persia. Ornate borders decorated with lush floral chandeliers enclose the carefully outlined buildings and landmarks that decorate the pictorial field. An Indo-Iranian Sanskrit inscription featured within a decorative cartouche is prominently featured in the upper border.