A Study on the Similarities and Differences between the Safavid and Transylvanian Mihrab Rugs in Accordance to Design, Color and Pattern

The Safavid Mihrabs of the sixteenth-seventeenth/tenth-eleventh centuries in Kashan and Tabriz and also the Transylvanian Mihrabs of the fifteenth-eighteenth/ninth to twelfth centuries were found in Oushak, Manisa and Ghiordes of Turkey and exported to Saxony churches. The historical and geographical connections between Persia and Turkey in various ages has created many phenomena exclusively within the carpet-weaving industry.By studying the current similarities and differences, the specific carpets of both regions and their degrees of influence can be documented. The mihrabs of both sections are small in size, have borders with warm colors and enjoy inscriptional decorations with religious contents. The presence of Quranic verses and abstract patterns on inscriptions, the diversity of motifs in texts, spandrels, and margins, and also the delicacy of the weave and color variety are among the significant characteristics of Safavid mihrab rugs in contrary with Transylvanian mihrabs that have a plain background, inscriptional borders with geometrical and abstract patterns, limited color variation, large weaving following a solitude design in contexts and spandrels. Investigation shows that the mention rugs are similar in terms of design and a few decorative elements including inscriptions, lanterns and vases and are unalike in other features. This paper is organized via a historical, descriptive and analytic method. The analysis is accomplished through a comparative and contrast manner. Aims of the paper:1- Understanding Safavid and Transylvanian rugs and their structural elements and applied motifs.2- Understanding the influence of Safavid and Transylvanian rugs on each other in terms of design, patterns and color.Research Questions:1- Can the structural elements and motifs of the mihrab rugs of the Safavid and Transylvanian era be classified?2- What similarities or dissimilarities can be found among the design, color or patterns of the Safavid and Transylvanian rugs?