Istanbul becomes the epicenter for antique carpet collectors as the Istanbul Carpet Exporters Association (IHIB) organizes a major conference at The Marmara Taksim. The event, which includes the “Women Behind the Weaving Loom” exhibition, aims to support the establishment of a weaving workshop in Hatay with its proceeds.
The conference, titled “Oriental Carpet Studies 2024: The Past and Future of Carpet Weaving and Collecting,” features renowned carpet, rug, and weaving experts, art historians, academics, and collectors. Participants will explore themes of historical and contemporary weaving, with exhibitions of priceless carpets, rugs, and textiles on display.
IHIB Chairman Ahmet Hayri Diler emphasized the cultural significance of weaving: “We consider carpets, rugs, and textiles as works of art, like paintings and sculptures, rather than a commercial commodity. Weaving is one of the greatest cultural treasures of these lands.”
Serra Oruç, IHIB Board member and ICOC Istanbul Committee President, highlighted the conference’s goal of raising awareness about collecting and preserving the tradition of weaving: “The aim of the international conference, held every four years, is to raise awareness of collecting and to reveal that carpets and rugs are works of culture and art.”
The event’s opening session by Professor Walter Denny will discuss “Conservation and New Technological Frontiers in Carpet Study.” Subsequent sessions on June 7-8 will feature leading academics and experts discussing the art of weaving’s history, present, and future. The closing panel, “The Future of Tradition,” led by Reyhan Polat, will focus on innovative museum presentations, AI in design, and advanced weaving techniques.
Several exhibitions will coincide with the conference. “Atlas of Weaving” and “Women Behind the Weave” at The Marmara Taksim showcase current works by women weavers from Uşak, with proceeds funding the new Hatay workshop.
The International Oriental Carpets Conference will present additional exhibitions at prestigious venues, including the Turkish Islamic Arts Museum, Dolmabahçe Palace Art Gallery, and Tophane-i Amire. Noteworthy exhibitions include “Woven Treasures: Carpets and Fabrics from the Ottoman Palace” and “Colors of Anatolia: Rugs from Private Collections,” featuring rare pieces from various collections.
The Turkish Islamic Arts Museum will host two exhibitions: one featuring works from the 13th to 17th centuries and another with pieces from Anas Al Akhoann and Sandre Blake. These exhibitions open on June 8 and will be available for two months.
Further highlights include artist Belkıs Balpınar’s pop-up exhibition at Anna Laudel Gallery and a selection from U.S. photographer and collector Josephine Powell’s collection at the Vehbi Koç Foundation Büyükdere House.
This gathering not only underscores the rich heritage of carpet weaving but also aims to secure its future by promoting awareness and appreciation among new generations.
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