GUL

The term "Gul" is of uncertain origin and meaning, but it plays a significant role in the context of Turkmen weaving. Some believe it may be a rough transliteration of the Persian word for "flower" or the Turkish word for "roundel". Regardless of its etymology, in practice, the gul refers to the discrete, repetitive ornaments used by Turkmen weavers to adorn their carpets, bags, and other textiles.

These guls are arranged in endless repeat patterns, creating the distinctive visual language of Turkmen design. Each Turkmen tribe had its unique weaving style, characterized by specific colors and guls used in recognizable combinations. The particular guls and their arrangements served as a form of identification, allowing one to attribute a piece to a specific tribe or subgroup.

The gul is a fundamental element in the vocabulary of Turkmen design, imparting meaning, identity, and aesthetic appeal to the weavings of these renowned Central Asian artisans.

EXTERNAL LINK GUL TEKKE at turkotek.com

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