Quarterly Scientific-Research Goljaam

Since ancient times, “Tree” has been the focus of attention as a symbol, in works of art. In Mesopotamia and later in Iran, this symbol was known as a holy tree or tree of life as early as 3500 BC, and was delineated in different shapes. After the advent of Islam, this symbol prevailed in works of art; However, no longer as a mythological holy tree but rather standing for heavenly blessings and the paradise. This symbol has been used in different branches of art, including rugmaking. In the art of carpet patterning, the tree has prefigured a great variety of designs, notably the plant Mihrabi (prayer niche). No doubt, the predominance of the tree image in a large group of prayer rugs, is not accidental and must have an objective more than conveying mere beauty. One interpretion suggests an epitome of paradise. Given the Islamic restrictions imposed on the portrayal of human beings, a tree depicted in a prayer niche may well stand for a man in prayer.

In Islam the “Tree of Life” is named as Sedreh or Tuba and the followers of Islam believe that this tree is grown in Heaven; therefore it is an interesting subject for artistic innovative. In Turkmen terminology “tree of life” is called “Yashaish bagh”. In this study we have made an effort to evaluate the symbol of the Tree and the “Tree of Life”, with reference to the shapes of the “Tree of Life” in the ancient civilizations and compare this shapes with the patterns present in the Turkmen rugs and hand – woven pieces; and to study the hypothesis that the name “Tree of Life” could be assigned to these patterns. The carried out comparisons show that Tree and “Tree of Life” designs in Turkment carpets patterns are similar to Islamic and ancient patterns.

Bakhtiari carpet has been less studied and introduced in art studies. Compared with other carpets, its rich designs and forms are overlooked by researchers. In this study an attempt is made to investigate the value and significance of trees in Bakhtiari carpets, with emphasis on variety of its designs and forms.