Shirvan Prayer Carpet with Lattice Pattern on White Field

This carpet could be considered a prayer rug because of the mihrab, or arch, at the top of the center field. When in use, a prayer rug is positioned so that the gabled arch is oriented toward Mecca. In practice, very few Muslims use such expensive and cumbersome carpets for their prayers, preferring simpler and more practical coverings. Many rugs with prayer designs were made because they were popular with foreign buyers.