Motifs and their meanings in contemporary Bayat and Emirdağ kilim samples

One of the aspects of Turkish-Islamic arts that reflects everyday life is handwoven textiles. Among these handwoven items, kilims are not only a product of art but also a form of expression that reflects the beliefs, traditions, and artistic perspectives of a community at a given time. In this study, examples of kilims from the Bayat and Emirdağ regions have been examined. Afyonkarahisar, especially the Bayat and Emirdağ regions, is one of the significant centers that reflect the rich motif and pattern diversity of traditional Turkish weaving art, which has been transferred from Central Asia to Anatolia.In the study, the historical, cultural, and artistic characteristics of Bayat and Emirdağ kilims were analyzed, revealing the semantic world of the motifs, their compositional features, and aesthetic values. Furthermore, the symbolic meanings of the motifs used in these kilims and their cultural significance to the local community were determined.The study also examined the differences in motif usage, colors, patterns, yarn, and weaving techniques between Bayat and Emirdağ kilims. In this context, it was concluded that the traditional role of kilim motifs within Turkish-Islamic arts could continue to inspire contemporary art and design. This thesis aims to provide suggestions for preserving these valuable weaving examples as cultural heritage and transferring them to future generations. Keywords: Kilims, Bayat, Emirdağ, motif, Turkish-Islamic Arts.