"woven paradise - a journey through the Anatolian textile craft of the 18th and 19th centuries" // Martin Posth Collection @ Studio Bumiller Berlin // Vernissage: Sunday, October 23rd, 6pm 24 October–3 December, 2016 The last large and important exhibition of oriental rugs in Berlin took place in 2006 at the Museum for Islamic Art (Museum für Islamische Kunst). Now, ten years later, collector Martin Posth presents a selection from his extensive collection. 43 Anatolian rugs and 13 kilims from the 18th and 19th centuries will be shown at Studio Bumiller. The exhibition highlights the centuries-old history of carpet knotting and the influence diverse cultures have had on the Turkish-Anatolian region. At the same time, it offers an overview of the different types of Anatolian rugs and kilims, introducing the viewer to their world of colour, ornamentation, variety of design and symbolism. The bridging of Islam and the followers of other faiths (Christians and Jews, Armenians and Kurds) has always been a hallmark of the Ottoman Empire. With this in mind, the exhibition aims at promoting, and contributing to, a constructive exchange between cultures. “The exhibition can help facilitate a better understanding of our fellow citizens of Islamic heritage, thereby allowing us to encounter them more respectfully.” (Martin Posth) The exhibition displays prayer rugs and nomadic rugs, funeral rugs, rugs from Anatolia’s Christian communities, and full pile carpets which served as beds. The exhibition will be accompanied by a comprehensive and high quality catalogue, presented both in German and English: Woven Paradise - a journey through the Anatolian textile craft of the 18th and 19th centuries. Self-published by Dr. Martin Posth. Price: € 29.90. isbn 978-3-00-053301-3.