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A 500-year-old Usak carpet, known for its intricate design and historical significance as an example of Ottoman craftsmanship, has been returned to Türkiye after three decades abroad. The recovery was made possible through the voluntary efforts of Italian national Adrian Stefan Ionescu, who had acquired the piece from a private collection.
According to Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the antique carpet had been lost for 30 years before resurfacing abroad. In a public statement, he expressed gratitude to Ionescu for returning it without any demands, saying, “This is not just a carpet, but a silent yet profound return of our culture, memory, and grace."”
The carpet, originally woven in the town of Usak—an important center for carpet-making during the Ottoman era—was recently identified in Ionescu’s private collection. He had purchased it from the estate of the late Italian art enthusiast Ermininio Bottini. Upon discovering that the carpet exactly matched an item catalogued in Suzan Bayraktaroglu’s book Vakif Halilar (Foundation Carpets), listed under inventory number “06.456,” Ionescu contacted Turkish authorities and arranged for its return.
Officials emphasized that the collector moved forward with the handover as soon as he realized the piece originated from Türkiye, without requesting compensation or other conditions.
Before being sent back to Türkiye, the carpet underwent a meticulous restoration process. Experts addressed missing sections and damage that had been observed in earlier photographs, particularly along one of its borders. Following restoration, the carpet was transported to the Ankara Foundation Works Museum (Ankara Vakif Eserleri Muzesi), where it will now be preserved as part of the country’s cultural heritage.
The textile is notable for its elaborate details. More than a thousand knots have been tied into even a single small square section. The dominant background color is dark blue, while stylized naturalistic flowers in soft red, yellow, and off-white tones form large medallion patterns. These artistic elements and the carpet’s overall structure confirm its origins in Usak.
Authorities underscored that this return marks a significant recovery of cultural heritage. Beyond its decorative appeal, the Usak carpet reflects the refined aesthetic values and artisanal mastery of a bygone era. With its repatriation, a piece of Ottoman history has found its way back to its roots in Türkiye.
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