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Hi To All, can anyone translate the calligraphy on this textile, and what would this have been used for ? thanking you in advance Paul.measurements are 220cms x 190cms.

Oriental carpet stores have been a traditional purview of persons of Persian and other Middle Eastern descent. I've had some luck in the past just phoning them at random and asking if anyone could assist with translation requirements like this.

However, Iranians speak and write differently, than Arabs, and I believe Arabic script also may differ geographically elsewhere across the Mid-East. Another problem is differences in Islamic calendar calculations if there's a date involved.

If the preceding suggestion fails you, a university in your area may have an Arabic department that could help.

Good luck,

Bill H.

Bill's advice is sound. Looks to me like Kufic script, which would be important to say if you ask for help by telephone.

But be aware that one who can read Turkish might not be able to translate another variety. As suggested by Bill, Persian (Farsi) is written in Arabic characters but is completely different language.

It is probably a prayer mat, and inscription probably from the Quran.

Good luck,
Cal

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