Nestled in the crossroads of history and modernity lies Istanbul, the enchanting host for the 15th International Conference on Oriental Carpets (ICOC) – a grand assembly set to unfold from June 6-9, 2024. In a city that has whispered the secrets of centuries through its architecture and cobblestone streets, we will gather to share our own stories woven into the very fibers of oriental rugs.

This year marks a particularly poignant chapter in the storied legacy of the ICOC, as we return to Istanbul, reigniting the magic that was once captured in the 2007 conference. Academics, collectors, aficionados, and industry leaders from across the globe will converge to engage in a discourse that celebrates the past, assesses the present, and envisions the future of carpet weaving and collecting.

Introduction

Our agenda is robust, featuring sessions that span the historical breadth of the Anatolian region’s textile magnificence to the cutting-edge innovations in contemporary carpet design and production. Attendees will be graced with the opportunity to marvel at an array of rugs and textiles, some of which have been tightly guarded within private collections, revealing their splendor to the public eye for the very first time.

As we approach this conference, I am reminded of the intricate dance between tradition and innovation – a theme that will be echoed in the halls of the Marmara Taksim, our central venue. With a lineup of sessions and study tours thoughtfully crafted to enrich, educate, and inspire, the ICOC Istanbul 2024 stands as a beacon for all who find passion in the art of the oriental rug.

We stand on the cusp of this momentous event, eager to weave new connections and reinforce the bonds that tie us to the noble lineage of carpet craft. Let us come together to appreciate the artistry, delve into the scholarship, and celebrate the vibrant culture that keeps the spirit of the oriental carpet eternally alive.

 

Brief overview of the ICOC Istanbul 2024 conference

The ICOC Istanbul 2024 conference, the 15th international conference on oriental carpets, will be held in Turkey from 6-9 June 2024. Following the success of the Istanbul 2007 conference, this event will bring together scholars, collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts from around the world to explore and celebrate the art of oriental rugs. The conference will feature academic sessions, study tours, a rug fair, and a post-conference book fair. Participants will have the opportunity to view exquisite rugs and textiles from both public and private collections, including rare antique pieces from Anatolia. The main venue for the conference will be the Marmara Taksim hotel in central Istanbul.

The conference will also include sessions on the history and production of oriental rugs, as well as a special focus on Anatolian rugs. Various sponsors will support the event, and a welcoming reception will be held to kick off the festivities. A post-conference tour will allow participants to explore the cultural and historical landmarks of the region, providing a comprehensive experience for all attendees.

Importance of the conference in the carpet industry

The conference plays a crucial role in the carpet industry, as it brings together experts, enthusiasts, and dealers from around the world to discuss the latest trends and developments in the field of rugs and kilims. Organized by the ICOC XV committee, the conference will feature academic sessions, conference tours, and a dealer’s fair where the world’s finest turkish and western carpets will be showcased. The conference will also dedicate a museum room to display pre- and post- century rugs and kilims to enhance the social and academic experience for attendees.

Highlights of the ICOC Istanbul 2024 Conference

As an aficionado and purveyor of antique carpets, it is with immense pleasure that I share the unveiling of the 15th International Conference on Oriental Carpets (ICOC), to be held in the historical tapestry of Istanbul, Turkey from the 6th to the 9th of June 2024. The ICOC Istanbul 2024 stages an extraordinary theme: “Oriental Carpet Studies 2024: The Past and Future of Carpet Weaving and Collecting,” a dual-focused exploration honoring both “Historical Carpets and Textiles” and the burgeoning realm of “Contemporary Art, Design and New Production.”

A staggering compendium of 76 proposals, spanning 20 nations across four continents, was meticulously curated, showcasing a splendid array of diversified subjects. It speaks volumes of the Academic Committee’s dedication that after a month of scrupulous deliberation, a harmonious equilibrium was struck between the venerable annals of history and the avant-garde. The outcome? A distillation to 26 eminent presentations, crowned with a keynote lecture by the esteemed Prof. Walter Denny, whose insights into “Conservation and New Technological Frontiers in Carpet Study” will inaugurate our congregation.

The tapestry of sessions woven over the 7th and 8th of June is rich and varied. The grand finale, the “The Future of Tradition” panel, steered by Reyhan Polat, promises to be a visionary dialogue on the innovative methods of carpet display within museums, the advent of AI in the genesis of new designs and patterns, and the vanguard practices in weaving and natural dyeing.

Alongside these, the conference will embrace the traditional cores of ICOC—venerated topics like Anatolian Carpets from the epochs of Seljuks and Ottomans, the tribal artistry of Central Asian weavings and felts, archaeological revelations, fresh museum collections, and the intricate technicalities of carpet structures.

The 15th chapter of ICOC heralds some refreshing developments. There’s a discernible infusion of young professionals and esteemed carpet manufacturers into our fold, complementing the presence of renowned academics and experts. This signifies a vibrant, eclectic future for the carpet fraternity.

Anticipation swells as Istanbul beckons—a city as timeless and layered as the carpets we cherish. I extend a cordial invitation to all connoisseurs and enthusiasts: join us for this grand celebration of woven heritage and innovation.

Let us meet where the past is revered, the present is celebrated, and the future of carpet tradition is unfurled.

Daily Programme Overview (update 29th of April 2024)

As we near the grand convergence of minds and talents in the world of oriental carpets, my anticipation heightens for what promises to be an unparalleled assembly of expertise and heritage at the 15th International Conference on Oriental Carpets. Istanbul, a city as storied and splendid as the finest woven masterpieces, stands ready to host us from the 6th to the 9th of June 2024.

With today’s update on the 29th of April 2024, we are presented with a meticulously curated programme that promises to delve into the deepest roots of carpet tradition while also casting a visionary gaze towards its future. Each session, crafted with the insight and dedication characteristic of our community, beckons with the promise of newfound knowledge and inspiration.

As a dealer who has dedicated my life to the beauty and preservation of these woven treasures, I eagerly look forward to joining peers and pioneers in the field. Together, we shall explore the historical narratives entwined in the threads of ancient carpets, embrace the innovations shaping our trade, and share in the collective passion that makes our vocation so extraordinary.

Let us convene in Istanbul, where the warp and weft of a rich heritage await to be admired and where the future of our beloved art form will be reimagined. Join me, and let’s weave a path through history, craftsmanship, and innovation at ICOC Istanbul 2024.

Day 1: The Inaugural Weave – Thursday, 6th June 2024

The conference commences with a blend of tradition and innovation, featuring welcoming remarks followed by the Walter B. Denny Keynote Lecture on conservation and new technological frontiers in carpet study. The day caps off with the Dealer’s Fair opening, offering an enticing preview of the treasures to come.

An auspicious beginning, laying the foundational threads of knowledge and community. The lecture by Prof. Denny is particularly awaited, promising insights into the nexus of age-old craftsmanship and modern technology.

Day 2: The Historical and Archaeological Tapestry – Friday, 7th June 2024

The second day delves into the intricate patterns of history with Academic Session A, focusing on historical carpets, followed by Session B’s archaeological discoveries. Renowned scholars will unravel the stories behind Turkmen carpets, Seljuk prayer rugs, and Mughal designs, before exploring ancient textile industries and the cradle of textile production in Anatolia.

A rich day for historians and enthusiasts alike, promising a journey through time, unearthing the deep roots and evolutionary branches of oriental carpet weaving.

Day 3: The Contemporary Knots – Saturday, 8th June 2024

A vibrant showcase of modernity interwoven with tradition characterizes the third day. Academic Session E presents Central Asian carpets and felts, followed by Session F, which brings to the fore trends in new carpet production. The day also includes a look into innovations within traditional frameworks, reflecting the dynamic pulse of the present carpet weaving industry.

The day is a testament to the ongoing evolution of the carpet industry, featuring an array of professionals who are redefining tradition with cutting-edge advancements and reviving heritage with contemporary sensibilities.

Day 4: The Future Patterned – Sunday, 9th June 2024

Concluding the conference is the Future of Tradition panel, where experts will discuss the interface of technology and tradition in museum presentations, AI in design, and the latest practices in weaving and dyeing. The day ensures a parting vision of the carpet world’s future, rich with innovative potential and respect for tradition.

A forward-looking finale that stitches together the conference’s narrative, from historical reverence to contemporary innovation, projecting a future where tradition and technology coexist in a beautifully patterned mosaic.

 

Extended Programme Overview (update 29th of April 2024)

THURSDAY / 6 JUNE

  • 17:15 – 17:30: Conference Opening; Welcoming remarks (2 speakers)
  • 17:30 – 18:00: Walter B. Denny Keynote Lecture: Conservation and New Technological Frontiers in Carpet Study
  • 18:00 – 22:00: Dealer’s Fair opening

FRIDAY / 7 JUNE

  • 09:00 – 09:15: Opening Remarks
  • Moderator: Walter Denny

Academic Session A: Historical Carpets

  • 09:15 – 09:45: Karim Mirzaee: 15th Century Turkmen Carpets of Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu of Tabriz
  • 09:45 – 10:15: Kenneth Hayes: Colossal Epigraphy in the Seljuk Prayer Carpet
  • 10:15 – 10:45: Ahmet Balkan: On Birds and Beaktashis: Two Tribal Animal Rugs of Karaman, 1450-1550
  • 10:45 – 11:15: Steven Cohen: The Fine Weave Carpets of 17th Century Mughal India: Their Inherent Problems and Reconstructing Their Designs
  • 11:15 – 11:30: BREAK

Academic Session B: Archaeology of Weavings

  • Moderator: Udo Hirsch
  • 11:30 – 12:00: Elena Tsareva: Central Asia in the 2nd Millennium BC: From Settled Agriculture, Shepherding and Long-Topped Tents to Mobile Animal-Breeding and Short-Pile Knotted Carpet Weaving
  • 12:00 – 12:30: Özgür Işıklı: Cloth Cities of the Bronze Age – Textile Industries in the Ancient Near East
  • 12:30-13:00: Ülgen Manker: The Cradle of Textile Industry: Textile Production in Anatolia (8th – 1st Millennium BC)
  • 13:00 – 14:00: LUNCH BREAK

Academic Session C: Discoveries in Collections

  • Moderator: Ali Riza Tuna
  • 14:00 – 14:30: Sumru Belger Krody: A selection of carpets from the Sivas Göz Merkezi Foundation Museum
  • 14:30 – 15:00: Müjde Unustası: Altai Under: Tradition of Carpet Weaving: A Perspective of Anatolian Rugs from the Konya Collections – 15th-20th centuries
  • 15:00 – 15:30: Ayşe Fazlıoğlu: Carpet Samples Discovered in the Hereke Factory Pattern Archive
  • 15:30 – 15:45: BREAK

Academic Session D: Textiles and Flatweaves

  • Moderator: Elena Tsareva
  • 15:45-16:15: Irene Poulton: on Q’ero: Tablet Carped at the PITI Palace and Its Place in History
  • 16:15 – 16:45: Jürg Rageth: The Surprising Diversity of East Bolkan Weaving in the Context of the Ottoman Empire
  • 16:45 – 17:15: Vedat Karadag: Wool and Woolen Garment Weaving and Related Traditions in Traditional Turkish Culture
  • 17:45: Departure for the Exhibitions in Dolmabahçe

SATURDAY / 8 JUNE

Academic Session E: Central Asian Carpets and Felts

  • Moderator: Elena Tsareva
  • 9:00 – 9:30: Asli Samadova: Threads of Tradition; Unveiling the Rich Legacy of Kyrgyz Knotted Carpets
  • 9:30 – 10:00: Mansur Sateev – Oktyabr Dospanov: The Art of Making Karakolpak Carpets: Art of the Southern Aral Sea Region
  • 10:00 – 10:30: Elmira Gyul: The MAD Phenomenon; How Rug Marketing Has Affected the Design of the Middle Amu Darya Carpets
  • 10:30 – 11:00: Dmitriy Izyazovskiy: The Turkmen Felt: A Testament to Historical and Cultural Continuity
  • 11:00 – 11:15: BREAK

Academic Session F: Trends in New Carpet Production

  • Moderator: Alberto Boralevi
  • 11:15 – 11:45: Reto Aschwanden: The Present and Future of Handmade Rugs – as Told by its Weavers
  • 11:45 – 12:15: Hulya Tezcan: Efforts and Result of Qusaruma Institute to Revitalize Disappearing Traditional Hand Weavings
  • 12:15 – 12:45: Emin Mahmudov: Sustainable Development of Cultural Heritage in Azerbaijani Carpet Weaving; Three Case Studies
  • 12:45 – 13:45: LUNCH BREAK

Academic Session G: Innovation in Tradition

  • Moderator: Markus Voigt
  • 14:00 – 14:30: Rashid Bakirov – Roya Taghiyeva: AI-Based Visual Attribution of Flat-Weave Carpets
  • 14:30 – 15:00: Irina Bogoslovskaya: Tractor on Your Head, Kremlin on Your Chest: New Discoveries in Soviet Avant-Garde Textiles from Central Asia
  • 15:00 15:30: Merwe Tepe: The Archaeology of Punched Cards
  • 15:30 – 15:45: BREAK

Academic Session H: The Future of Tradition (Panel)

  • Moderator: Reyhan Polat
  • 15:45 – 16:45: Sule Gölge: Within the Scope of Preventive Protection in Museums, 18th-20th centuries, Simulation Projection of a Group of Ethnographic Textiles in Unity Engine-VR Interactive Technology and a New Presentation Concept
  • Ali Riza Şahin: Creating Contemporary Designs Using AI in the Light of the Pattern Character of Yomut Composers
  • Zinniar Sertoglu: The Innovative Practice of Weaving and Natural Dyeing Memory; The Common Shuttle Project
  • 16:45 – 17:00: Closing Remarks and Farewell
  • 17:30: Departure for the Exhibitions in Sultanahmet Area

Why Attend ICOC Istanbul 2024

ICOC Istanbul 2024 is a must-attend event for anyone interested in antique carpets and oriental rugs. The exhibition will showcase exquisite pieces from both local and international collectors, providing a unique opportunity to see these treasures up close. Along with the main show, there will be academic sessions and a post-conference where experts in the field will share their knowledge and insights. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, ICOC Istanbul 2024 is the place to be.

Networking opportunities with industry professionals

Networking opportunities with industry professionals are plentiful at events like conferences and seminars. These gatherings bring together experts from various fields and provide a platform for exchanging ideas and building connections. For example, at a recent conference in Vienna, academic sessions took place alongside post-conference networking events. This allowed attendees to engage with industry professionals in a more relaxed setting, fostering new relationships and potential collaborations.

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul as you explore the city’s historic landmarks, vibrant bazaars, and delicious cuisine. Immerse yourself in the magic of this country’s diverse traditions and customs, from the stunning architecture of the Hagia Sophia to the colorful tiles of the Blue Mosque. Don’t forget to visit the Istanbul Modern Art Center to see contemporary works by Turkish artists and international talents.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul, is a mosque, a former church, and a major cultural and historical site in Istanbul, Turkey

Explore the bustling markets of Istanbul, where vendors hawk their wares and the air is filled with the scents of spices and grilled meats. Sample traditional Turkish dishes like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight as you make your way through the city. As you wander through the streets of Istanbul, you’ll discover the magic that has captivated travelers for centuries. From the grandeur of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque to the serene beauty of the Topkapi Palace, every corner of Istanbul holds a post-conference waiting to be uncovered.

Conclusion and benefits of attending ICOC Istanbul 2024

ICOC Istanbul 2024 will be an incredible opportunity for collectors, dealers, scholars, and enthusiasts to come together and immerse themselves in the world of antique carpets. The conference will feature a variety of academic sessions at a central location in Istanbul, a city with a rich history and deep connections to the carpet trade. Participants will have the chance to learn from experts in the field, view stunning carpets from around the world, and network with like-minded individuals.

Furthermore, the registration process for ICOC Istanbul 2024 is seamless and easy, allowing you to secure your spot at the conference with tiem to spare. The date of the event has been carefully chosen to accommodate the schedules of attendees from around the country and beyond. Whether you are a collector looking to expand your collection or a scholar eager to delve deeper into the world of textiles, ICOC Istanbul 2024 has something to offer you. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and experts in the field.