by Ivan Soenderholm
The 15th International Conference on Oriental Carpets (ICOC) took place in Istanbul from June 6 to 9, 2024, offering a comprehensive program for enthusiasts and professionals in the field. Organized in collaboration with the Istanbul Association of Carpet Exporters (IHiB), the event featured academic sessions, exhibitions, and a Dealer’s Fair.
The conference commenced on June 6 with opening remarks from key figures, including Conference Organizer Serra Orug, IHiB President Ahmet Diler, and ICOC General Secretary Dennis Dodds. The Vice Governor of Istanbul, Cengiz Karabulut, also addressed attendees. Following the speeches, the Dealer’s Fair was inaugurated, showcasing over 25 antique rug and textile dealers from various countries.
Academic sessions on June 7 and 8 at The Marmara Taksim Hotel centered on “Oriental Carpet Studies 2024: The Past and Future of Carpet Weaving and Collecting.” Topics included Historical Carpets, Archaeology of Weavings, Discoveries in Collections, Textiles and Flatweaves, Central Asian Carpets and Felts, Trends in New Carpet Production, Innovation in Tradition, and The Future of Tradition. Esteemed scholars presented their research, fostering insightful discussions.
Several exhibitions complemented the academic discourse. The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (TIEM) curated “Hidden Gems from the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum,” displaying previously unseen pieces from its collection. The Dolmabahçe Palace Art Gallery hosted “Woven Treasures: Carpets and Fabrics from the Ottoman Palace,” featuring carpets and textiles from palace collections for the first time. Additionally, the 15th-century Tophane-i Amire showcased “Colors of Anatolia: Kilims from Private Collections,” presenting kilims and flatweaves from private collectors. These exhibitions offered attendees a rare opportunity to explore historical masterpieces in unique settings.
Overall, ICOC Istanbul 2024 successfully combined scholarly exploration with cultural immersion, providing a comprehensive understanding of oriental carpets’ heritage and contemporary relevance.
Ivan Soenderholm, Jozan Magazine
Editors note: Links to Jozan Magazine and ICOC Istanbul website