sajademaking

Sajademaking is the craft of designing and producing sajads, or prayer rugs, used by Muslims during daily prayers. The term can refer to both commercially produced mats and traditional handmade pieces. The practice encompasses concept development, material selection, weaving or tufting, dyeing, finishing, and quality control. In traditional contexts, sajademaking emphasizes artisanal techniques such as hand knotting or hand tufting to achieve dense pile and detailed motifs; modern versions may be produced by machines as well.

Materials commonly used include cotton, wool, and silk, with wool or cotton backings sometimes reinforced with latex for grip. The choice of material affects durability, texture, and price. Designs typically feature geometric patterns or intricate arabesques, with a central area indicating the prostration zone and, in many cases, a stylized mihrab or arch to emphasize the direction of prayer.

Regional styles vary: Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Pakistani sajads often differ in pattern density, color schemes, and border treatments. Mass-produced sajads are widely manufactured in Turkey, India, and China, while traditional workshops exist in Iran, Afghanistan, and the broader Middle East and South Asia. Market value is influenced by size, materials, knot density or pile height, provenance, and whether the piece is handmade.

Sajademaking also engages in sustainability and cultural considerations, including the use of natural dyes, ethical labor practices, and preserving traditional motifs. The finished product serves both functional and ceremonial roles in homes and mosques.