CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO THEIR INTENDED USE
PRAYER RUGS (NAMAZLIK)
In all ages fine rugs have been used for religious purposes by the faithful followers of the prophet. Every Mohammedan has his prayer rug, more or less valuable according to his means, which he always carries with him and upon which he prostrates himself five times a day when the appointed hour for prayer arrives.
By means of a small compass he spreads his rug so that the mihrab or niche points towards Mecca, where Mohammed's body lies. Then after removing all jewelry and money from his person, in order to appear before God in the most abject humility, he combs his beard, produces a rosary of ninety-nine beads and a dried cake of earth which came from Mecca. These he places just under the niche and then, resting his head on the earth with his hands outstretched on either side, he performs his devotions.
The mihrab or niche on which the worshipper places his head represents the door of a mosque and reminds those who use it of the sacred mosque at Mecca.
Occasionally prayer rugs will be found with three or more niches, especially among the Caucasian products. These are intended for children or for family worship. Others may have instead of a prayer niche, three small medallions, one each for the hands and one to receive the forehead.
For convenience the prayer rug is of small size, usually from two and one-half to four by four to six feet. Those intended for personal use frequently have the name of the owner on and are of the very best workmanship. Combs and other objects used in the act of worship are frequently depicted in or near the prayer niche.