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Transylvanian Rugs Some pictures Transylvanian Lutheran churches are a rich repository of classic Turkish rugs dating to the period under the Ottoman empire when Transylvania was a vassal state and had a special trading relationship with Turkey. Extensive trading and customs records dating to the 15th century prrovide ample evidence of the extent and nature of trade in Oriental goods in this region. Turkish rugs made their way into the Balkans and Europe as well during this period, but have disappeared after much hard use. However, the Transylvanian Lutheran churches used Turkish rugs as non-denominational decorations and hung them on walls and pews, and through the centuries, have been especially protective of these valuable possessions. A survey was presented of rug types as weel as description of the fortified Lutheran churches in the Saxon Siebenburgen of Transylvania, along with a travelogue of present-day Transylvania which included a surprise meeting with the president of modern-day Romania.
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