This bold, graphic gilim is a rare item amongst pieces from Beshir which are more often knotted pile rugs that flat weaves. It has elements of Turkmen, Caucasian and Anatolian design tradition but with an almost contemporary aesthetic appeal. The organizing principle of the design is a large- scale inter-locking hexagon lattice arranged in horizontal rows of alternating colours that give a checkerboard like rhythm. Hooked or zig-zag borders in ivory or brown around the inner hexagons create interlocking shapes (often called “running dog”or reciprocal borders.) The alternating colours moving both horizontally and vertically through burgundy-wine, coral-salmon, charcoal-slate and ivory create a powerful visual rhythm. The hexagon draws on Islamic tradition as one of the primary units of cosmic geography. Its use in a Beshir gilim may also reflect the influence of Bukharan architectural tile work familiar to weavers from the mosques and madrasas of the region. The gilim is a very sophisticated slit tapestry weave in both its design and use of complex alternating colours. It would have been made for domestic use as a floor covering or hanging. It dates from the mid to late 19th century.