Persian Rugs

A real Persian rug is a real treasure. Handmade carpets from Iran have become more and more scarce, as mass production has also affected the carpet industry and experienced knotters are becoming increasingly rare in the Middle East. Industrially knotted carpets never reach the quality of Persian carpets.

Some of the most important cities and regions for Persian rugs in Iran (former Persia): Tabris (Tabriz), Qum (Qom), Isfahan, Kashan (Keshan), Shiras (Shiraz), Kerman, Mashhad

Persian carpets come from Iran, which was officially called Persia until 1934. The centuries-old tradition led to the fact that the name for the carpets remained the same despite the changed country name. No carpet-producing region in the world can look back on a crafts tradition as long as that of Iran. The skill and experience of the carpet weavers is reflected in the fineness and durability of the carpets and enjoys an excellent reputation all over the world.

The carpets are distinguished by their region and knotting density. Well-known provenances for very fine Persian carpets include Nain, Isfahan and Tabriz. In addition to the well-known regions, there are a number of others that are perhaps less known, but not necessarily of inferior quality. Even today, each of these regions stills brings characteristics of a certain style to its type of rug. For example, carpets from Moud (Mud) are known either for their garden motifs or their so-called Herati pattern. Also regions like Kerman, Kashan or Bidjar are known to most of those who have already dealt with Persian rugs.

In everyday language, oriental and Persian carpets are often considered the same. This is due to the prominent role of Persian carpets. However, a "real" Persian comes only from Iran. The term oriental carpet is to be understood as a generic term and is used for all carpets from the Arab world. Iran is very much aware of its tradition. While child labour used to dominate the craft, there are nowadays a large number of labels that counteract this.

Iran is one of the largest countries in the Middle East, linking East and West. Especially in earlier times it was connected by the Silk Road to both ends of the then known world. Persian carpets are also a bridge between the two cultural areas, and are often found in Western institutions. Due to this fact, not only traditional patterns are knotted, but also modern designs that are used in the world's metropolitan areas and that enjoy great popularity. Although crude oil is the most important economic sector today, the majority of people is still employed in carpet production. However, this ratio is declining, as the young population is moving further and further away from the time-consuming traditional craftsmanship.

Impressions of Iran

El Dasht-e Kavir Desert (the largest desert of Iran)	Stone sculptures from ancient Persepolis