Persian carpets, one of the cultural riches of the country and the symbols it markets to the world, are also a great source of commercial income. It is known that carpets exported to many parts of the world have very large financial values. The most valuable carpets are still those produced in Iran. So, do you know about the history of Persian Carpets? According to historical sources, the development of carpet weaving techniques in Iran dates back thousands of years. With the conquest of the region by the Persian Empire in 539 BC, woven carpets, which are a tradition of the ancient cultures living here, attracted great attention and were passed on as a legacy to the people of Iran today. Iranian carpets, which are first identified in this way in historical records, greatly affect the Persian emperor Cyrus the Great and he decorates his palace with these carpets. As it can be understood from here, Persian rugs continue to live today as one of the most beautiful examples of a human heritage of thousands of years. It is determined that the art of painting in the Eastern world is not as advanced as in the West. However, Iranians created very creative works with the motifs and colors they used in carpets and expressed their feelings in this way. Before the development of technology and the use of chemicals, all dyes were obtained naturally and herbally and carpets were produced in a more authentic way. Today, many people use synthetic dyes because they are easier to obtain. When we follow the historical developments and continue to trace the Iranian carpets, this time we come across the Safavids. During the Safavid era, which is a Turkish state that has a great share in Iranian culture and the cultural and architectural heritage of Iran, the Persian carpet is experiencing its most magnificent period. In this period, which coincides with the 16th century, the Safavids are making a great cultural development move in Iran and especially declaring the city of Isfahan as the capital and building mosques, palaces, and squares that we visit today. Commercially, in the golden age, schools are opened to produce more special and beautiful carpets, artisans are encouraged, and a great income is obtained from the carpet trade. As a result of the great interest of Europe, today more than 1500 Persian (Iranian) carpets are spreading around the world to be exhibited in private collections and museums. If the Iranian carpet is so popular in the world today, it is largely due to the Safavid period. Another effect on the value and reputation of these carpets is the preference for silk in their production In addition to this, carpets with gold and silver threads have also been produced and are among the most special pieces of treasures. Today, they are exhibited in this way in many museums in Europe. Today, Persian carpets are divided into various classes according to their production places. Among these, carpets produced in cities such as Kasan, Isfahan, Kirman, and Herat are shown as the most famous ones. Iran is in competition with eastern countries such as China and India, which provides a large part of the annual carpet production in the world, and claims carpet weaving as its greatest value. With their unique colors, quality, and patterns in weaving, Persian carpets are one of the leading actors of today’s world in this sector. The artistry of poetry, song, and wine that permeates Persian culture on these carpets cannot be ignored. Persian carpets can be used in many different areas today. Due to its magnificent stance, the Persian carpet appears in many areas from fashion shows to concert stages. Persian carpets are carpets made using woolen yarn and silk, mostly woven with Persian and Turkish knot techniques, in addition to these, colored with vegetable dyes. What makes the Persian carpet so valuable is hidden in a blend of what we have mentioned above. Some of the Persian carpet models are listed as follows: Kashan Carpets
These carpets, named after Keşan in central Iran, are among the most beautiful and precious carpets in Iran. Among the features of these carpets are their velvety shine and softness, as well as their fine embroidery. There are 10-14 knots in each centimeter of carpets. The patterns of these silk carpets are generally embroidered in dark colors.
Isfahan Carpets
These carpets, which are in an eclectic style, reflect a certain view and composition in terms of technical design and composition features. It includes various regional features, as well, from various masters.
Kirman Carpets
Kirman, which is located in the southeast of Iran and is a carpet center, is always long, pile, durable, soft, and very tight to the touch carpets when lamb wool is used. The main feature of these carpets is that the patterns are very mixed.
