Persian Rugs and the History Preceding Them

Persian Rugs have quite a history to boast of. Not many know there was a lot of political influence in the creation of these Handmade Rugs.

Historians say it all began with the Mongol Conquest and Control of Persia way back in 1220. The reign, which lasted till 1450, was brutal and barbaric. With time, the influence of Persian Culture prevailed and they too became part of it. Tabriz Palace by then had made way for floors embellished with precious carpets. Artistic activities in the region were encouraged again and carpets woven and stitched were decorated with motifs in geometric designs.

A watershed moment in the making of the Persian Rugs happened with the accession of the Safavid Rulers to Power. This reign lasted for more than 200 years and a lot of changes happened during this period. As a token of remembrance, 1500 examples of Persian Rugs woven during this time are still preserved in museums across the World.

Then Shah Abbas came to power in 1571 and stayed till 1629. A lot of commerce and crafts were proposed in Persia during his time in power. Contacts and trade was developed with Europe and his area of rule Isfahan, got transformed into one of the most sparkling cities of Persia. Court Workshops were created for carpets where skilled designers and craftsmen created specimens to remember for a lifetime.

Most of the pieces were woven from silk, replenished with golden and silver threads.

There came a dark period during 1722 where Afghanistan raided Persia and the making of Persian Rugs came to a screeching halt. The Afghans mercilessly destroyed the Isfahan and almost sent it packing into oblivion. However, relief came in 1736 when their rule too came to an equally abrupt stop. Nader Khan, an exuberant young Chieftain from Khorassan, became the Shah of Persia. All the forces available at the country’s disposal were deployed to combat the Afghans, Turks and Russians.

The remaking of these Handmade Rugs began back in the late quarter of the 19th Century, when the reign of the Qajar Rulers began. Trade and Craftsmanship suddenly regained its importance and once again, the Persian Rug was back in news. The Tabriz Merchants by then had begun exporting carpets to Europe via Istanbul. A lot of American and European Companies had set up businesses in Persia which started thriving and making money. Craft productions were organized for Western Markets.

Today, weaving Persian Rugs has become a fashion in Persia, modern day Iran. The Persian Rug, famous for its richness of colour, variety of patterns and quality of design is sold like hot cakes across the world. Buyers from everywhere flood markets where these handmade rugs are sold and buy them in heavy numbers.

One should go and rummage through the Tehraan Bazaar. You will find the whole market replete with fine specimens, kept for exhibitions by shrewd businessmen who use them as a ruse to constantly draw buyers.