Iran's Handwoven Carpet Industry

April 27, 2023

1 min read

A carpet merchant in his shop

Master Rezaei, the oldest and most influential Persian carpet pattern designer, has recently died. He designed carpet patterns in his office in the old bazaar of Arak.

A dye worker carries colored carpet threads

A worker dyes carpet threads in a dyeing factory

Colored wool hanging in the courtyard of an old house in Kashan

Women weave carpets in a small workshop in the old bazaar of Arak

A merchant checks his carpets in his shop

Carpet shops in the old bazaar of Arak

A carpet merchant in his shop

Iran enjoys a universal reputation in carpet weaving. Persian carpet or Iranian rug is one of the main features of Iranian culture and art as well as one of the country’s leading exports. Woven in various types by nomads and workshops, Persian handmade carpets are well-known for their longevity, lavish textures, strong colors and elaborate patterns. They are characterized by natural dyes, traditional tribal patterns, as well as modern designs, but old techniques. But Persian carpets are gathering dust as exports have declined over the years owing to US sanctions and growing global competition. Exports peaked at $2 billion in 1994 but the country exported carpets worth $50 million in the financial year ending in March 2022.