Persian carpets hold more significance than being placed on the floor or simply considered as a decorative item in the house of Iranians. They are intertwined in narratives of Persia, exhibiting history and culture through every warp and woof.
Iran (IMNA) - To say that a Persian carpet is “just an art” is similar to saying that Persepolis is “just a historical zone" without considering the great stories behind. Carpets have woven into Iranian identity, just like a vein motif in the body of every Persian. Each motif, every thread, and knot have a tale to tell, whether it was about mythical legends or simply the weaver's daily toil.
From the quiet looms of remote Kerman's villages to the hands of masters in Kashan's ateliers, it is a deep love that brings a soul to each carpet. This passion that exists far previous to the realm of art becomes the spirit and breath of Persian identity—the soul stitched into the heart of the Iranians.
The history of Persian carpets can be traced back over 2,500 years, with the earliest record of their usage (during the Achaemenid period) showing that they were not only practical floor coverings but also symbols of artistic and cultural expression in king residences. Throughout the history of empires, particularly the golden age of carpet during the Safavid era, these textile products transformed into grandiose works of art. Royal workshops in cities such as Isfahan became places of artistic expression for carpet weavers who created those that renowned for their intricate designs, rich colors, and skilled craftsmanship. Some carpets from this time, like the Kashan Carpet, now reside in world-class museums as unique pieces of art.
Consumers around the globe have loved these carpets for lifetimes. The global love of Iranian carpets continues to keep the centuries-old tradition alive, despite the extraordinary fate that has put great challenges on the carpet industry in Iran today. Sanctions imposed by governments around the world and issues such as the recent conflict between Iran and Israel have dramatically reduced Iran’s access to major world markets.
Despite considerable economic and geopolitical challenges, their extraordinary efforts are commendable. The craft, passed down through generations, thrives in workshops across Iran's provinces. Traditional artisans who have honored the tradition without any visible modernization, as well as modern artisans who embraced the history of the craft while including contemporary features, are all contributing to save the art.
Persian carpets are not only beautiful objects that are culturally and artistically significant, they have also been important to Iran's economy. Thousands of people, including weavers, designers, and traders, have depended on the job for their income. The handicraft sector, with Persian carpets comprising the most significant category, is a sizeable contributor to non-oil exports from Iran. Even with severe sanctions that limit trade routes of a legal kind, many carpets still made their way to international markets through a web of art lovers that want to keep the name of Persian carpets alive among the fake markets.
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