The city of Sultanabad (which is now known as Arak) was founded, in the early 1800s, as a center for commercial rug production in Iran. During the late 19th century, the firm of Hotz and Son and Ziegler and Co. established a manufacturer in Arak / Sultanabad whose sole objective was to produce rugs to meet the western demands.
The Iranian city of Isfahan has long been one of the centres for production of the famous Persian carpet. Isfahani carpets are known for their high quality. The most famous workshop in Isfahan is Seirafian. Weaving in Isfahan flourished in the Safavid era. But when the Afghans invaded Iran, ending the Safavid dynasty, the craft also became stagnant. The high knot density antique carpets in which Isfahan excelled continued to be woven in the late 19th and 20th centuries, maintaining the original inspiration and attention to refinement and detail.
Bidjar is a town in Persian Kurdistan located in north-west Persia. The Bidjar is noted as being the stiffest carpet made; they are very heavy in relation to their size, and very thick and durable. All of the knots are symmetrical and the rows are beaten down during the weaving process producing a dense compact fabric. Given their thickness and construction Bidjar rugs can be difficult to fold. The many designs depict the Kurdish influence of the area and often floral and classical geometric motifs are employed as well as the use of large, whimsical medallion designs.
Sarouk, a small village and its neighboring villages in northwestern Iran are the source of large numbers rugs imported into the United States. The Sarouk carpet production came into existence around 1880 specifically for the European and North American markets. Before 1920s the Sarouk design was similar to that of the rug weaving centers of Ferahan and Tabriz. Most Sarouk rugs followed a very distinctive design and it depended on floral sprays and bouquets. Mohajeran refers to another village where rugs are produced.
The city of Tabriz is situated in North West Persia and it is one of the largest cities and also the capital in the province of Azerbaijan and was the earliest capital of the Safavid dynasty and it can claim to have been a center of carpet production longer than any other city in Iran. The population comprising of the Azaris, who are the largest ethnic minority in Iran and speak the Turkish dialect. The city is old and has for centuries been a very important trading place and border station. A good Tabriz has a short and rough pile
Natural wool dues, the multi colors are amazingly beautiful, mostly like antique Serapi. Charming all over design with geometric motives. Heriz rugs are Persian rugs from the area of Heris, East Azerbaijan in northwest Iran, northeast of Tabriz. Such rugs are produced in the village of the same name in the slopes of Mount Sabalan. Heriz carpets are durable and hard-wearing and they can last for generations.
Tabriz carpets are distinguished by their excellent weave and by their remarkable adherence to the classical traditions of Persian rug design. The city of Tabriz, was the earliest capital of the Safavid dynasty. One of the most important figures in Tabriz rug making was the master weaver Haji Jalili and best known today for his incredible and unique approach to rug-making and his preference for distinctive color palettes and design elements. Haji Jalili is especially known for mixing lighter colors, such as pinks, golds and grays into the design of his rugs.
