Baluch (Persian), Bijar, Borcheloo (Bozcheloo), Boroujerd, Chaleshtor, Esfahan, Farahan, Feridan

Oriental rugs are often known by the regions they were woven in. Collectors of Persian rugs often research each region thoroughly to understand not only the rug weaving techniques but also the designs and traditions employed in each region. These traditions often date back hundreds of years and are woven into the culture of each region. This richness impresses even more beauty on the Persian rugs that are available for sale around the world. Learn below about the different regions and click on the photos above to see samples of the different patterns.

Iranian (Persian) rug making region(s) included on this page:

Baluch (Persian)

Baluch is a tribe which can be found in parts of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Located in southeastern Iran, in the Sistan and Baluchistan province, some are in the northeast in the Khorasan province. They produce rugs which have been woven using traditional methods. They typically have geometric designs which have been handed down through many generations. They use fine wool from their own flocks of sheep and goats. The main distinction is that Iranian Baluch typically use cotton warps and wefts while Afghans use wool. It is difficult to know with certainty the origin of each rug.

Bijar

Bijar is a town in the Kurdistan region in Iran. Rugs from this area are unique, and their durability is legendary. They use thicker wool as the pile, and wefts are beaten down repeatedly which typically makes a very dense, durable, and heavy rug. They use both geometric and curvilinear patterns. The Herati (fish) and other repeated designs are common.

Borcheloo (Bozcheloo)

A weaving village located in the Hamadan region. These weavers have originated in northwest Iran in Caucasus, some of whom migrated south toward the Hamadan region. These employ a single-wefted weave with a long pile.

Boroujerd

Boroujerd is a very old city in the Lorestan province.

Chaleshtor

Chaleshtor is located west of Shahrekord in the Bakhtiar province. These are very fine rugs woven with a “square block” using flower and plant designs.

Esfahan

Esfahan is one of the most well-known names in the rug world. The city has had a long history with its ups and downs. Some Esfahans have similar weaves to Kashans with traditional floral designs. They employ many designs and colors. One of the famous designs is called Eslimi, a spiral motif. Some of the finest pieces are signed by the expert weaver such as Seirafian.

Farahan

Farahans are woven in northern Sultanabad (Arak) near the city of Saruq. Farahan refers to an area which lends itself to some debate among experts. The rugs use a combination of designs from the region in order to weave very desirable rugs. Some of the older pieces are highly sought after.

Feridan

Feridans are single-weft rugs woven by the Bakhtiari people around Esfahan.

If you are curious to learn more, my eBook The Art of Oriental Rugs - A Weaver's Perspective shows you: 1) how to identify a weave** and how different techniques produce “recognizable” variations in different regions, 2) maps with geographical views of where rugs are woven in the country of Iran and how the regional weaves influence each other, and 3) 750+ close-up pictures of weaves from 170+ rug-weaving regions in Iran and around the globe. I’ve written a book I wish I had when I first started in the rug business. This, I humbly hope, will be seen as an indispensable addition to any library.