Mahal, Mahvelat, Malayer

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:

Mahal

There is no location or city named Mahal. Instead, it refers to a character of the weave. Rugs are made around the city of Sultanabad (Arak today). Mahal, Sultanabad (Arak), and Zeigler Mahal are woven the same way. Although they may be woven in different areas, the weaves are very similar. The weave quality is also similar, but Sultanabad is considered to have a higher quality than Mahal. Sometimes the wefts are white or blue. Rugs from this area may be woven using a Turkish or Persian knot, but it is mainly Persian.

Mahvelat

Mahvelat is a rug weaving center in the Khorasan province. The weave is similar to the Khorasan/Mashad weave. These rugs have a more uniform weave seen from the back. The designs have a pearl-like feel where some of the outlines are broken into smaller figures.

Malayer

Malayer is an important weaving center in the Hamadan province. It is a single-wefted rug and its designs are similar to Saruqs and Farahans. The older pieces are sought after by collectors. Some of the notable weaving centers around Malayer are: Hoseynabad and Nanaj in the north; and Tayemeh, Jozan and Mishen in the south. Weaving areas north of Malayer continue to weave in more traditional ways, while weaving areas south of Malayer employ more recent/city weaves and patterns.

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.