Nanaj, Natanz, Qarajeh, Qazvin, Qiasabad, Qoltoq

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:

Nanaj

Nanaj is a village north of the city of Malayer.

Natanz

Natanz is among the weaving areas surrounding the city of Kashan. The weave is typically finer than that of typical Kashan rugs.

Qarajeh

Qarajeh (Gharajeh) is a village west of Heris in the Azarbaijan province. These single-wefted rugs are woven with geometric designs and typically have three medallions in the field using darker reds.

Qazvin

Qazvin is a city located in northwestern Tehran. Rug weaving is not as prolific today as it was in the past. They have design and weave influences from the Kashan, Tabriz, and Tehran. Some older pieces may have 3 wefts.

Qiasabad

Qiasabad is in the Markazi province. Some of the finer Saruq-type rugs are made in this area.

Qoltoq Bijar

Qoltoq rugs are woven by tribes in the Zanjon region. Their weave is close to the Bijar weave.

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.