Gabbehs are handwoven carpets that have been woven by nomadic tribes such as the Qashqai and Luli peoples living around Shiraz in southwestern Iran. Originally created as a necessity for bedding during the harsh mountain nomadic lifestyle, they were loosely woven from wool for a fluffy finish. As their name, which means "coarse" or "roughly" in Persian, suggests, they have a coarse weave, and for a long time, they were ignored in the carpet market. However, in recent years, their simple designs and vibrant plant-dyed colors have been rediscovered. Below, we will explain the origins and development of Gabbehs by tribe and region, as well as the historical characteristics evident in their patterns and materials, focusing on the Qashqai, Luli, and Shiraz peoples.
Qashqai Gabbeh
The Qashqai people are a Turkic nomadic people who are believed to have migrated south from the north to what is now the Fars region (around Shiraz) by the end of the 16th century. As they migrated, they adopted the weaving cultures of various regions, particularly the weaving techniques and designs of the indigenous Luli people, and developed their own unique Gabbeh. Qashqai Gabbehs are woven freely by women without any design, and are imbued with wishes for family and nature. The patterns feature livestock such as goats and sheep, as well as a tree motif known as the "Tree of Life," which, combined with the simple colors of the plant-dyed fabrics, create a warm style.
Luli Gabbeh
It is said that Gabbeh was woven by the Luli people before Islamization, and some say that it originated from them. The Luli are a tribe that has long settled in southwestern Iran and are known for their advanced weaving techniques, and the high-quality Gabbehs they weave are called "Luribaft." Luribaft designs range from symmetrical geometric patterns to pictorial designs, and the traditional patterns with intricate weaves and floral motifs are highly regarded for their artistic quality. Furthermore, the simple traditional pieces woven from off-white wool have a different feel from the sophisticated Luribaft of today.
Shiraz and Gabbeh
Shiraz is a city in Fars Province in southwestern Iran. The Gabbehs made there are characterized by bright colors influenced by the Qashqai people and casual designs such as medallions. Gabbehs began to attract attention as a commercial product in the late 20th century, when Shiraz carpet merchant Gholamreza Zolanbari introduced Gabbehs, which were originally utilitarian items for tribal people, to overseas markets by applying vibrant plant-dyed colors. He created modern, artistic Gabbehs that sparked a global boom. In 2010, traditional Gabbeh weaving was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
