The Sheikh Safi design features a luxurious and large floral medallion at its center, flanked by hanging lamps above and below, with a pattern of a medallion divided into four sections at the corners, known as the "Sheikh Safi Design." Sheikh Safi al-Din, the founder of the Safavid dynasty, passed away at the age of 85 in 1334, and his mausoleum was established in Ardabil on the western shore of the Caspian Sea.
In the 17th century, the renowned ruler known as Shah Abbas I visited Ardabil in the 1610s and restored the dilapidated mausoleum of Sheikh Safi. He donated valuable personal possessions to this mausoleum, including the Quran, rugs, and Chinese porcelain. Such acts of donation are known as "Paghf" and are recognized as religious good deeds.
Among the Persian rugs made during the time of Sheikh Safi, the Ardabil rug housed in the Albert Museum (UK) is particularly noteworthy. This rug was gifted to the Sheikh Safi al-Din Complex in Ardabil in 1539 and has become a representative of Persian rugs. The design features the Shah Abbas plant and deep blue colors symbolizing sanctity, along with motifs representing the sunlight of bergamot. This rug was commissioned by Shah Tahmasp for the Ardabil shrine in the mid-16th century, reflecting the rich culture and spiritual heritage of the Safavid era.
In the 17th century, the renowned ruler known as Shah Abbas I visited Ardabil in the 1610s and restored the dilapidated mausoleum of Sheikh Safi. He donated valuable personal possessions to this mausoleum, including the Quran, rugs, and Chinese porcelain. Such acts of donation are known as "Paghf" and are recognized as religious good deeds.
Among the Persian rugs made during the time of Sheikh Safi, the Ardabil rug housed in the Albert Museum (UK) is particularly noteworthy. This rug was gifted to the Sheikh Safi al-Din Complex in Ardabil in 1539 and has become a representative of Persian rugs. The design features the Shah Abbas plant and deep blue colors symbolizing sanctity, along with motifs representing the sunlight of bergamot. This rug was commissioned by Shah Tahmasp for the Ardabil shrine in the mid-16th century, reflecting the rich culture and spiritual heritage of the Safavid era.