South of Isfahan live the Qashqai nomads, famous for their carpet-making. The Qashqai are the second largest Turkic tribal confederation in Iran, and live near Shiraz and Persepolis in Fars Province. There are various theories about the origin of their name, but one suggests that it means "white-spotted horse." A white-spotted horse is considered a symbol of good luck by the Qashqai.

Lifestyle <br>Traditionally, the Qashqais are nomadic people who migrate seasonally with their livestock, migrating twice a year to the Zagros Mountains in summer and to the Persian Gulf in winter. This migration is necessary to provide space and food for their large flocks of sheep and goats. However, in modern times many Qashqais are settled and engaged in agriculture and urban occupations. They wear round hats and colorful robes and, in addition to goats and sheep, they also keep donkeys, horses and dogs, which play an important role in their migration.

Carpet Characteristics The Ghashgai use their own wool to make carpets for use in their daily lives. These carpets are used as wall tapestries and tent floors. Ghashgai Persian carpets are characterized by red, blue, cream and brown, practical colours that are stain resistant. The carpets feature a diverse range of motifs that reflect the life of the Ghashgai, including animals, plants, flowers and trees. Stylised human forms are also found, and some designs are inspired by the frescoes and columns of Persepolis. These motifs are incorporated into patterns of hexagonal and diamond-shaped medallions, while designs with a circular medallion in the centre are called Hebatl patterns, named after the Ghashgai tribe. Stylised bird, animal and floral motifs are arranged around a diamond-shaped central lozenge. Traditional colours are terracotta, red, cream and blue.

Thanks to its rough design, it is also suitable for rooms with high traffic.

Production method <br>Qashgai carpets are made on a horizontal loom, with the craftsman sitting on the carpet while working. Nowadays, Qashgai carpets are made by both nomads and settled people, but there is no significant difference in style. Qashgai carpets are made from natural materials that can be produced self-sufficiently, such as sheep's wool, goat hair and horse hair. Colours are also of natural origin. The knot density of the carpets is relatively low, up to 180,000 knots per square meter, which does not mean poor quality, but rather indicates a short production time and bold design.