To the south of Isfahan, the renowned Kashgai nomads are known for their rug making. The Kashgai are a Turkic tribal confederation, the second largest in Iran, residing near Shiraz and Persepolis in Fars province. There are various theories regarding the origin of their name, one of which suggests it means "horse with white spots." The horse with white spots is considered a symbol of good fortune for the Kashgai.

Lifestyle
Traditionally, the Kashgai are nomads who move with their livestock seasonally. They have historically migrated twice a year, to the Zagros Mountains in summer and to the Persian Gulf in winter. This movement provides ample space and food for large herds of sheep and goats. However, in modern times, many Kashgai have settled down and engage in agriculture or urban professions. They wear round hats and colorful robes, raising donkeys, horses, and dogs alongside goats and sheep, which play important roles during their migrations.

Characteristics of the Rugs
The Kashgai weave rugs using their own sheep wool for daily use. These rugs serve as wall tapestries and floor coverings for tents. The Kashgai Persian rugs are characterized by practical colors such as red, blue, cream, and brown, which are resistant to dirt. The rugs feature a variety of motifs reflecting Kashgai life, including animals, plants, flowers, and trees. Stylized human figures can also be seen, with designs inspired by the frescoes and columns of Persepolis. These motifs are incorporated into hexagonal and diamond-shaped medallion patterns, with designs featuring a central circular medallion referred to as the Hebatol pattern, named after the Kashgai tribe. Surrounding the diamond-shaped central lozenge are stylized motifs of birds, animals, and flowers. Traditional colors include terracotta, red, cream, and blue.

Thanks to their coarse design, they are suitable for rooms with frequent foot traffic.

Manufacturing Method
Kashgai rugs are made on horizontal looms, with artisans sitting on the rug as they work. Today, both nomads and settled people produce Kashgai rugs, but there is no significant difference in style. The materials used for Kashgai rugs include natural resources such as sheep wool, goat hair, and horse hair, which can be produced sustainably. The colors used are also derived from natural sources. The knot density of the rugs is relatively low, at up to 180,000 knots per square meter, which does not indicate poor quality but rather signifies a shorter production time and bold designs.