Shiraz

Shiraz is the capital of Fars Province in southwestern Iran and is one of the important production areas for Persian Rugs. It is particularly known as a hub for tribal rugs woven by nomadic tribes such as the Qashqai and Luri who live in the surrounding areas.

Fars Province is also the place that gave rise to the name of the country Persia (now Iran).

Shiraz, which has flourished as a center of literature and art since ancient times, is also famous as the birthplace of poets Hafiz and Saadi. Additionally, it is close to the ancient Persian capital of Persepolis, where diverse handicrafts developed as a center of culture and trade.

In the vicinity of Shiraz, many nomads from the Qashqai and Luri tribes live, and the tradition of weaving rugs has taken root in their self-sufficient lifestyle.

The representative handicraft is the "Gabbeh".

Origin and Weavers

Many of the rugs woven in Shiraz are crafted by the hands of local villagers and nomads.

This region spreads at the foot of the Zagros Mountains, where many nomads practice a "transhumant lifestyle," moving seasonally. They have woven their own rugs for use inside their tents, focusing on practicality.

The representative tribes are as follows:

・Qashqai Tribe

・Luri Tribe

・Hamse Confederation (e.g., Basseri Tribe)

・Bakhtiari Tribe, Afshar Tribe (neighboring tribes)

・Yalameh Tribe

Knot Density

Tribal rugs have a slightly coarser knot density than urban workshop rugs, with approximately 90,000 to 180,000 knots per square meter being typical.

This is due to a design focused on practicality suitable for a nomadic lifestyle. The technique used involves making firm knots with thick wool yarn for personal use.

As a result, they are resistant to wear and have the durability suited for everyday use.

Even though the knot density is lower, it does not mean the quality is inferior; rather, the structure emphasizes practicality, resulting in high durability that withstands daily life.

Materials

The materials are primarily woven from high-quality local wool. In particular, the sheep raised in the Zagros Mountains are rich in fat (lanolin), characterized by a moist sheen and high durability.

Since ancient times, natural dyes (plant dyes) have been used for coloring. For example, red hues are dyed with madder, blue hues with indigo, and yellow with pomegranate peels or turmeric, using readily available plant resources. Wool dyed with natural dyes undergoes a calming color change over time, acquiring a beautiful sheen.

In recent years, there has been an increase in rugs made with chemical dyes, but traditional rug-making in Shiraz still tends to emphasize natural dyeing.

Cultural Value

Shiraz has been known as a center of literature and art since ancient times, nurturing many cultural figures and artisans. Its location on the southern route of the Silk Road made it an important trading hub.

The "traditional weaving technique of rugs from the Fars region" is said to be registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

This is evidence of the techniques and aesthetic sense of nomads that have been passed down for centuries and are globally recognized.

Today, rugs produced in Shiraz are loved by people around the world as "usable art" that combines artistic quality with practicality.