Persian carpet Shiraz / Persian carpet Shiraz

Carpets have always played an important role in the family as a means of marriage payment or dowry. Marriage represented much more than just the union of a husband and wife. A girl who found a future husband for herself at a tender age became a kind of connecting link in the alliance of two families. The connection between two families was confirmed in practice by the gift of carpets, jewelry and other goods. The dowry could also include animals, grazing land and water sources. A young girl, learning from her mother and other family members, soon began to make her own carpets and other products. Each product represented the family tradition and folklore of her people. The status of the family was closely linked to the quality and quantity of the bride’s dowry. Therefore, carpets were made with a lot of effort, love and creativity, although they were not intended for sale at the bazaar.

The nomadic Qashqai people of southwestern Iran (around Shiraz) are well known for their traditional carpets. In the 16th century, they came from Central Asia with other Turkic groups. Therefore, we can find a connection between the Qashqai patterns and those from the Caucasus region on the carpets. These nomads were once famous for their long and arduous annual migration from the winter areas along the Persian Gulf to the summer pastures in the Zagros Mountains. Since 1925, they have suffered greatly under the repressive policies of the Persian authorities.

The Qashqai make carpets when they are not on the move or at intermediate rest stops. There are interesting sudden changes in patterns and colors, as they can only carry small amounts of colored thread with them. They often fold their floor looms when the carpet is not yet finished and set off on their journey. They unpack them again at the next camp and continue working, so it is not surprising to see changes in the patterns.