Doha, 10 June 2025

By Dr Ali Salehabadi
Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran to State of Qatar

World Handicrafts Day, observed on June 10, is registered in Iran as National Carpet Day in honor of handmade carpets—one of the most iconic and beautiful Iranian handicrafts.

Whenever Iranian culture and identity are discussed, carpets undoubtedly stand out as one of the most prominent symbols of this rich heritage. The cities of Tabriz, Isfahan, Nain, Kashan, Shiraz, Qom, and Mashhad are renowned centers of carpet weaving and hand-woven carpet production in Iran.

Iran offers a unique variety of hand-woven carpet and rug designs. Iranian carpets have been admired worldwide since ancient times. While many historical sources claim that this art dates back 2,500 years, archaeological evidence suggests it may be closer to 4,000 years old.

Iranian hand-woven carpets are globally recognized for their use of natural dyes and hand-spun wool. They are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and durability. Many exquisite Iranian carpets are preserved in world-famous museums—including Islamic art museums, such as the one in Doha.

Iranian hand-woven carpets have been exported for centuries to the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and East Asia.

A traditional Persian rug is handwoven on a loom, and one of its most important features is the knot count. A quality rug typically has at least 120 knots per square inch (about 6 cm²). To assess the authenticity of a handmade rug, flip it over and examine the knots from the underside. While you’re not expected to count each one, the back of a rug reveals much about its quality. Handmade rugs have soft backings with irregular knotting, while machine-made rugs tend to have uniform, overly precise knots.

Even in Tabriz—one of the oldest Persian carpet centers—the knot count and craftsmanship can vary from rug to rug.

Traditional Persian rugs remain highly popular today due to their superior quality, hand-knotting techniques, natural dyes, and fine woolen yarns. These rugs have been crafted in Persia (modern-day Iran) for centuries. Their timeless designs are increasingly sought after for bringing warmth, elegance, and authenticity to contemporary interiors.