 Ahar rugs originate from the small village in the mountainous district of Azerbaijan in northwestern Iran, near Tabriz and Gharabagh. One of the distinguishing features of these rugs is its size. Mainly smaller pieces and runners, these rugs are created using a special symmetrical Turkish double knotting method which produces a dense and tightly packed area rug. Known for its exquisite semi-nomadic appearance, they are regarded as a form of tribal art. The style of weaving is very bold, creating a very dramatic look.
The most commonly used design is the Heriz design - an eight point geometric central medallion with bold corner motifs related to the central design. Patterns are generally repeated diamond-shaped medallions in an open field, enclosed within multiple borders. The colors featured are warm earth tones in shades of rust and red in fields of beige. You will occasionally find these rugs that are being sold as a Tabriz or a Heriz due to the similarities in design. You will be able to differentiate the rugs if you carefully check the borders of the rug. They do not have straight lines like those found in a Tabriz or Heriz.
Artisans spin the wool from local sheep creating very luxurious, thick wool for the pile. Rugs may also be woven from goat hair and on rare occasions you can find one woven from a blend of silk and wool. The warp on Ahar rugs are generally cotton due to its strength and durability. Area rugs from Ahar are moderately priced, yet extremely attractive and durable. They make the perfect floor covering for medium to high traffic areas such as kitchens, family rooms, offices, and dens.
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