Origin of Faridan Rugs ¹

Faridan is a region located in the Isfahan Province of central Iran. It has a Georgian and Armenian population that was forcefully moved to this region during the Safavid Empire’s occupation of the Caucasus region in the early seventeenth century.

History of Faridan Rugs

The Bakhtiari tribe settled in this area and constitutes a large part of the Faridan population. Rugs and carpets woven in this region—called “Faridan-Bakhtiari”—are known in the market from the last quarter of the nineteenth century. During this period “Khan” carpets were produced and commissioned in Faridan for officials and Khanate rulers.

Some early rugs made by Armenian weavers with high-quality wool and coloration are called “Armeni Boft,” which means “made by Armenians” in Farsi. The formats range from small bags to carpets in large room dimensions.

Characteristics of Faridan Rugs

• Material and Knots

The weaving quality is generally medium to good in grade. Early Faridan carpets may have a wool foundation, but generally it is cotton with a wool pile. The Turkish (symmetric) knot is invariably utilized.

• Color

The background and border colors are mainly strong reds, dark blues, or ivory. Additionally, shades of brown, gold, green, blue, and black are woven for the flowers and design elements. Dark brown or black is applied in design outlines.

• Design and Pattern

Faridan rugs and carpets are woven in the semi-geometric, traditional Bakhtiari styles, with medallion, allover, pendant, or panel Garden designs. The garden designs have Kheshti (square) or lozenge shapes in the field, with flowers, Shrub motifs, or trees.

By the late twentieth century some Faridan weavers switched from weaving traditional designs to styles similar to those of other regions in Iran in accordance with domestic and foreign export demand. These weavings may be marketed by the origin of design and color produced rather than the weaving location.