Origin of Khoy Rugs ¹

Khoy is a city in the West Azerbaijan Province of northwestern Iran. An old city, it has been occupied by empires and armies over the centuries. Khoy once had a large Armenian population that immigrated north to Armenia during the first quarter of the nineteenth century.

History of Khoy Rugs

Khoy carpet weaving is known in the trade from the first quarter of the twentieth century. Khoy weavings were marketed as Tabriz carpets but they have a lower grade quality in comparison. They were mainly produced for the lower-income consumer, for both domestic and foreign markets. Khoy carpets were made in large quantities and provided an economic boost for the city’s population.

By the last quarter of the twentieth century, in accordance with world market demand, most Khoy weavers began to produce carpet qualities similar to those of Tabriz.

Characteristics of Khoy Rugs

• Material and Knots

Khoy carpets have a cotton foundation and a wool pile. The Turkish (symmetric) or Persian (asymmetric) knots are employed. The Turkish knot is foremost, but the Persian knot is sometimes encountered.

By the last quarter of the twentieth century, in accordance with world market demand, most Khoy weavers began to produce carpet qualities similar to those of Tabriz. These carpets were made in a high quality, including those with a silk pile.

• Color

The carpets have colorations similar to Tabriz styles.

• Design and Pattern

The carpets have floral designs similar to Tabriz styles.