Mr Javad Pouyan, Dr Habib-O-Llah Ayatollahi, Dr Akbar Alami,
Volume 4, Issue 10 (9-2008)
Abstract
As patterns of other Iranian handicrafts, carpet patterns are valuable and extensively rich sources of visual elements to be used in today’s graphical works whenever appropriate. Due to the fact that these patterns have paved a long way through the history of carpet-weaving, they have been evolved into distilled and beautiful patterns of precise and orderly design structures. It is a cultural necessity that graphics students be acquainted with these patterns and gain knowledge and expertise about them because using these patterns plays an important role in both increasing their visual literacy and creating cultural identity. Obviously, appropriate employment of these patterns requires both suitable knowledge of them and recognition of the right and opportune time of using them which in its turn, demands skill and experience of graphic designers while employing these patterns. In the case of lacking each of aforementioned items by designers, these patterns can not be used appropriately and their aesthetic and cultural aspects will be destroyed.
Expert Goljaam,
Volume 18, Issue 42 (9-2022)
Abstract
The Persian carpet is one of the most prominent cultural, historical, and economic symbols of Iran, holding a distinguished position in the country's history and national identity. This unparalleled art form, with deep roots in Iranian culture and history, is recognized not only as an artistic and functional commodity but also as an integral part of everyday life and a symbol of national identity across various cultures. The central research question of this article is: “How has the Persian carpet been able to simultaneously shape national identity, social values, and economic impacts within Iranian society as both an art form and a cultural commodity?”
Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this article examines the historical development of the Persian carpet, from the Pazyryk carpet as the oldest known example to the flourishing of carpet weaving during the Safavid era, and its influence on Iran’s economy and cultural interactions in the contemporary period. From a sociological perspective, the study analyzes the role of carpets in reflecting the beliefs, values, and cultural symbols of Iranian society. Persian carpet motifs, such as boteh jegheh, Shah Abbasi floral designs, and arabesque (eslimi) patterns, embody religious, mythological, and natural themes that reveal the profound Iranian worldview toward nature, culture, and history.
In traditional societies, carpets were not only regarded as essential household items but also served as indicators of families’ social, economic, and cultural status. From an economic standpoint, the Persian carpet has been one of Iran’s most significant export commodities, playing a crucial role in foreign exchange earnings and job creation, particularly in rural areas. The carpet-weaving industry, largely centered on home-based workshops, has contributed to the empowerment of women and the intergenerational transmission of skills, thereby supporting the sustainability of local communities. However, in recent years, this industry has faced several challenges, including competition from low-cost products, shifts in global consumption patterns, and reduced governmental support.
The findings of this study indicate that the Persian carpet, beyond being an artwork or a commercial product, is a cultural heritage that has played a vital role in shaping and consolidating Iranian identity. Emphasizing the historical and social values of this art, alongside supporting the carpet-weaving industry, can contribute to its preservation and promotion at both national and international levels. This research highlights the necessity of revising supportive policies and improving the global introduction and marketing of Persian carpets.
