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The origin
of genuine carpet art
Discover the cities, regions and traditions from which the world’s most beautiful rugs originate — from Isfahan to Bukhara, from the Caucasus to Kashmir.
Go directly to the provenance
Ardabil
The city of Ardabil was an important centre of the Persian Empire during the Achaemenid period and played a crucial role in trade routes and the regional economy. Ardabil retained this importance during the rule of the Parthians and Sassanids.
In the modern era, the city continued to develop in areas such as education and commerce and remained an important centre. Its history reflects the diverse influences of different civilisations — and Ardabil has preserved its cultural significance over the centuries.
Bukhara
The history of Bukhara spans more than 2,000 years and includes various civilisations. The city gained special importance as a major trading centre along the Silk Road between East and West.
Under the rule of the Abbasid caliphs, Bukhara experienced a golden age in science, literature and art. In the Middle Ages it was an important hub for trade and the exchange of ideas. To this day, Bukhara preserves many historic sites as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Qom
Qom, also known as Ghom, is a city in Iran with a history reaching back to the first millennium BC. Shaped by various civilisations, including Persians and Medes, Qom may have been part of the Persian Empire under the Achaemenid dynasty.
The city benefited from cultural and economic developments under King Cyrus II. In the centuries that followed, Qom experienced intense cultural and political activity — today it is one of Iran’s largest and best-known rug centres.
Quchan
Quchan, a city in northeastern Iran, has a long history reaching back to prehistoric times. As an important trade hub along the routes between Central Asia, the Caucasus and Iran, the city was marked by cultural diversity and economic importance.
During the Safavid dynasty, Quchan experienced an upswing and developed into an important trading centre. Even today, the city plays an important role in agriculture and craftsmanship.
Isfahan
Isfahan is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in Iran. During the Sassanid period, it retained its importance — the Sassanids built palaces, and the city flourished thanks to its strategic location on trade routes.
Despite its conquest by Timur, Isfahan experienced a period of restoration and renewal under the Timurids. In more recent history, the city is known for historical monuments such as Imam Square and the Khaju Bridge and remains a central site of cultural heritage.
Kashan
The region around Kashan was already settled in prehistoric times, with archaeological finds dating back to the 6th millennium BC. In the Parthian and Sassanid periods, Kashan remained an important trading centre, known for textile production and ceramics.
During the Seljuk and Ilkhanid eras, the city developed into an outstanding centre of trade and craftsmanship. Its ancient history is characterised by diverse cultural, artisanal and economic developments.
Kashmir
Kashmir, a culturally and historically rich region in northern India, was a centre of Hinduism and Buddhism, shaped by kingdoms such as the Maurya Empire. In the Middle Ages, Kashmir flourished under Hindu rule as a centre of art, literature and science.
Later, the region was influenced by the Mughals; in the 19th century it came under Sikh control. Its history is shaped by cultural diversity and political change — and Kashmir is still considered the home of the finest silk and pashmina rugs.
Kazak
The term “Kazak” in the Caucasus context refers to various groups and cultural identities. In the 15th century, the Kazakh people formed an independent political unit, the Kazakh Khanate, which played an important role in the trade routes of the Silk Road.
During the 19th century, the Kazakhs came under Russian influence, which brought major changes. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, they gained independence — the rug art of the region still carries powerful geometric patterns today.
Afghan Kilim
The tradition of kilims in Afghanistan has a centuries-old history and is firmly rooted in culture and art. The production of these rugs is closely linked to the nomadic lifestyles of different ethnic groups — especially the Pashtuns and Turkmens.
The pieces are not only an expression of craftsmanship and creativity, but also of cultural encounters and historical developments. They play an important role in preserving and passing on cultural identity across generations.
Nain
Nain, also known as Na’in, is a city in central Iran with a rich historical past. During the Achaemenid period, the region belonged to the Persian Empire, and Nain was both a settlement and a potential trading centre. The area was then known for its remarkable textile production.
Today, Nain is especially known for its hand-knotted rugs of the finest quality and its traditional architecture — the city has preserved its rich historical heritage and developed into an important centre of craftsmanship.
Tabriz
Tabriz, also known as Täbris, is an important city in northwestern Iran with a rich history dating back to antiquity. During the Parthian and Sassanid eras, Tabriz retained its importance as a central trading hub between East and West.
In the 13th and 14th centuries, the city came under the rule of the Mongols and later the Timurids, but during the Ilkhanid Khanate it experienced a period of cultural and economic prosperity. To this day, Tabriz stands for high-quality and versatile rug art.
Ziegler
The origins of Ziegler rugs go back to the late 19th century, when the Swiss company Ziegler & Co. had oriental rugs designed in Sultanabad (Iran) for the European market.
Today, Ziegler rugs are traditionally hand-knotted in Afghanistan and Pakistan — with classic patterns, muted colours and a distinctive patina that makes every rug a timeless piece. The combination of oriental knotting art and Western design sensibility makes Ziegler one of the most popular modern classics.