Ardabil Carpet

Ardabil Carpet is recognized as an exceptional floor covering for both travel and home use. It is a simple handwoven textile, primarily made with cotton warp and wool weft. Sometimes, wool fibers are used for the warp, and down is used instead of wool for the weft. The weaving of the ardabil carpet, mostly done by nomads, utilizes either a ground loom or a standing loom.

The history of Rug Weaving in Ardabil 

In historical texts, the Ardabil Carpet is also referred to as "Plas," but in some recent writings, it is mistakenly confused with "Jajim," which is entirely incorrect. The term "Plas" has been used in earlier texts, including the Shahnameh and writings by poets and authors from the seventh century, such as Hafez and Saadi. Therefore, it is important to note that the name "Plas" is equivalent to Ardabil rugs .

Unique Characteristics of Ardabil Rugs

For dyeing the wool or down used in the ardabil carpets' weft, natural colors are primarily employed, such as pomegranate peel, walnut husk, madder, indigo, cochineal, and many other natural dyes. Ardabil rug is mainly used as a floor covering and sometimes for making various items, from salt shakers and pepper shakers to covering chests and saddles. However, it is predominantly used as a floor covering in various sizes and dimensions. 

The Ardabil Rug Weaving Process

The designs used in Persian Ardabil rug are very diverse, and sometimes, based on the patterns, one can deduce the place of weaving and production. Simple geometric patterns are sometimes used, while more complex designs, including animals and plants, are also woven into the galim. It is important to note that no bobbins are used in galim weaving; instead, skilled galim weavers select the warp threads one by one, and then a piece of colored wool is placed as the weft among them. Using a metal comb, the weft is pressed between the warp threads, and this process continues row by row until the design is complete.

Types of Ardabil Carpets

Gelim comes in various types, including Shahsavan galim, Lori galim, Sistan galim or shawl, Harsin galim, Islamabad-e Gharb galim, Baluch galim, Khamsa galim, Sanandaj galim, Qashqai galim, Afshar galim, Zarand galim, Turkmen galim, Masnad Anbaran galim, and more, each with its unique characteristics in design and form. Famous Ardabil rug patterns include:

•  Linear or Mohramat or Afshari pattern
•  Shamloo pattern
•  Shiraki Pich pattern
•  Kurdish tablecloth pattern
•  Simple floor pattern
•  Striped pattern
•  Brick or frame pattern

One of the important handicrafts produced in Ardabil is Persian Ardabil Rug , which has a special quality and is considered one of the significant handicrafts of this city. It is worth noting that Ardabil kilim is regarded as one of the finest types and brings considerable currency into the country.

If you plan to travel to Ardabil, keep in mind that Ardabil wool rugs are considered one of the best souvenirs of this city and can be used as a floor covering or in other crafts. Our colleagues at the Sana Persian team hope to meet you while you are purchasing one of Ardabil's handicrafts, including Ardabil rug , in Iran, and the Ardabil carpet market. Here’s to that day.