Hamadan, the capital city of Hamadan Province in western Iran, is renowned for its ancient history, rich culture, and tradition of rug weaving. Dating back to nearly 1000 BCE, the city has been a center of trade and craftsmanship for centuries. The rugs woven in the villages, towns, and cities throughout Hamadan are celebrated worldwide for their unique blend of intricate designs, durability, and vibrant colors. These rugs reflect a convergence of various ethnic traditions, from the Kurds to the Azeri Turks, making them one of the most diverse rug weaving regions in Persia.

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History and Origin

Hamadan's reputation as a weaving hub can be traced to the mid-19th century when village Hamadan rugs began to be recognized in the market. These carpets were initially woven using wool or cotton foundations with a thick wool pile, and by the early 20th century, most villages switched to a cotton foundation. These rugs were later marketed internationally, gaining recognition for their competitive prices and sturdy craftsmanship, which rivaled other renowned weaving centers like the Caucasian and Anatolian regions.

By the mid-20th century, Hamadan weavers had adapted their techniques, producing larger carpets in response to the growing global demand. These rugs remain a significant source of income for the region, with weaving continuing to be a key part of the local economy.

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Craftsmanship

Hamadan rugs come in two main types, distinguished by weaving techniques and quality: village and city-weave rugs.

  • Village Hamadan Rugs: These rugs are characterized by geometric and semi-geometric designs in allover, medallion, or open field styles. Woven on horizontal looms using the Turkish (symmetric) knot, these rugs often have a thick wool pile and a cotton foundation. The village rugs feature motifs such as palmettes, flowers, birds, animals, and tribal symbols.
  • City Hamadan Rugs: Known as Shahr Boft in Farsi, these rugs are made with finer wool and are tightly woven with a double weft for added durability. Typically woven after World War I, they feature floral designs, often with a central medallion and palmettes, leaves, and vines. These rugs are heavier and more tightly woven, making them ideal for markets in Europe and North America.

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Design and Pattern

The designs of Hamadan rugs are highly diverse, reflecting the variety of villages and towns throughout the province. Common motifs include:

  • Geometric Patterns: These feature repeating diamond shapes, stars, and stylized motifs.
  • Medallion Designs: A large central medallion often accompanied by smaller medallions or other elements in the corners or field.
  • Floral Motifs: Palmettes, flowers, leaves, and vines are frequent design elements in both village and city rugs.
  • Tribal Symbols: Some Hamadan rugs incorporate traditional tribal motifs, such as the Boteh (paisley) or Herati (fish) motifs, as well as animals, birds, and stylized symbols of nature.

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Let's take a look attypical variations in Hamadan region rugs

Hosseinabad Rugs

Hosseinabad is one of the prominent weaving towns in Hamadan, and its rugs are distinctive for their bold and vibrant designs, often showcasing large, stylized floral motifs. Hosseinabad rugs typically feature:

  • Palmettes and Vine Designs: Large palmettes (stylized flowers) surrounded by swirling vines or leaves are common motifs. These designs often have a symmetrical or medallion layout.
  • Shaded Backgrounds: A mix of red, blue, ivory, and darker shades (like dark brown or black) are often seen in the field, providing a rich contrast with the floral motifs.
  • Diamond Patterns: Some Hosseinabad rugs also feature diamonds or star-shaped patterns, reflecting the regional affinity for geometric forms.

Asabad Rugs

Asabad (sometimes spelled Asadabad) is another village known for its distinctive Hamadan rugs. These rugs often include:

  • Intricate Geometric and Medallion Patterns: Asabad rugs are known for their clear geometric patterns, often featuring a central medallion surrounded by repeating smaller motifs like stars or flowers.
  • Herati and Boteh Motifs: These traditional Persian motifs can sometimes appear in the background or as borders in Asabad rugs. The Herati (fish) pattern and Boteh (paisley) are both highly popular designs that symbolize nature and growth.
  • Warm, Earthy Colors: Asabad rugs often feature deep reds, blues, and ivories, with some incorporating greens and browns for the design elements. The use of camel hair and natural dyes is also common, giving these rugs an earthy, natural feel.

Other Village Variations

While Hosseinabad and Asabad have their own distinct styles, other villages in the Hamadan province add their own characteristics to the wider tapestry of Hamadan rugs:

  • Malayer: Known for fine weaving, these rugs often display intricate floral designs in bright colors, including vibrant reds and blues.
  • Bibikabad and Nevehand: These villages are known for their large medallions, frequently featuring flower and vine patterns, and a broader range of colors, from dark blue to earthy hues.
  • Borchalu: This village produces rugs with more tribal motifs and simpler patterns, often featuring bold colors like dark reds and blues combined with smaller geometric motifs.

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