Nestled in a stunning valley framed by the Alvand Mountains and the Zagros range, Tuyserkan is a small town in western Iran with a rich history and a deep connection to rug weaving. This craft has been part of the town's identity for centuries, producing rugs that reflect the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the region. If you’ve ever had the chance to see a Tuyserkan rug up close, you’ll know they’re something truly special.
History and Origin
Tuyserkan is surrounded by villages like Ashtermaleh, Bireh (Abu Darda), and Gol Zard, where weaving rugs isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of life. The area’s prime location, with fertile lands and grazing fields, provides high-quality local wool, a key ingredient for its plush rugs. Despite the decline in rug production in recent years, the legacy of Tuyserkan’s weaving tradition continues to shine through the beautiful pieces crafted in decades past.
Historically, Tuyserkan rugs were woven in manageable sizes like zar-o-nim (roughly 1.5 meters long), qarcheh (small runners), and mianeh (medium-sized rugs). Large-scale rugs were rare, as the region’s weavers often worked within the constraints of their simple looms and their village-based lifestyle.
Craftsmanship
The craftsmanship of Tuyserkan rugs sets them apart. Woven using a symmetrical Turkish knot (ghiordes), these rugs are often single-wefted, giving them a soft, lofty pile that feels incredible underfoot. Their knot density ranges from 20 to 30 knots per 7 cm, which isn’t as fine as city rugs but fits perfectly with the durable, everyday use these rugs are known for.
The wool comes from local sheep, and the dyes—whether natural or chemical—create a classic palette of deep navy, ivory, and vibrant reds. This distinctive color combination is a hallmark of Tuyserkan rugs and makes them instantly recognizable.
Historically, Tuyserkan rugs were woven in manageable sizes like zar-o-nim (roughly 1.5 meters long), qarcheh (small runners), and mianeh (medium-sized rugs). Large-scale rugs were rare, as the region’s weavers often worked within the constraints of their simple looms and their village-based lifestyle.
Like many traditional crafts, rug weaving in Tuyserkan has faced challenges in recent decades. Rising costs of raw materials and insufficient government support have reduced the number of active weavers. Many of the rugs available today were crafted decades ago, when the craft was at its peak.
Design and Patterns
What makes Tuyserkan rugs so fascinating are their patterns. They're full of character, often featuring geometric shapes, floral motifs, birds, and even animals. The most famous designs include Asadoughi (or Aqa Sadeghi), Malicheh (also called Azhdar, meaning dragon), and Zagheh. These designs often come from specific villages like Abu Darda, where the Asadoughi pattern originated.
One of the striking features of Tuyserkan rugs is their balanced use of lachak-o-toranj designs (medallion-and-corner motifs). These rugs typically have large medallions set against a smaller field, with intricate, almost tooth-like borders framing the design. Each element tells a story, and the attention to detail in these “village-style” rugs is breathtaking.
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