Hamedan Malayer Carpet Shopping
The handwoven carpets from Malayer are among the most renowned and valuable carpets in Iran, celebrated worldwide for their exceptional quality and reputation. These carpets are not only cherished in Iran but also featured in international museums and collections, recognized as valuable works of art and cultural heritage. Below, we will introduce the most famous museum-quality and well-known handwoven carpets from Malayer.
Geographical Location
Malayer cityis situated in the Hamedan Province, approximately 400 kilometers southwest of Tehran. To the east, it borders Markazi Province, and to the south, Lorestan Province. The city of Malayer, historically known as Dowlatabad, did not exist before the Qajar dynasty, making it a relatively young city. It was established in the Islamic year 1224. Notable historical villages in Malayer include Gorab (Jorab) and Tajr (Tajr).
Additionally, the region boasts several historic mounds and archaeological sites, such as the Nushijan Hill (attributed to the Medes), Deh-e Chaneh, Amir al-Omara Hill, Hossein Abad Shamlou, Chaghani Hill, Onuj Hill, Kuh Hill (or Qala Hill), and Mish Hill, all contributing to the rich historical fabric of this area.
Carpet Weaving in the City of Malayer
The carpet weaving tradition in Malayer and its surrounding villages closely resembles that of the Sarough and Arak regions. This similarity stems from the fact that carpet weaving in this newly established city began simultaneously with Arak’s carpet weaving tradition. During the city's founding, various craftsmen and artisans from other cities migrated to Arak and Malayer. Historically, Malayer was just a small village by the same name. Much of its present area was previously part of Hamedan County, with portions belonging to Toyserkan, Nahavand, and Borujerd.
In villages such as Tajr, Jozan, Nushijan, Paizan, Alamdar, Taymeh, Jokar, Hossein Abad, Shamlou, Mahdi Abad, Davijani, Hamzelu Aliya and Sofla, Goryjan, and Golparabad, carpets are woven that resemble the patterns of Sarough and Hamedan. Malayer is one of Iran’s major centers for rural carpet weaving and has undergone significant changes over recent decades. Initially, it was a hub for producing and selling Luri carpets in western Iran, though no artifacts from that era remain.
*read more : village carpets
The primary carpet weaving centers around Malayer can be divided into two groups:
This group includes villages such as Hossein Abad, Azandarian, and Nanj. Here, traditional rural weaving methods are still practiced, although the quality, patterns, and colors have significantly declined. The simple knot is a vestige of the region’s old carpet weaving traditions. Designs such as the “entangled fish” and the “square with four corners” motifs are remnants of this period, although they differ greatly from the original versions.
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Eastern and Southeastern Villages:
Villages like Jozan fall into this category. Similar to the Hamedan region, these areas predominantly produce urban-style carpets with double knots and longitudinal weaving techniques.
Colors and Dyeing
The colors of Malayer carpets are often dark red, blue, and various shades of beige. Red, dark blue, and pale yellow are dominant hues in the carpets of this region. Both natural and synthetic dyes available in the market are used in Malayer to dye wool and cotton. Some carpets woven near Hamedan show significant influence from Hamedan’s carpets, while those from villages closer to Sarough display characteristics of Sarough carpets.
Thanks to Malayer’s excellent water quality, the carpets of this region have particularly vibrant and beautiful colors. In Jozan, finely woven and durable carpets with lively colors are prevalent. Villages such as Kasb and Nanj produce larger carpets, but their overuse of red tones and lack of clarity in their patterns give them a less distinct appearance.
Weaving Techniques and Sizes
Malayer carpets are typically woven with Turkish knots and symmetrical knotting techniques. The tradition of binding fringes during weaving is also widespread, while simpler carpets and kilims are woven in the Persian style. Carpets in this region are often produced in smaller sizes, such as the “Zar-e-Nim” and “Do Zar” carpets.
Hossein Abad carpets are commonly available in sizes like “Zar,” “Nim,” and “Do Zar,” with runners (Konareh) more prevalent than in other regions. Their designs often feature a bright red center and a white ivory border.
The knot density of carpets from Malayer and its outskirts traditionally ranged between 20 and 30 rows, but modern carpets now reach up to 40 rows. Wool is the primary material used for the pile, while cotton is used for the warp threads, forming the backbone of carpet production in this region.
*read more : modern carpets
Modern Carpet Trends in Jozan and Surrounding Areasد
Today, the beautiful old carpets from Jozan are often repurposed into small cushions or carpets of the “Zar-e-Nim” size. Similarly, the “Boteh” carpets from Taymeh have become rare finds. In Jozan and Maniran, some of the finest carpets in the region are woven with double knots and symmetrical patterns. However, in the northern and eastern regions of Malayer, such as Hossein Abad and Jokar, the carpets are typically woven with simpler knots and geometric designs inspired by Kurdish and Caucasian motifs.
In the southern parts of Malayer, the weaving traditions align with those of Persian mountain communities, incorporating asymmetrical knots and patterns inspired by Farahan and Sarough designs. Among the southern weaving centers, the villages of Jozan, Alamdar, Mishan, and Maniran are particularly noteworthy. The carpets from these areas are often double-knotted and finely crafted. The pictorial carpets known as “Shapouri,” woven in Jozan and Maniran, are also widely recognized and influenced by the Sarough carpets of the region.
In recent decades, as major carpet factories shut down, production shifted to villages. Approximately 80% of Malayer’s carpet weavers now live in rural areas, where these traditions have long been preserved. Among these villages, Goryjani is renowned for producing the highest-quality carpets. Fine commercial-grade carpets are also woven in the villages of Davijani, Hamzelu Aliya, and Safli.
Patterns and Designs
The patterns of Malayer carpets and those from surrounding villages are incredibly diverse. One notable historical design from Malayer is the “Pich-e Jozan” (Jozan spiral motif). In recent years, the popular “rose pattern,” heavily influenced by the rose motifs from Bijar, has become a defining characteristic of the region's carpets.
In addition to the rose pattern, the fish motif is also widely used. Over the past few decades, lattice designs and floral motifs, such as the “Shah Abbasi” flower and “early bloom” patterns, have become staples in Malayer carpet designs, adding to their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance.
Malayer Carpets with the Boteh Design
Malayer carpets featuring the Boteh design are among the most renowned and cherished Persian carpets. Their exquisite patterns and refined weaving techniques have earned them a place in museums and collections around the globe. These carpets are crafted from natural wool and are distinguished by their warm, natural colors, such as red, orange, and green.
The Boteh design, characterized by its repetitive motifs spread across the entire carpet, holds a unique charm in Malayer carpets, captivating the attention of carpet art enthusiasts worldwide.
Malayer Carpets with the Floral Design
Malayer carpets featuring floral designs are also among the renowned and museum-worthy works from this region. These carpets typically showcase intricate patterns of large and small flowers, meticulously and delicately arranged side by side.
Some of these carpets depict traditional Persian floral motifs, such as daffodils, tulips, and ferns, artistically woven with warm, natural colors. These exquisite carpets are displayed in various museums worldwide, including in Europe and the United States.
Malayer Carpets with the Geometric Border Design
A notable type of Malayer carpet, displayed in museums worldwide, is distinguished by its unique geometric patterns in the borders. These carpets are typically woven with wool threads and feature natural colors such as red, blue, and yellow.
The geometric design, incorporating rectangles, squares, and diamonds, is creatively combined with floral and Boteh motifs. Due to their high level of craftsmanship and intricate designs, these carpets are often selected for exhibitions in museums and galleries.
Malayer Carpets with Nomadic and Tribal Motifs
In addition to the intricate and artistic carpets, Malayer carpets with simpler nomadic and tribal motifs are also displayed in some museums. These carpets are often woven in rural areas and feature straightforward designs such as diagonal lines, diamonds, and triangles.
Their authenticity and simplicity make these carpets of particular interest in museums, symbolizing the lifestyle of the nomads and tribes of the region.
