Yesterday: 

When Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC, he was struck by its grandeur, and introduced the art of carpet making into Persia. It is said that the tomb of Cyrus, who was buried at Pasargadae (Persepolis), was covered with precious carpets. Even before his time, it is very likely that Persian nomads knew about the use of Knotted carpets. Their herds of sheep and goats provided them with high quality and durable wool for this purpose.

Cyrus Tomb in Iran

The art of carpet weaving existed in Iran in ancient times [500 B.C], according to facts and scientists. In a unique archaeological excavation in 1949, the exceptional Pazyryk carpet was discovered among the ices of Pazyryk Valley, in Altai Mountains in Siberia. The carpet was found in the grave of a Scythian prince. Radiocarbon testing indicated that the Pazyryk carpet was woven in the 5th century BC. This carpet is 283 cm by 200 cm and has 232 symmetrical knots per inch. The advanced weaving technique used in the Pazyryk carpet indicates a long history of evolution and experience in this art. Pazyryk carpet is considered the oldest carpet in the world. Its central field is a deep red color and it has two wide borders, one depicting deer and the other Persian horseman. However, it believed that the carpet from Pazyryk is not likely a nomadic product, but a product of an Achaemenid carpet production centre.

Pazyric carpet

This art underwent many changes in various eras of the Iranian history to present. With the passage of time, the materials used in carpets, including wool and cotton, decay. Therefore archaeologists are rarely able to make any particularly useful discoveries during archaeological excavations. What has remained from early times as evidence of carpet-weaving is nothing more than a few pieces of worn-out carpets. 
 

Today: 

Persian carpets are usually made of very fine wool. The wool is long, soft and silky, and is sheared in the spring from the bellies of sheep and goats. Silk is frequently used to make very finely knotted carpets.  

Fine "Tabriz" designs

The dyes used to colour the wool are of the greatest importance in completing the effect and lengthening the life of Persian carpets. Most of the traditional raw materials are of vegetable origin: roots, flowers, barks, and leaves. However, some animal products and various insects were also used. When vegetable dyes fade, they become softer and more attractive.

 Dyed wool

Persian carpets are hand-knotted. The knots used are Persian (Sinneh); and Turkish (Ghiordes) knot. In the Persian Knot, the wool thread forms a single turn around the warp thread. In the Turkish knot the yarn is taken twice around two adjacent warp threads.  

The most coarsely knotted carpets come from Kurdistan, and the finest from Kashan. There are between 65 and 330 knots per square inch in finely knotted carpets. These can come in all sizes. A nomadic weaver can tie around 8000 knots each day, and a professional weaver up to 12000 knots.

Ghashghaie girl weaving a 100% wool rug

The most common Persian motifs are those with flowers, linked by tendrils, and designs including animals and people; partly geometric motifs are also common. The more distinct the pattern on the underside of the carpet, the better the quality. Persian carpets can be divided into three groups; Farsh (any size greater than 6x4 feet), Qālicheh (rug, sized 6x4 feet and smaller), and nomadic carpets known as Kilim & Zilu, (meaning rough carpet.)

The Persian carpet ( farš فرش ) meaning "to spread" and Arabic qāli, Turkish hali) is an essential part of Persian art and culture. Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to the Ancient Persia (c.3,500 BC). Today many families learn this ancient art nd weave fine rugs in their homes. Many professional weavers have turned the traditional designs of floor rugs to magnificent wall hanging rugs. These rugs have such exotic designs and are finely woven. Persian carpet lovers hang these decorative rugs on their walls for showcase.
    

Tomorrow:

With young Iranian's new interest in this ancient art, carpet weaving is becoming more popular between youth and upperclass families. Women from different levels of society sign up in classes to learn how to create traditional and modern design rugs. Professional and experienced instructures teach design and weaving techniques. Persian carpet weaving is becoming an exotic skill these days!

Today, Carpet weaving is by far the most widespread handicraft in Iran; it is also the best-known abroad. Persian carpets are renowned for their originality, richness of colour, variety of patterns and quality of design.