Where are malayer rugs made?

Malayer is one of the important cities in the southeast of Hamadan province. This city was a small village until the Zand dynasty, but then, during the Qajar period, it became an important city in the fields of animal husbandry, agriculture, and carpet weaving. This city was one of the best wool production centers in Iran. As a result, the rug weaving industry also flourished there. According to some historians, the name Malayer comes from the old word “Mal-e-ir”, which is a shortened form of the word Aryan. The city of Malayer was of great importance to the Aryans and the Sassanid kings. Coins found from the Sassanid period indicate the existence of handicrafts 2,500 years ago. However, in the last hundred years, carpet weaving in this city has reached its peak of fame.

Malayer rug History

The Qajar period can be called the period of prosperity and the peak of Malayer rugs. After the English company Ziegler established several rug weaving workshops in the Arak region in 1850, Hamedan province and the village of Malayer were the second places that attracted the attention of this company. Within a short time, unique carpets were produced in this region and exported to various countries. At that time, most of the Malayer carpets that were woven were small or runner. Large Malayer rugs were mostly woven to order. The photo you see was taken by an unknown photographer during the early Pahlavi period and shows the Malayer rug Office and its staff.

What is a Malayer rug?

Malayar rugs, with their nomadic and urban elements, reflect the cultural influences of the region. Rugs from this region have always been a favorite of collectors due to their durable construction and unique designs. Malayer rugs with their rich and warm colors create a beautiful contrast in any space.

The exquisite Malayer rug, Claremont rug company ,USA

Persian Malayer rug Features

• Fibers: One of the most important features of the Malayer Persian rug is the very high-quality fibers used in the texture of this carpet. The city of Malayer is located in a mountainous and temperate region. Therefore, the sheep of this region always have the best type of wool. Malayer rugs are all woven with wool and cotton.

• Weaving Technique: Both symmetric and asymmetrical knots are used in the weaving of Malayer rugs. West Malayer is near Sanandaj, so like Senneh rugs, they use asymmetrical knots in their rugs. Of course, most Malayer rugs are woven with Turkish or symmetrical knots. Malayer carpets are woven with single-weft technique.

• Size: Malayer rugs are woven in medium sizes and in the shape of the runner. You will rarely see large size Malayer rugs unless they are custom woven.

• Pattern: In the northern and eastern areas of Malayer, such as Hossein-Abad and Jokar, rugs are woven in broken designs and Herati and Iliati designs. But in the southern regions, designs are woven similar to Sarouk rugs and Farahan rugs. The weavers make the wool very short so that the pattern of the carpet is clearly defined.

You can read this article for protect of your rugs: How to Protect the Roots of the Rug?

Malayer Rug designs

• Herati Fish:

The structure of the Herati design, which consists of a rhombus and a small fish, is abundant in the rugs of Tabriz and eastern Iran.

    Malayer rug runner with Herati design

• Armenian:

After the forced migration of Armenians to Hamadan region and the city of Malayer, this city has also included designs influenced by Armenians. Among the Armenian designs of Malayer rug, the design of three medallions and vases are famous.

      Malayer rug with vase design

• Lachak-Toranj :

The design of Lachak-Toranj is one of the main designs of Iranian handmade rugs, but they have differences according to the special motifs of Malayer rugs and culture.

              Antique Malayer runner rug 

• Nanaj:

The most famous design among Malayer rugs is the Nanaj rug. The village of Nanaj is located in the north of the city of Malayer, and due to the special design of this area, the designs woven in this area have taken the name of Nanaj.

Design with Malayer Nanaj rug

Malayer rug for sale

Malayer rugs have always been of interest to collectors and carpet enthusiasts due to their special designs and the fibers used. Malayer rugs are so soft and delicate that it feels like you are holding a silk fabric in your hand. Antique Malayer ruuner rugs give a great look to any room they are placed in. The value of Malayer rugs is very high. Although the number of these borders has decreased now, they can still be found! In this article, we have tried to tell you some of the cultural heritage of Iran. If you are interested in buying Persian Malayer rugs, we recommend that you purchase these carpets from experts and reputable centers. We also have a limited number of these carpets available in the Vernacarpets online collection, you can contact the experts of this collection for more information.