Where did the Persian Shahsavan rugs come from?

The Shahsavan tribe or Shahsevan is one of the most important Iranian tribes living in the northwest of Iran. They speak the Azeri language and live in cities such as Zanjan, Varamin, Ardabil, Mughan plain, Saveh, Hamadan, and Miyaneh, etc. There are different interpretations about the formation of the Shahsavan tribe. However, according to historians, the Shahsavan tribe was formed by the order of Shah Abbas Safavi (1588 to 1629) from the gathering of several tribes that mainly lived in the northwest of Iran. This tribe was created as the Shah’s(king) lovers to protect the western borders against the invading Turkish tribes. In exchange for the Shahsavan tribe’s allegiance, Shah Abbas pledged to provide the summer and rural pasture areas(Yaylak & Qishlaq) needed by their sheep herds.

                                           Shahsavan tribe

History of Shahsavan Rugs

Most of the Shahsavan people live a nomadic lifestyle. They migrate twice a year and their economy is based on animal husbandry and agriculture. Handicraft production is another way of making a living for these nomads. They obtain raw materials such as wool for their handwoven products from their livestock, especially sheep and goats. Shahsavan rugs are usually woven for the daily needs of the nomads. Since the early 19th century, Shahsavan(Shahsevan) rugs have become known and popular globally. Due to regional and neighborhood influences, Shahsavan carpets are more similar to Caucasian styles than Iranian handwoven rugs.

                          Shahsavan woman is weaving a rug

Other handicrafts produced by Shahsavan women include kilims, jajims, khorjins (saddle bags), salt bags, socks, hats, etc. Due to the nomadic lifestyle, kilims and flat jajims are the most numerous. Jajims are woven in beautiful colors, with vertical stripes, geometric patterns, and other nomadic elements. Some of the finest old jajims are made of silk.

                                Shahsavan rug

Shahsavan Rugs for Sale

• Shahsavan rugs are woven with thick, shiny wool or sometimes goat hair on a wool or cotton base.
• The Persian symmetrical knot is used in these carpets.
• Persian Shahsavan rugs are medium-sized and sometimes woven as runners.
• They have abstract, improvised designs such as birds and animals and rich colors.
• The designs are in the form of repetitive medals, very influenced by the Caucasus regions.
• The colors red, ivory, gold, dark blue, and green are widely used in these rugs.
• The quality of Shahsavan rugs is average to good.

                  Shahsavan carpet

Shahsavan Rugs for Sale

As we said, Shahsavan rugs are mainly woven for the needs of nomads and their livelihoods. The price of Shahsavan area rugs depends on their age. Antique Shahsavan rugs are very beautiful in terms of patterns and colors and are very popular with collectors. The large saddle bags and mafrashs that were used for nomad items are considered among the most valuable Shahsavan hand-crafts.

      Shahsavan rug runner is a very interesting option