Cultural significance of Oriental carpets: Tradition & symbolism

A Sikh man in a yellow robe and with a spear walks along the water, with the Golden Temple in Amrits

Oriental Carpets: History, Culture and Style

The history of the carpet:

Did you know that Oriental rugs are over 2,500 years old? Their roots lie in Central Asia, Persia - modern-day Iran - Turkey, India, China, and the Caucasus. In the past, rugs were not just beautiful to look at; they helped keep nomadic tents warm and made them a bit cozier.

The oldest known rug, the Pazyryk rug from the 5th century BC, already shows how intricate the early patterns were. Each region developed its own style over the centuries. Persian rugs from Isfahan, Kashan, Tabriz, or Nain impress with floral and geometric designs, while Turkish rugs from Hereke or Konya stand out particularly for their vibrant colours and symmetrical patterns.

And one quickly notices: each pattern tells a story. Flowers often represent paradise, while geometric shapes symbolise protection and harmony. From the 16th century onwards, Oriental rugs found their way to Europe, becoming luxurious treasures that adorned palaces and elegant homes. Even today, workshops, nomadic tents, and manufactories keep these traditions alive.

Evening view from the entrance of the Ali Qapu Palace terrace over the Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfah

A Distant Land: The Significance of the Carpet for Nomads

The production of an Oriental carpet requires patience and experience, and yes, sometimes also a great deal of love for detail. First, wool, silk or cotton is cleaned, spun and dyed with natural dyes such as indigo, pomegranate skins or walnut shells.

Then the knotting begins, and here the variety is revealed:

Nomads use portable looms to create carpets while on the move.
Village workshops produce robust carpets such as Gabbeh or Ziegler.
Urban manufactories create finely knotted Nain, Isfahan or Kashmar carpets, often with silk components and dense knotting.

The knotting technique is crucial: the Persian Senneh knot allows for intricate details, while the Turkish Ghiordes knot is particularly sturdy. Depending on the size, pattern and material, a carpet can take months or even years to complete. Each carpet is a true one-of-a-kind, handmade, with tradition and passion.

Hand-knotted Persian carpets with floral and geometric patterns in vibrant colours.

How a carpet is made:

The production of an Oriental rug requires patience and experience, and yes, sometimes a whole lot of love for detail. First, wool, silk or cotton is cleaned, spun, and dyed with natural dyes such as indigo, pomegranate skins, or walnut shells.

Then the knotting begins and here the variety shows:

Nomads use portable looms to create rugs while on the move.
Village workshops produce sturdy rugs like Gabbeh or Ziegler.
Urban manufacturers create finely knotted Nain, Isfahan, or Kashmar rugs, often with silk components and dense knotting.

The knotting technique is crucial: the Persian Senneh knot allows for intricate details, while the Turkish Ghiordes knot is particularly stable. Depending on the size, pattern, and material, a rug can take months or even years to complete. Each rug is a true one-off, handmade, with tradition and passion.

How a carpet is made:

The production of an Oriental rug requires patience and experience, and yes, sometimes a great deal of love for detail. First, wool, silk, or cotton are cleaned, spun, and dyed with natural dyes such as indigo, pomegranate skins, or walnut shells.

Then the knotting begins, and here the variety becomes apparent:

Nomads use portable looms to create rugs while on the move.
Village workshops produce robust rugs like Gabbeh or Ziegler.
Urban manufacturers create finely knotted Nain, Isfahan, or Kashmar rugs, often with silk components and dense knotting.

The knotting technique is crucial: the Persian Senneh knot allows for delicate details, while the Turkish Ghiordes knot is particularly sturdy. Depending on the size, pattern, and material, a rug can take months or even years to complete. Each rug is a true one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, with tradition and passion.

Tuareg leader with a caravan of loaded camels in the Sahara

The language of patterns and symbols:

Oriental rugs have their own language. Every colour, every motif tells something about culture, beliefs, and everyday life:

Geometric Patterns:

Triangles, rhombuses or medallions symbolise eternity, protection or the cycle of life.

Florale Elemente:

Flowers, vines, leaves – they represent growth, renewal, and a connection to nature. Many designs are inspired by the Garden of Eden.

Tier motives:

Lions for strength, peacocks for beauty, birds for freedom and fertility.

Colours:

Rot bedeutet Vitalität, Blau Schutz und Gelassenheit, Grün Fruchtbarkeit und göttliche Kraft.

Prayer rugs clearly demonstrate how religion has influenced patterns. Each motif has its story, and every decoration conveys values, traditions, and spirituality. Classics like Bidjar , Ghom silk , or Nain encompass all of this, whether as a robust everyday rug or a fine work of art.

Den richtigen Teppich finden: Finding the right carpet:

Choosing an Oriental rug is like a little journey: you search for the perfect mix of style, space, and personal taste:

Personal style: Colour, pattern, and design should match your home. Simple models like Kelim or Ziegler create a harmonious effect in modern spaces, while intricate Kashan, Isfahan, or Nain convey classic elegance.
Size: A rug should fill the space, not be too small, but also not overwhelming. Runners or round rugs can create targeted accents.
Shape and placement: Square, rectangular, or runner – the shape influences the overall impression.
Combining multiple rugs: Ensure that colours and patterns complement each other.
Care: Regular vacuuming, airing out, and occasional repairs help your rug last a long time.

Qualität erkennen:

How can you actually recognise a high-quality Oriental rug? It is primarily about the materials, knot density, precision, and craftsmanship:

Materials: Wool is durable, silk is luxurious, and blends of wool and silk combine elegance with practicality.
Dealers: Reputable specialist dealers guarantee provenance, authenticity, and quality, often with a certificate of artisanal production.
Age and condition: Knot count, colour depth, material quality, and care history reveal authenticity and value.

An Oriental rug is much more than just a decorative piece. With proper care, it can become a valuable family heirloom that is passed down through generations.

Multicoloured rug pile with classic oriental patterns

The language of patterns and symbols:

Whoever owns an Oriental carpet acquires not just a decorative piece, but also a piece of history and tradition. Oriental carpets have been valued by kings, nobles, and merchants over the centuries, and they are still highly regarded today for their beauty, quality, and cultural significance. The civilisations that produced them viewed them as much more than mere textiles; they were symbols of wealth, status, and wisdom. Some of the oldest and most valuable carpets in the world can be found in museums and private collections, such as the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the Carpet Museum in Tehran, or the Louvre in Paris. These historical pieces are admired not only for their beauty but also for the deep cultural and historical significance they embody. Each carpet is a testament to the life of a community, reflecting its beliefs, traditions, and natural environment. The value of an Oriental carpet is measured not only by its age or rarity but also by the human effort that has gone into every knot and every thread. This heritage of craftsmanship has endured for centuries and remains an important part of the cultural identity of many regions today.