Mehrabi Rug Symbology

Written by Abdolhossein Ghasemnejad.

Mehrabi rug, like other common floor coverings in Iran, is fraught with symbols. These rugs are created based on the same fixed pattern with various components, though this variety is subjected to a certain framework. As the name carries, these rugs are of a Mehrab pattern with its arch at one point and the margins around it. There are, however, two interpretations surrounding the word. «محراب» it is a battlefield referring to Qibla is the direction towards Mecca used by Muslims when saying prayers, which is referred to as an internal battle with one’s vices.«مهراب», though with different spelling in Persian, also refers to Mehr or Mitra, the goddess of justice and sun in the Iranian mythology, the followers of whom said their prayers in a Mehrab.

Symbolism

Jar and Qandil

Jar and qandil in the middle of the rug represent light since God in Quran is described as light. This, therefore, refers to man Standing before God to pray.

Pillar

The pillar is a symbol of a place from which one can observe the heaven.

Flower pot or a single tree

Cypress in the pattern represents freedom, referring to the idea that worshippers are free men who talk to God only in that place. A Sedr tree, however, refers to a certain tree which according to Islamic teachings is located in the east of heaven and individuals can benefit from its shade and fruit.

Trees and flowers

A large number of trees full of fruit and growing flowers in the pattern symbolizes heaven. These motifs are woven in smaller sizes.

Arch or doorway

Arches in both sides to the center of the pattern refer to the entrance to the heaven.

Inscriptions

Poetic inscriptions or other inscriptions referring to Quran verses or God’s characteristics are meant to create an eternal heavenly life.

Animals

Animals and birds in the pattern of Mehrabi rug are meant to create a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Motifs depicting the battle between the prey and the predator make references to the constant confrontation between human’s virtues and vices with its beginning and the end being unintentional. The motif refers to the battle itself only and not to any outcomes.

Talking tree

These trees, with their origins in the Iranian mythology, have fruits in form of human or animals’ heads and of both genders which speak different languages. At times, the branches of this tree are grown through the demons and the devil’s bodies, which appear in the middle of Mehrab in the pattern. These motifs refer to the Satan who attracts the Adam and his children in order to lead them astray. Therefore, the worshippers have to try to beat their internal devilish vices.

River and stream

These water streams refer to Kowsar Pond in the heaven.

Interpretation

Iranian artists have always intended to put synonymous concepts together; heaven, worship and talking to God. All these three concepts have roots in the Islamic teachings, meaning when praying, worshippers stand in a metaphoric place like heaven where all creatures coexist eternally. Most rugs woven over the past two centuries turn out to be of Mehrabi pattern which symbolically refers to the Islamic principles, holding prayers rituals in high regards.

Bibliography

Ghasemnejad, Abdolhossein. 2022. Dreamy. Tehran: Aser Andishe.