Meshkinshahr Rug
Meshkinshar rugs origunate from Meshkinshahr, located west of Ardabil in northwestern Iran. Nomadic people live in the region where they are chiefly occupied with rug weaving and agriculture. This region of Iran was invaded by Mongols during the 13th century, bringing with them a very bold style of rug weaving and the predominant use of the Turkish knot. Most Meshkinshahr rugs are very long lengths which lend themselves perfectly for use as stair runners. Although the use of stair runners is much more prevalent in the United States than in Europe, they are gaining in popularity. Stair runners improve safety by providing traction on the stairs, in addition to protecting your wood from wear and tear, and quite effectively reducing noise.[citation needed]