Mahabad Rug

Mahabad rugs originate from Mahabad, formerly called Savojbolagh Mokri, in the province of Azerbaijan in northwestern Iran near Tabriz. Mahabad has been an important Kurdish center since the 19th century and served as the capital of a brief Kurdish Republic (consisting of the northern part of Persian Kurdistan, with Kurdish as the official language) from 1945-46. Mahabad weavers produce mainly a Turkoman area rug. The distinguishing feature of Mahabad rugs is the frequent use of an all-over pattern of small Turkish designs on very soft and luxurious pile. An area rug from Mahabad has a flat back and is woven with very rounded symmetrical knots.