Historic First Gelij Carpet Woven in Mazandaran Province: A Cultural Milestone!

In an exciting development for the art of carpet weaving, Mazandaran province in Iran has produced its first authentic carpet featuring the intricate “Gelij” design. This stunning piece is inspired by ancient motifs from the Sassanid period, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and historical aesthetics.

According to a report by IRIB, the talented artist sisters Kobra and Zahra Baqeri from Dodangeh in Sari have successfully designed and woven this handwoven masterpiece. The Gelij pattern, which draws inspiration from the “bird’s foot” motif of the Sassanid era, was meticulously crafted over more than 40 days of continuous work. This unique creation embodies a remarkable fusion of traditional symbols, the visual heritage of ancient pottery, and the rich tradition of carpet weaving.

Zahra Baqeri expressed the innovative spirit behind this design, stating, “The Gelij pattern is implemented in Mazandaran carpet weaving for the first time. We have been weaving carpets with our mother since we were children, but we were always thinking about creating something new; a design that was both true to the roots and eye-catching.”

Kobra Baqeri, who focused on the color composition and arrangement of the patterns, added: “Gelij, with its regular geometric structure, is both pleasing to the eye and a symbol of our inner order and cultural continuity. We wanted to weave something that would attract the gaze of every viewer to the authenticity and traditional beauty of Iran.”

These skilled artists emphasized the importance of supporting the Gelij art form and other traditional motifs from Mazandaran. They called for:

• Targeted support for local artisans
• Assistance in registering their works
• Provision of facilities to equip workshops
• A suitable platform to promote their presence in domestic and international markets

This exquisite 1.5 x 1-meter Gelij carpet, meticulously woven from plant-based yarns, does not merely serve as a decorative piece; it embodies the stories of generations and the revival of a long-forgotten heritage. Recognized as one of the noble works of Mazandaran handicrafts, it is currently undergoing preliminary steps for provincial registration.

Beyond being an artistic creation, the Gelij carpet symbolizes the rich cultural ecosystem of Mazandaran. It tells a tale of female creativity, reliance on native memory, and the commitment to preserving heritage while fostering development. This innovative work marks the beginning of a new trend in the art of carpet weaving in northern Iran.

Carpet weaving is a celebrated tradition throughout various cities and provinces in Iran, with regions such as Tabriz, Isfahan, and Kashan being particularly renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship.

According to Zahra Kamani, the head of the Iran National Carpet Center, the handmade carpet exports from Iran have seen an approximate growth of four percent in value over the past Iranian calendar year, which concluded on March 20. This marks a significant turnaround after two decades of decline.

Kamani reported that the total value of exported handmade carpets reached $39.7 million last year, with these exquisite products being shipped to 65 countries worldwide. Notably, Germany, the UAE, Japan, and China emerged as the top four export destinations, collectively accounting for over $22 million of the total exports.

The recent growth in exports is attributed to the removal or revision of restrictive regulations, along with supportive initiatives from the National Carpet Center. Kamani noted, “A new initiative launched by the Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Trade, alongside the National Carpet Center, aims to enhance the global standing of handmade carpets.”

With collaborative efforts in monetary and banking systems and continued support from relevant organizations, further growth in exports appears promising.

In conclusion, the creation of the Gelij carpet is not just a testament to the rich tradition of Iranian carpet weaving but also highlights the efforts of local artisans to revive and innovate within this ancient art form. As Mazandaran province sets a new benchmark for handmade carpets, the future of this craft looks bright.