Unlocking Global Opportunities: The Rise of Malayer Carpets as a Coveted Collection

Malayer, located in the Hamedan province of Iran, is renowned for its rich tradition of carpet weaving, making it a significant hub of Iranian art and creativity. This vibrant city not only produces some of the finest hand-woven carpets in the world but also holds a unique place in the history of the Iranian carpet industry due to its diverse patterns, colors, and weaving techniques.

Carpet weaving in Malayer is more than just an occupation; it embodies the cultural and social identity of its people. This art form has been preserved through small rural workshops and traditional homes, passed down through generations, as reported by ISNA.

Each region of Malayer boasts distinct characteristics, from the elegance of Shahribaab and Jozan to the geometric nomadic originality of Mishan, and the enduring patterns of Musa Khan and Hosseinabad. This diversity transforms Malayer into a living museum of Iranian carpets, where visitors can admire a variety of authentic Iranian designs in one location.

The color palette of Malayer carpets is striking, featuring hues such as lacquer, turquoise, olive, and cream. Coupled with the durability of Turkish knots and the use of cotton warp and weft, these carpets are not only visually stunning but also robust and long-lasting.

Many ancient patterns, such as those found in Mishan rugs, are preserved in esteemed museums and palaces around the globe. The reputation of Malayer weavers has garnered international attention.

However, the significance of Malayer carpets transcends their aesthetic appeal; this art industry significantly contributes to the local economy and the country’s non-oil exports. Over the years, markets in Europe, West Asia, East Asia, and even the United States have shown consistent interest in Malayer carpets. Yet, challenges such as the absence of a unified brand, economic sanctions, and a shortage of standard raw materials hinder exports.

Hamidreza Forouzanahsan, the head of the Hamadan Hand-Woven Carpet Production and Exporters Association, emphasized that Malayer is not merely a center for carpet weaving; it is a collection of independent centers, each showcasing its own design identity. He noted that Malayer is the first city in Iran with the highest number of weavers and a wide array of colors and patterns.

He mentioned that local carpet weaving centers operate through household or rural workshops. While there are still hundreds of active weavers in the villages and city of Malayer, this number has significantly decreased compared to the 1980s and 1990s.

The Mishan pattern, one of the oldest carpet designs from Malayer, features a variety of styles, including geometric, floral, and combinations of special fish and slime-betta. Many historical samples of Mishan rugs are housed in museums and palaces worldwide.

Forouzanahsan explained that the thread count of Mishan carpets can range from medium to very high, depending on the era and order specifications. These carpets are crafted in both single and double piles, depending on the weaving style and target market. The primary customers for Mishan designs include collectors, museums, and special orders from Europe and America, contingent upon the lifting of restrictions.

The UAE serves as a major buyer of Malayer carpets, acting as an export center, while countries like Germany, China, Italy, and the United States also express interest in these exquisite rugs.

According to Forouzanahsan, the unique variety of designs and colors available in Malayer carpets possesses the potential to create a global collection. He proposed the establishment of a ‘Malayer Pavilion’ at large exhibitions, where each design, including Jozan, Mishan, and Musa Khan, could have its own booth, all under the ‘Malayer Rugs’ brand.

To enhance the global standing of Malayer carpets, he suggested several initiatives, including:

• Registering the geographical indication of Malayer carpets, encompassing all villages and districts.
• Creating a digital booklet or catalog that introduces each carpet style and its historical significance.
• Establishing a direct exhibition and sales center in Malayer that showcases this diversity in one location.
• Utilizing this diversity to attract art tourists and specialized buyers.

Forouzanahsan also pointed out issues such as currency exchange problems, the absence of a singular brand to represent all styles, and the impact of sanctions on exports. He noted that while light livestock wool is available, its collection, processing, and dyeing lack standardization and quality control. Furthermore, the aging population of weavers and the younger generation’s declining interest in carpet weaving due to the instability of domestic and export markets pose significant challenges.

Mohammad Amini, an advocate for the carpet industry in Malayer, underscored the importance of quality raw materials in hand-woven carpets. “Buyers seek high-quality carpets crafted from sheep wool and natural dyes,” he stated.

Amini recalled that years ago, around 6,000 wool spinning mills operated in Malayer, primarily in Lorestan province, especially Borujerd. These mills supplied most of the raw materials used in Malayer carpets. Unfortunately, many wool spinning operations have closed in recent years, forcing weavers to rely on machine-spun wool.

He believes that reviving the wool spinning industry is a feasible goal, requiring more support and oversight from relevant organizations, as well as efforts to curtail the activities of spinning machine factories. Currently, most dyes used in carpet weaving are chemical-based, driving up the prices of older carpets, which were made with natural sheep wool and herbal dyes, thus making them more sought after.