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Historical and artistic importance of Isfahan carpets
Isfahan carpets are known for their balanced texture, using materials like wool, silk, and natural dyes that provide both durability and beauty. They represent the aesthetic identity of Iranian carpets and serve as a reference for artists and researchers. The designs of Isfahan carpets are inspired by old maps that adorn the city’s buildings, and significant innovations continue to emerge from new artists.
The Isfahan Carpet Market is a relic of the Safavid era, featuring a brick-built structure with two-story shops lining both sides of the bazaar path. The dome roofs, adorned with tiles and plaster, include skylights that provide ventilation and lighting. Each dome arch typically accommodates two shops facing each other. These ceilings help regulate the market’s temperature throughout the seasons. Interestingly, these roofs also serve as nesting sites for red-breasted swallows, which migrate to Isfahan due to the favorable climate and the Zayandeh Rud river during their breeding season. Locals consider the swallow to be an omen, and in ancient times, it was affectionately referred to as “Pisoore,” a term that has fallen out of use. Keep an eye on the sky during your visit; you might be lucky enough to spot one of these birds.
The bazaar is home to several notable sites, including saqakhaneh, ab anbar (cistern), bathhouse, a mosque, caravanserai, coffee house, stable, zurkhaneh, and a school. Additionally, Amin Carpet Bazaar is a contemporary structure that harmonizes with the market’s texture and cultural identity.
Isfahan carpets come in various shapes, with the most common being rectangle, square, circle, and octagon, available in sizes ranging from small to large.
We recommend that you not only visit this market but also consider purchasing souvenirs to decorate your home with original Iranian art.