Hamadan - Persian and oriental rug guide

Hamadan, the capital city of the region of the same name stands on a plateau 1800 meters above seal level, sheltered by Mount Alvand that rises to 3571 meters. The city has ancient roots and a glorious history, even though not much remains of its former splendours. The name Hamadan is often used for many of the rugs made in this region even though their features are slightly different. Hamadan rugs never have a high density of knots, their linear and geometric patterns comprise mainly diamond-shaped medallions with pendants, centred on a solid field or arranged in an overall composition. The frames end in a wide camel-colour band. The outstanding items from this area are also known as Mosul, from the name of the Iraqi city that was the leading centre where these rugs were gathered and then forwarded to western markets.