Believe it or not, the fashionable rugs that have been trending on Pinterest and Instagram actually date back thousands of years to the heart of the Persian Empire. While the formation of the rugs began overseas centuries ago, today, they play a part in both Persian homes as generational artifacts and in American homes as chic decor. The rich artistry, antiquity and quality of these historical pieces continue to be sought after and celebrated as contemporary designers have seen the popularity of distressed, Persian rugs in today’s American society. 

 The Persian Achaemenid era that ruled the region from the 4th to 6th Century B.C.E.  began the cultivation of original Persian rugs. Simultaneously, Eastward, Persia’s counterparts in the origins of rug making, China and Central East Asia, began creating rugs depicting mythical creatures, natural elements and monadic tribes that roamed the area. Rug making traditions were greatly influenced and inspired by the ideas and skills that were transferred between Ancient China and Western civilizations on what was called the Silk Road. While the age of the Silk Road brought to light the beauty of rug-making,  it wasn’t until the Safavid Dynasty emerged in the 16th Century that Persia became the true and respected world center of rug-making.  Designers explored all elements and aspects of a garden and embodied these meaningful motifs, including flower beds, cypress and water,  into a carefully curated work of art.  The legacy of the Safavid Dynasty brought about Kerman and Kashan, two Persian cities known for their unique, quality carpets.  Other parts of the world began joining in on this new, prestigious industry. The Ottoman Empire, who dominated the 14th to 20th Century by conquering numerous territories, patronized professional craftsmen and became a source for exporting rugs all over Europe. Following this trend, The Mughals, the Emperors of India from the 16th to mid 19th Century, brought Persian craftsmen and weavers to the country who combined Indian and Persian styles to create distinctively beautiful rugs. 

In 2020, Georgetown University’s Persian Studies Program hosted Safoura Zoroofchi, a Persian rug specialist who depicted  precisely why these carpets are so significant to those of Persian descent. While Persian rug making is known for its meaningful symbols and labyrinth yet dazzling designs, they’re truly valued for the deep role they play in the lives of all Persians. Zoroofchi explains that their cultural impact roots from young women who would spend years weaving a carpet that typically became displayed artwork for their home once married. The specialist continues, “They would start their new lives on this colorful rug – they would eat, play, sleep, give birth and live on this carpet” (Roller, Lines 8-9). Every aspect of Persian womens’ lives incorporated their prized, handmade carpets. 

This line brought me back to my grandma’s house, where I, as a young child, used to lie across one of her many Persian carpets and analyze every detail, ooing and ahing, mesmerized at how each fraction of the carpet seems to transport me to a new, unknown oasis. The greens, depicted by bright forests and leaves, represent prosperity and health while the browns and pomegranates symbolize fertility. The flying eagles were signs of good fortune, and the cypress trees represented life after death. While in my state of ecstasy,  I could smell my grandpa’s favorite dish being boiled on the stove and hear the laughter and Farsi being spoken in the background. One could feel how important these rugs were to my grandparents. My grandparents continue to live in New York and make the delicious Ghormeh Sabzi, a Persian herb stew, for our weekly Friday night get-togethers. To this day, the floors of my grandparent’s homes are covered with prideful reminders that their affluent culture lives on through the rugs that represent so much of their livelihood. 

In recent years, those following media home decor trends have seen the emergence of distressed, Persian rugs as the new “must-have” item for your home. The rug’s legacy of quality, wealth and status is the initial appeal that most Americans have to the object. Likewise, those who choose to participate in the trend have a variety of shapes, colors and designs to choose from, so there is something for everyone.  Lilla Rugs, a small business that sources and sells authentics rugs, explains that they take ancient, hand-knotted Persian rugs and fade them to attain a modern, 21st Century look. To achieve this desired, distressed appearance, the artisans begin by shearing the rug to thin out the pile, they then wash and bleach it to essentially clean the rug and, lastly, dye the rug to perfect the colors and hues. Camilia Ahwazian, the founder of Lilla Rugs, captures the appeal of these carpets by explaining “[With] stunning muted color schemes and subtle patterning running throughout, Persian distressed rugs capture the attention and create the impression of a well-loved piece passed down throughout the years” (Ahwazian, lines 13-14). 

The homey, comfortable feel that these hand-woven carpets bring to any space has contributed to their popularity in the United States. Most Americans who own Persian carpets today don’t have a cultural tie to the piece, but they still find it to be a lively, trendy asset to their home due to their vibrant colors and distinguished motifs. While some may think it is wrong for people not of Persian descent to display these rugs in their homes, I find it flattering to see that the objectively timeless charm of these rugs is evident to those without a hereditary connection to them. It brings me so much joy to see this American trend based around such a proud and significant part of my culture.