Bidjar Takab
Bidjar Takab rugs come from the Takab region and stand out with their bold colors and dense Bidjar-style weave.
- Region
- Persia / Iran
- Category
- Persian rugs
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Knot density
- 150,000 – 350,000 knots/m²
Profile
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Origin
- Iran — Takab, West Azerbaijan Province
- Pile material
- Wool on cotton
- Knot density
- 150,000 – 350,000 knots/m²
- Features
- Dense weave, bold colors, geometric medallions
Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Origin
Bidjar Takab rugs come from the town of Takab in the Iranian province of West Azerbaijan. Takab lies about 100 kilometres south-east of the well-known rug city of Bidjar and belongs to the wider Bidjar region. The town sits in a mountainous landscape between Lake Urmia and the foothills of the Zagros. Rug knotting in Takab developed as a sideline of the established Bidjar tradition, with local knotters adopting the region's characteristic techniques and developing their own variations.
Characteristics
Bidjar Takab rugs are distinguished by geometric patterns with clearly defined contours. Typical are large-format medallions in the centre of the field, surrounded by angular ornaments and stylised floral motifs. The palette covers warm reds, deep blue, ivory, and natural browns. Green accents appear occasionally, but more sparingly than in other Persian styles.
Border design usually follows a three-tier system with a wide main border and two narrow secondary borders. Frequent border motifs are vines, rosettes, and geometric bands. The patterns clearly show influences of the Bidjar tradition but often have a slightly coarser execution.
Material and technique
The base material is robust sheep's wool from regional shepherding. The warp is typically cotton, while both cotton and wool are used for the weft. Knotting uses the Turkish (Ghiordes) knot, lending the rugs their characteristic firmness.
Knot density usually lies between 80,000 and 120,000 knots per square metre. This medium density allows a solid structure with economical production. The pile is sheared to a medium height, making the patterns stand out clearly. Thanks to their dense structure the rugs have considerable weight and durability.
Worth knowing
Bidjar Takab rugs are made mainly in workshops, with home-based work also occurring. Production focuses on smaller to medium formats, since these match local market needs. Quality fluctuations can be considerable, depending on the specific workshop and the knotters' skill.
In international marketing these rugs are often grouped under the general label "Bidjar", although they count as a distinct regional variant. Prices are usually below those of classical Bidjar rugs but offer good value for money for robust everyday rugs.
Frequently asked questions
How do Bidjar Takab rugs differ from classical Bidjar rugs?
Bidjar Takab rugs show somewhat coarser knotting and simpler patterning than classical Bidjar pieces. Knot density is lower, the colour scheme often higher in contrast, and the execution less refined.
Are Bidjar Takab rugs suitable for high-traffic areas?
Yes — thanks to their firm structure and the Turkish knot, they are very hard-wearing and well suited to living areas with normal to higher use.
What sizes are typical for Bidjar Takab rugs?
Most common are formats between 150 × 100 cm and 300 × 200 cm. Runners and very large formats appear less often, as local production focuses on standard living-room sizes.
How does the value of Bidjar Takab rugs develop?
These rugs are primarily everyday objects with stable but limited value growth. Exceptional pieces can certainly appreciate but rarely match the price development of classical Bidjar rugs.
Impressions of the origin
Places, landscapes and landmarks around the home of Bidjar Takab rugs. Click any image for a larger view.
Related styles
Bidjar
Bijar rugs from Iranian Kurdistan are considered the most durable Persian rugs — densely knotted and exceptionally hard-wearing.
Bidjar Bukan
Bidjar Bukan rugs come from the Bukan area in Iranian Kurdistan and combine the famous Bidjar density with finer detail work.
Bidjar Zanjan
Bidjar Zanjan rugs come from Zanjan Province and combine the classic Bidjar density with Zanjan workshop traditions.