Hamadan
Hamadan rugs come from western Iran and are produced in countless village workshops — robust, affordable, and highly varied.
- Region
- Persia / Iran
- Category
- Persian rugs
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Knot density
- 60,000 – 150,000 knots/m²
Profile
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Origin
- Iran — Hamadan Province, numerous villages
- Pile material
- Wool on cotton
- Knot density
- 60,000 – 150,000 knots/m²
- Features
- Single-weft, robust, geometric motifs, great variety
Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Origin
Hamadan rugs come from the eponymous province of Hamadan in western Persia, about 300 kilometres southwest of Tehran. The city of Hamadan, one of the oldest settlements in the world, has been an important rug-knotting centre for centuries. The region includes numerous villages and smaller towns such as Nahavand, Malayer, and Tuyserkan, which have developed their own characteristic variants of the Hamadan style.
Characteristics
Hamadan rugs are distinguished by their geometric patterns and bold colours. Typical is a central medallion design — often diamond- or hexagon-shaped — surrounded by stylised flower and vine motifs. The palette is dominated by deep reds, blues, and beiges, complemented by accents of green, yellow, or ivory. The borders are usually multi-tiered and feature traditional Persian motifs such as palmettes or HeratiHeratiKlassisches Muster aus einem Rautenrahmen mit zentraler Rosette und vier gebogenen Blättern (Fisch-Motiv). Sehr verbreitet in persischen Dorfteppichen.Read in glossary → patterns. The asymmetric knotting technique with medium to high knot density is characteristic.
Material and technique
The warp is traditionally cotton, while the weft is made from either cotton or wool. The pile is exclusively high-quality sheep's wool from local flocks, prized for its durability. Hamadan rugs are knotted with the Turkish (Ghiordes) knot, which is unusual for Persian rugs. Knot density runs between 60,000 and 150,000 knots per square metre. After knotting, the rugs are washed and refined through natural drying.
Worth knowing
Hamadan is one of the most important rug-trading markets in Iran and serves as a gathering point for rugs from across the region. Many smaller villages in the surrounding area produce rugs sold under the umbrella term "Hamadan". The city is home to one of the country's largest rug bazaars, where thousands of rugs change hands each week. Historically, as Ecbatana, Hamadan was the capital of the Median Empire and later an important city of the Persian Empire.
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognise an authentic Hamadan rug?
Authentic Hamadan rugs are knotted with the Turkish knot, have a cotton warp, and show characteristic geometric patterns. The back should clearly reveal the pattern, and the fringes are usually woven into the warp.
Are Hamadan rugs suitable for high-traffic areas?
Yes — Hamadan rugs are considered very hard-wearing and work well in heavily used living spaces. The dense weave and high-quality wool make them long-lived and easy to care for.
What's the difference between Hamadan rugs and other Persian knottings?
The main difference is in the knotting technique: Hamadan rugs use the Turkish knot, while most other Persian rugs use the Persian knot. Their patterns are also more geometric and less curvilinear than other Persian styles.
How do I care for a Hamadan rug properly?
Regular vacuuming in the pile direction and professional cleaning every few years are sufficient. Treat stains immediately with clean water, without rubbing.
Impressions of the origin
Places, landscapes and landmarks around the home of Hamadan 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.
Nahavand
Nahavand rugs come from the Hamadan region and show a more open weave with bold geometric medallions.
Koliai
Koliai rugs are knotted by Kurdish tribes in western Iran and combine geometric motifs with a robust pile.
