TEHRAN (IP) - Anbaran, a city seven kilometers from Namin County on the border of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, is considered the cradle of the rug (kilim), weaving industry in Ardabil province.
The rugs that are woven in the city have the best quality and authenticity, and this art is more than five centuries old, Mirsaleh Sadeghi, an exporter, told IranPress.
More than 50 designs are woven in Anbaran and the unique patterns are taken from the lifestyle of the people in the area.
Every year, in Anbaran, more than 50 thousand square meters of rugs are produced by five thousand weavers in 15 workshops.
Some 30 percent of kilims woven in Anbaran is exported to global markets and the 70 percent remaining is sold in the Iranian markets.
Sadeghi, an entrepreneur, stated that 70% of the products are exported to Japan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, and Germany.
Thanks to efforts made by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism of Iran, Anbaran has been registered as the city of kilim due to its unique designs and shapes.
Anbaran rugs have also received the seal of authenticity from UNESCO.