Largest Pictorial Carpet Returns to Birjand

Date: 08 September 2025 - 21:52

News ID: ۱۴۳۳۳۸

TEHRAN -- The largest historical pictorial carpet in the country—measuring an impressive 28 meters—has been unveiled in Birjand, South Khorasan.
This magnificent carpet, accompanied by eight other precious historical artifacts, proudly showcases the vibrant culture and artistry of the region, reaffirming its place as a shining gem in Iran’s artistic landscape.
South Khorasan is renowned not only for its dramatic desert scenery but also for its deep-rooted tradition of exquisite carpet weaving.
Dating back over 600 years to the era of Shahrukh Mirza, carpet weaving here carries centuries of history. The intricate patterns, vivid natural dyes, and stories woven into each piece echo the lives, beliefs, and surroundings of generations past.
The newly revealed masterpiece hails from the village of Dorokhsh, a major hub of carpet weaving located northeast of Birjand. The village’s carpets are famed for their dense knots, bold medallion motifs, and distinctive colors such as warm ivory and rich cherry red.
Historic pieces from Dorokhsh have even been preserved in the National Museum of Iran and the treasury of the Astan Quds Razavi, highlighting the international prestige of the region’s craftsmanship.
What makes this carpet extraordinary is not only its size but also its pictorial elements—human figures, architectural arches, plants, and even images of two boats and fish adorn the textile. This rare combination of local culture and possible foreign commission tells a unique story of artistic exchange and mastery.
The return of the precious Qajar-era carpet from the National Museum in Tehran to its birthplace marks a heartwarming moment for local artisans and cultural enthusiasts.
Displayed at the Akbariyeh Museum and Mansion in Birjand, the carpet invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich narrative and artistry that this region has nurtured for centuries.
Ali Darabi, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, emphasized the carpet’s role as a cultural treasure and economic catalyst. He highlighted that preserving and promoting such works not only honors Iran’s artistic legacy but also boosts sustainable employment and cultural tourism in South Khorasan.
The event also featured the unveiling of a special commemorative stamp, celebrating the carpet’s historical and cultural significance—a small but meaningful token spreading the story of Dorokhsh’s weaving traditions across Iran and beyond.