TABRIZ, the capital of the northwestern province of Azerbaijan, has for centuries enjoyed a great reputation as a center of oriental culture. Its development from a naturally favored oasis at the foot of the volcano Sahand to today's commercial center, along with descriptions of its many artists and craftsmen, could fill many volumes. The tradition that Tabriz was founded in the 8th century by the wife of Harun al-Rashid does not bear historical scrutiny. The origins of the town stretch far back into antiquity. The following rulers had a significant role on Tabriz:
• Timur (1336-1405)
• Shah Ishmail I (1501-1524)
Founder of Safavid Dynasty
• Shah Abbas(1587-1629)
All conquered Tabriz as a fulcrum between the east and the west and made it into one of the greater cities of their empires, but it was in Shah Abbas the Great (1587-1629 CE) that Tabriz found its most cultured patron. The people of Tabriz have been spared the devastation of war and severe natural catastrophes such as earthquake over the centuries. In the Middle Ages, Tabriz witnessed a blossoming of the fine arts that influenced the development of carpet design. Manuscript illuminators, silk embroiders, miniature painters and metal workers all inspired the carpet weavers. The early 18th century saw the end of the Safavid Empire and the decline of the town. Craftsmanship fell into decay. Furthermore when describing the physical characteristics of Tabriz rugs and carpets, they usually have curvilinear patterns with medallions, hunting patterns, prayers, and pictorials. However, dense floral patterns filled with palmettes, vases, and other garden elements tend to be the most common types of designs used. The Mahi design is often used as well. They also have some tribal patterns made in surrounding villages that are sold as Tabriz. The quality of Tabriz rugs and carpets varies. The older pieces (before 1945) are very good, but some of the newer Tabriz rugs and carpets are chemically rather than vegetable dyed. Tabriz rugs and carpets are highly prized because they are one of the best-looking carpets in Iran and the world. Tabriz rugs and carpets come in different sizes. The majority of them are woven mid-sized from 4x6 to 8x10 feet and even larger dimensions. You can also find larger rugs up to 10 x 18 feet. The predominate colors are dark reds and bold blues followed by ivories to form a beautiful contrast. Other colors such as soft greens, blues, and browns are found in newer carpets. They are made of a soft wool and have a thin, tight pile. The warps of the foundation is mostly cotton and the wefts are either cotton or wool. Piles can consist of wool, silk, or even a wool/silk blend. Weavers in Tabriz use both Turkish and Persian knots knots. Due to reputation and history, its no wonder that the beauty and quality of these rugs can be fairly costly. However, if you are looking for a traditional ambience to bring into your living space, a Tabriz would be a wise suggestion.