Bibikabad Antique Rugs and Carpets from Persia

Antique carpets from Bibi Kabad woven near the Hamadan region in Iran, are related to Malayers in technique. They tend to come in allover designs, usually the Herati pattern or Boteh (Paisley), which may at times have a medallion as well. Even the borders on Bibikabads are based on the Boteh motif.

The main feature distinguishing Bibikabad rugs is that they come from the village of Bibi Kabad in the Hamadan region of western Iran. Meaning "the village of grandmother," Bibi Kabad families have been weaving fine, thick rugs for a very long time. Distinguishing features of Bibikabad rugs include bold coloring, all-over patterning, and small, scaled/hooked paisley designs. In contrast to other types of Middle Eastern rug, Bibikabad rugs typically don't have a lot of solid color space. Intricate designs cover the entire rug.

The ethnic group living in Bibi Kabad is generally Turkish, and the rugs are produced using Turkish technique. Known as ghiordes, this includes thick, symmetrical knotting. Each knot is tied by hand. Ghiordes knotwork has been used for hundreds of years, if not thousands, all throughout the northern part of the Middle East.

Interestingly, while the Bibi Kabad people typically use Turkish techniques, they are in the middle of Iran, the modern center of Persian culture. Thus, when you get a Bibi Kabad rug, you are getting a fascinating mixture of Turkish rugs and Persian rugs insofar as design and technique. This often accounts for the variety you see in rugs that share the label of Bibikabad. They typically share a tendency toward geometric or nesting floral patterns, a predilection for bold colors like red, with blue and green highlights, and a tendency toward wide borders. However, beyond that, Bibikabad rugs display a level of creativity that stems from the mix of cultures they represent.