Bijar also known as Bidjar is home to some of the most durable rugs produced, famed for their fine weave, thick pile and sturdiness they have gained the nickname ‘the iron rugs of Iran”. Weaving in Bijar can trace its routes back to the Achaemenid period (550-330 BCE). Though they were for the majority of their history traded through the Sanandaj (Seneh) Bazaar in the Qajar period a purpose built Bazaar was built in Bijar. (Photo Below)

Bijar, Bazaar, Bakhtiyar, Stockbridge, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Rug, Persian Rug, Carpet, Persian Carpet

Unlike many of the other grand Bazaars Bijar’s wasn’t built during the Safavid period, it was built centuries later during the Qajar period which lead to the design and building being far less grand and ornate than other Bazaars in Persia.

Characteristics of Bijar Rugs

Like a few other regions the designs and characteristics of Bijar rugs has changed over the centuries and depending on wether you are looking at a modern or an antique Bijar rug these can change drastically.

A typical modern Bijar rug can either feature a large central medallion with intricate Herati leaf motifs or an all over design of Herati leaf motifs. They typically feature cork wool weft on a cotton warp. The wool is hand spun and has an almost silk like look to it. Some examples of modern Bijar rugs are below;

Antique Bijars can differ greatly, both from the colour of dye used to the designs featured. Whilst central medallions were used in Bijar rugs the allover floral designs were more prominent, and instead of the more typical creams and pinks/reds used in modern Bijars and wide variety of colours were used. Some examples of antique Bijars are featured below;