Rug Cleaning Knighton

Yalameh rugs, a cherished subset of Persian village carpets, hail from the Yalameh region in central Iran, nestled in the province of Isfahan (with some weavings in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari). Their history is deeply intertwined with the nomadic heritage of the Qashqai and Luri (or Lori) tribes, who are among Iran’s oldest known peoples. These tribes, once wandering herders in southwestern Iran, settled in small villages around the mid-20th century, transforming their ancient weaving practices into a commercial craft that blended tradition with market demands.

The roots of Yalameh rug-making trace back centuries to nomadic traditions, where women wove rugs for practical use—such as tent coverings and saddlebags—using hand-spun wool dyed with natural pigments. Early examples from the 19th century, like those featuring spirited, freehand tribal motifs, reveal a raw, folkloric aesthetic influenced by the Luri subtribe’s way of life. However, Yalameh rugs as a distinct style emerged more prominently in the 1950s, spurred by organised weaving projects funded to boost local economies. This shift saw weavers adopt brighter colours, geometric patterns, and hooked diamond medallions reminiscent of nearby Khamseh and Qashqai designs, while producing rugs in both tribal sizes and standard European dimensions for export.

Crafted with a wool pile and foundation (occasionally cotton warps), these rugs employ the symmetric Turkish knot for durability and a short, lustrous pile. Their palettes burst with crimson reds, navy blues, sunny yellows, and creamy ivories, often adorned with boteh (paisley-like) motifs symbolising eternity or stylised florals evoking the nomadic bond with nature. Today, Yalameh rugs endure as vibrant heirlooms, their evolution from tent floors to global treasures a testament to Iran’s enduring textile legacy.