«Ghashghai» pattern in handwoven carpet

Handmade carpet with Qashqai design

The hand-woven Qashqai carpet is one of the prominent symbols of Iranian carpet weaving art, which is woven by the Qashqai nomads in the southwest of Iran, especially in Fars province. These carpets are known for their geometric designs, vivid colors and the use of natural materials such as high-quality wool and vegetable dyes. Qashqai designs usually include geometric motifs, flowers, animals and traditional motifs, all inspired by the daily life and rich culture of these nomads. Qashqai carpets are highly valuable in domestic and international markets due to their strength, durability and unique aesthetics, and as a symbol of Qashqai culture and art, they have a special place among Iranian carpets.

History of Qashqai handwoven carpet

Qashqai handwoven carpet weavers are known for their rich and inspiring history and culture. These two features have led to the creation of antique carpets that are full of lively and spontaneity. Although the Qashqai people have not recorded their history in writing, this history has been passed down to the next generations through stories and songs for nearly a thousand years. According to legends, this clan is from Turkestan in China and moved from Afghanistan to Iran with Genghis Khan's army leading the way. After entering Iran, the Qashqais chose the cold regions of the Azerbaijan mountains in the Caucasus to live and in the early 16th century they entered Fars province, which was under the rule of Shah Ismail at that time. Over the past 400 years, Fars province has become the main place of life for this tribe.  
From the beginning, the Qashqai tribe was governed in a traditional way and by keeping close alliances. At that time, the women of the Qashqai tribe were engaged in carpet weaving, and 6 out of every 10 women were engaged in carpet weaving. Before their work was finished, the women would give way to others, and another group of women would collect mountain plants and other dye sources and boil them in dyeing vats to prepare the dyes needed for the yarn fibers.  
Due to the residence of the Qashqai tribe in Central Asia before entering the south of Iran, their carpets are influenced by three different regions. Qashqai handwoven carpets, similar to Turkmen antique carpets, have colors and shapes that attract attention. The use of fresh colors and the combination of colors are borrowed from the Caucasus, and finally, the art of antique Iranian carpets and tribes close to them has also been influential. In short, the characteristics of the Qashqai handwoven carpet are a combination of instinctive creativity with elegance and symbolic coloring.

The position of Qashqai design in Iranian carpets

Qashqai design has a special and distinct place in Iranian carpets, it is known as one of the most original and artistic examples of handwoven carpets. These designs not only reflect the culture and identity of the Qashqai people, but are also a symbol of Iranian carpet weaving at the national and international level.  
Qashqai carpets have always been noted for their geometric patterns, the use of vivid and natural colors, and strong and high-quality textures. These features, along with the use of native cultural symbols and elements, have made Qashqai carpets have a special place as one of the most well-known and popular Iranian carpet designs in the domestic and foreign markets.  
Qashqai design also plays an important role in preserving and promoting the traditional art of Iranian carpet weaving. By maintaining originality and innovation in design, Qashqai weavers have kept this art alive and use it as a means to express their cultural and artistic identity.  
In general, the position of Qashqai design in Iranian carpets is not only as a valuable cultural and artistic product, but also as an identity and historical symbol that has added to the richness of Iranian culture and the art of carpet weaving in the country.

Qashqai design in today's carpets

Qashqai design in today's carpets still maintains its position as one of the original symbols of Iranian carpet weaving art. Today's Qashqai carpets have been accompanied by changes to match modern tastes and needs. These changes can include matching colors, slight modifications in patterns, and sometimes using higher quality wools or more advanced weaving techniques. Nevertheless, Qashqai weavers try to preserve the originality and spirit of their designs.  
In today's markets, Qashqai carpets are still recognized as high-value handwoven products, and in addition to domestic use, they are also sold as a popular item in international markets. Due to the combination of traditional art with contemporary needs, these carpets have been able to maintain and even strengthen their position among those interested in Iranian art and culture.

Features of Qashqai carpet

Among the most high-quality and famous Iranian hand-woven carpets are Qashqai carpets, which have been created for a long time and as a result of the efforts, art and unique talent of the Qashqai people. The motifs used in Qashqai carpets in the last three centuries can be divided into two main groups:  
First group: This group includes carpets with traditional nomadic designs and patterns that have rarely changed over time and are woven using old methods. The salient features of these designs include the geometrical and mental modes of weaving, in which there is no specific pattern and order, and parallelism is not used in trange designs and borders. This style, which is called "bubble style", is a combination of scattered and different images. Rahimlu, Sheshbloki, Arabcherpanlu, Hibetlu, Shekarlu and Khanghesht clans are among the main users of this style. This style also includes original and ancient Qashqai and Lori motifs, and traces of this connection can be seen in the handlooms of this category due to the link between Qashqai and Turkish and Caucasian weaving.  
The second group: This group includes regular and harmonious designs and patterns that do not mainly belong to the nomads and villages, and their design is derived from urban carpets and other urban arts such as cashmere, cloth, tiles, and penmanship, which are simplified in the way of nomadic weavers, and so-called " It is called "stylized". The main feature of this group is special order and comparison, and instead of rhombus and geometric shapes, flowers, plants, and leaves are used. The work of this style is more limited in the scope of coloring and is less dependent on the power of imagination and imagination. A perfect example of this method is Nazem's map, which is a combination of flowers, plants and foliage with geometric order. To implement this map, the weaver must use a detailed map, and the most common patterns of this group include Mahi-Drahm, Mahramat, Afshan, Bethei, and Plant patterns.

All kinds of Qashqai designs in handwoven carpets

Qashqai designs in the hand-woven carpets of this people have a lot of variety and richness. These designs are inspired by nature, daily life and the rich Qashqai nomadic culture, and they include different types of geometric, abstract and symbolic motifs. Some of the most common types of Qashqai designs are:

"Shahneshin" plan

Shahneshin design is one of the most popular Qashqai carpet patterns, which is inspired by the symbols of power and glory of past kings and rulers. This design is usually displayed using geometric and gable patterns and expresses grandeur and dignity.

"Betise" project

Betise design is another outstanding design of Qashqai carpet, which refers to ancient Greek goddesses. With its flowers and colorful patterns, this design shows beauty and freshness and gives an ornamental and pleasant atmosphere to the environment.

"Vazir Agha" project

Wazir Agha's design is similar to Indian and Shirvani patterns and is a symbol of respect and closeness. Each of these designs are woven with high precision and elegance by Qashqai weavers and give a special beauty to the Qashqai carpet.

"brick" design (or "frame frame")

This design consists of small, square frames, each with motifs such as flowers, animals, and geometric shapes. The clay pattern is very popular in Qashqai rugs and is usually woven with warm and energetic colors.

"carpet" design

This design is mostly woven in Qashqai carpets and includes geometric motifs and special symbols that are regularly and harmoniously repeated throughout the carpet.

"Lachak and Torang" plan

Although the design of Lakh and Taranj is found in different regions of Iran, Qashqais present a special version of this design using geometric patterns and vivid colors. In this design, the central square and four laches are placed in the corners of the carpet.

"Bette" plan

Small and frequent bets are included in this plan. This design, which is traditionally woven among the Qashqais, may consist of jakeh bates or plain bates.

Qashqai's "Goldani" design

This design, which includes motifs of vases full of flowers, is woven in the Qashqai style and is usually accompanied by vivid colors and simple, abstract designs.

Qashqai's "Mahramat" plan

The mahramat design in Qashqai carpets consists of narrow strips decorated with motifs of animals, flowers or geometric shapes and woven parallel and repetitively throughout the carpet.

"Saline Valley" project

This design, which takes its name from one of the Qashqai clans, includes geometric motifs with very simple and basic designs that express the Qashqai nomadic lifestyle.

Symbols used in Qashqai carpets

The symbols used in Qashqai carpets each carry deep concepts and messages that originate from the culture, beliefs, and daily life of this people. These symbols are not only decorative but also used as a tool to express spiritual, social and cultural concepts.  
Bete Jaqe is one of the most common Iranian symbols, which is also used in Qashqai carpets. This symbol is usually designed in the form of a plant or branch with a certain upward curve. Bete Jaqeh is a symbol of fertility, life, growth and also represents immortality. Some consider it similar to a flame, which is a symbol of light and brightness.  
A rhombus is one of the common geometric motifs in Qashqai carpets, which is used as a symbol of eye injury and protection against evil. This symbol can also represent earth or strong structures.  
The lion is depicted as a symbol of strength, courage and high status in Qashqai carpets. This symbol traditionally has a special place in Iranian culture and is used in carpets to show greatness.  
Birds in Qashqai carpets usually symbolize freedom, hope, and spirituality. Birds can represent divine messengers or free, bird-like spirits that fly to the sky and the spiritual world.  
The motif of a deer is used in Qashqai carpets as a symbol of beauty, elegance and speed. This symbol can also mean protecting nature and respecting wildlife.  
Rose is a symbol of love, beauty and tenderness in many cultures, including the Qashqai culture. This symbol is used in carpets as a representative of the beauty of nature and the prosperity of life.  
The sun is a symbol of light, energy, and life in many cultures. In Qashqai carpets, this symbol is depicted as rays of light or a sun disk and can represent light, inspiration and life.  
Square or rectangular, these simple geometric shapes symbolize balance, stability and security. In Qashqai carpets, these motifs may be used as symbols of houses, land or solid structures.  
Water, as one of the vital elements in nomadic life, is depicted in some motifs as wavy lines or abstract shapes. This symbol represents purity, purity and connection with nature.  
The star is used as a symbol of guidance, hope and light in darkness. This symbol can represent a guide in the path of life and is used in Qashqai carpets in the form of small and repeated motifs.  
The crucifix or cross is one of the old motifs that symbolizes immortality, protection and the cycle of life. This symbol is used in different cultures, including Qashqais, as a sign of stability and continuity.  
These symbols, combined with each other, create complex and rich designs of Qashqai carpets, each of which tells a story of the beliefs, daily life and culture of this people. For this reason, Qashqai carpets are not only beautiful and artistic, but also carry deep and spiritual messages.

Composition of Qashqai carpet

Qashqai carpets are famous for their unique and practical designs. The centrality of the design is one of the prominent features of these carpets. Usually, the center of the carpet is decorated with a prominent and dominant design such as bergamot, which attracts attention. This pattern can be circular, geometric or other regular shapes and is usually accompanied by patterns of laces in the corners of the carpet, which helps balance and beauty of the whole design.  
In geometric and graphic patterns, Qashqai carpets are known for using geometric patterns such as rhombuses, triangles, and rectangles. These motifs are placed regularly and repeatedly throughout the carpet and create a sense of balance and harmony. Geometric designs are usually symmetrical and organized, which helps create a harmonious pattern.  
Botanical and natural motifs in Qashqai carpets include flowers and plants that are abstractly and simply designed. These motifs are usually scattered or alternately distributed throughout the carpet and are used as symbols of beauty and nature. Trees and plants are also symbolically present in the design of carpets and depict the relationship between life and nature.  
Animal motifs are also specifically depicted in Qashqai carpets. Animals such as lions, deer and birds are used in carpets as symbols of strength, beauty and nature. These motifs may be abstract or realistic and add a cultural and spiritual aspect to the carpets.  
The use of colors in Qashqai carpets typically includes vivid and warm colors, such as red, blue, yellow, and brown. These colors add beauty and energy to the carpet design and also display symbols of Qashqai culture. Contrasting and complementary color combinations in the design of carpets effectively help to strengthen patterns and increase visual impact.  
In repetitive and decorative patterns, Qashqai carpets are usually designed using repetitive and regular patterns that create a sense of continuity. The borders of Qashqai carpets are usually designed with decorative motifs and artistic details that act as beautiful borders for the carpet and help complete the overall design.  
Finally, the overall structure and composition of Qashqai carpets is formed based on a grid structure and regular divisions that effectively organize motifs and patterns. The balance and harmony between the different parts of the design are well respected in order to obtain a coherent and proportionate design. These compositions help to create beautiful and meaningful carpets that well represent Qashqai culture and art.

Materials and weaving techniques of Qashqai carpet

Qashqai carpets have outstanding features using high-quality raw materials and traditional weaving techniques. Wool is the main material used, which is suitable for high quality carpets due to its durability and comfort. Silk is also used to add sparkle and shine. In some carpets, cotton wool is used to increase durability and comfort.  
Weaving techniques include hand weaving with traditional machines and knotting using special knots such as Persian or Turkish knots that affect density and quality. Natural dyeing using plant materials gives carpets stable and beautiful colors. Among the herbal and traditional colors of this region, the most important color of the red family is the variety of which is obtained from Runas, after red, blue and navy colors are used more than any other color by the nomads and villagers of Fars. Buttermilk dye, which is used and loved by Qashqais, is obtained by soaking dyed rolls from Runas in buttermilk. The longer the wool remains in this liquid, the brighter the red color of Ronasi becomes and tends to pink.  
Qashqai tribe, as skilled and mobile nomads, need their necessities to be light and portable. For this reason, the rugs of this family are designed horizontally. These types of dars, which are placed on the ground, allow the weavers to work easily in the conditions of camping and frequent relocations. The weaver works sitting on these looms and starts weaving the carpet, which special design helps to facilitate work in different environments and moving conditions.

Regional variations in Qashqai carpets

Due to cultural and geographical diversity in different regions of Iran, Qashqai carpets have unique designs and features. These variations are mainly divided into three categories: Qashqai carpets of Shiraz, Qashqai carpets of Fars and Qashqai carpets of Bakhtiari.

Qashqai carpets of Shiraz:

The Qashqai carpets of Shiraz usually have more complex patterns and designs that have influences from the art and urban culture of Shiraz. These rugs are often decorated with geometric patterns, flowers, and animals, and have vibrant colors like red, blue, and yellow. The designs are usually symmetrical and with regular patterns.

Fars Qashqai carpets:

In Fars province, Qashqai carpets are mainly influenced by local arts and crafts. These rugs may combine traditional Qashqai motifs with local influences, particularly featuring softer colors and more floral patterns. The designs of these carpets can include natural elements such as trees, flowers and abstract motifs.

Bakhtiari Qashqai carpets:

Bakhtiari Qashqai carpets are different from other Qashqai carpets in terms of design and motifs. These carpets usually have stronger and more geometric motifs that well represent the culture and lifestyle of the Bakhtiari people. The dominant colors in these carpets include brown, cream and green, and the designs are scattered and with larger patterns.

Final word

Finally, Qashqai handwoven carpets are not only a symbol of the unique art and skill of the weavers of this tribe, but also a testimony to their rich history, culture and creativity. Combining vivid colors, traditional patterns and unique techniques, these carpets play an important role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. Qashqai fabrics, with their special characteristics, always remain inspiring and attractive and are recognized as a treasure of Iranian art at the world level.

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