Question:

We will be in Iran in August this year.Starting in Tabriz and travelling as far south as Shiraz and Kerman. Amoung other things we would like to purchase a carpet as we understand that these are some of the best in the world. Can you suggest where we would find good quality and authentic persian carpets. So would the carpet sellers in Iran ship what we purchase to our home address and how reliable is the shipping process. Is there any way we could ensure that the carpet would arrive at our home. Maybe ship it ourselves if this is possible.

Answer:

Persian carpet is an essential part of Persian art and culture. Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia.
Iranian carpets are the finest in the world and their designs are copied by weavers from other countries as well. Iran is the world's largest producer and exporter of handmade carpets. In recent times, this ancient tradition has come under stiff competition from machine made products. Iran is also the maker of the largest handmade carpet in history, measuring 60,546 square feet.
Persian carpets can be divided into three groups; Farsh or Qaali (sized greater than 6x4 feet), Qaalicheh (meaning rug, sized 6x4 feet and smaller), and nomadic carpets known as Gelim or Kilim.
20 meters carpet can be taken out of Iran per person. The carpet sellers mostly know how to send extra measures through the customs legally, but taking a bit care to choose a reliable one is necessary.
The famous carpet producers generally have branches in Tehran, so instead of searching Tabriz to find a suitable one, you can refer to those reliable ones in Tehran and they will send your purchase to your destination.
There are also some shipping companies which you can contact to ask for their services, some has branches all over the world.

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