The Zanjan is a province in the Azerbaijan region, west of Iran. Kurdish and Azeri people inhabit this area and have created many artistic heritages. In this article, we are going to tell you about the exquisite Zanjan rug and the unique feature of them that you won’t see in any other Persian rug.
Where is Zanjan?
The establishment of Zanjan is in the semi-legendary Shah of Persia, Ardeshir Papakan, the founder of the Sassanid dynasty. This area flourished under the rule of the two last ancient dynasties, Arsacid and Sasanid. They have the critical Khorasan Road under control and blessed it with fire temples on the mountains.
Nowadays, the mountains are famous for their productive mines. The city and villages around have a high reputation for handicrafts. In Iran, the most well-known Zanjan’s craft is bladesmithing, which is an ancient heritage. Moreover, the Zanjan rug and other woven pieces are the artistic souvenirs of this region.
Technical Aspects and the Structure of Zanjan Rug
People call various woven pieces of rugs and carpets “Zanjan rug,” which are gathered ultimately in Zanjan Bazar. Hamedan rugs differ technically and aesthetically from the Kurdish ones (Bidgeneh). Tabriz’s way has its own influence, of course. So you would also find Zanjan rug similar to typical Azerbaijan styles, which are roughly called Qoltuq.
Except for Hamedan-styled rugs with Persian knots and single-wefts, the others have double-wefts with symmetrical (Turkic) knots.
The ones from the Kurdish areas are finer in weave and deeply under the influence of Bijar rugs. In other words, designs, colors, and structure are the same but in a somehow clumsy way.
In terms of structure, this clumsiness appears in the weave thickness, leading to a rigid back. But these are all true in the unfair comparison with brilliant Bijar rugs. Zanjan Rugs from Kurdish villages are the best among their peers and far more affordable than Bijar rugs.
Khamseh is another short-lived name for the southern parts of Zanjan province. It was under the Qajars rule, and its name remained on some low-quality rugs. They also have single-wefts with cotton warp and weft.
Dyeing and Painting of Zanjan Rug
Black has roughly no place on Persian rugs’ pallets, except for the Zanjan rug. Dark navy blue also plays a not much effective role in the pallet of these rugs.
Interestingly, the exception concerns Hamedan and Qoltuq styles alike, with their different structures and designs. Sky blue could also be seen in different types and brownish-red like dry leaves and vivid shades of scarlet, yellow, and orange.
Blessed by the mountainous nature, herbal and mineral dyes are of the best quality in this area and give a vivid look to its rugs.
Designs and Pattern of Zanjan Rugs
Like Bijar rugs, Bidgeneh rugs tend to be double-medallion or “medallion-in-medallion” with wide margins and geometric forms. Unlike Bijars’ accurately ordered motives, Bidgeneh rugs are more folklore and a bit messy in appearance.
Qoltuqs are recognizable with their medallion-and-pendant designs with Lachaks in the corners and narrower margins.
Hamedan style includes roughly all basic Persian traditions such as Herati Vagireh (repetitive pattern), Boteh-based designs, and different medallions. All Zanjan areas share a reputation for Kallegi weaving. It’s a long and relatively wide runner, a preferable size in northwestern Iran.
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