Iranian Carpets at Risk of Forgetting:

TEHRAN (Iran News) A press conference was held on Monday to commemorate Iran’s National Handwoven Carpet Day, with participants including Mohammad Sadegh Moftah (Advisor to the Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade on Commerce), Yahya Al-Es’haq (Chairman of the Strategic Council at Iran’s National Carpet Center), and Zahra Kamani (Head of Iran’s National Carpet Center).

Zahra Kamani, in her opening remarks, highlighted the rich history of Iranian handwoven carpets, stating: “Iran’s handwoven carpets, with a history spanning thousands of years, have always played a crucial role in culture, art, employment, and production. During its peak, Iran held the top position globally in carpet exports, with figures exceeding two billion dollars—an impressive record for our country.”

She elaborated on the challenges facing the industry in recent years: “Unfortunately, due to unjust US sanctions and cumbersome regulations, along with management and development shortcomings, Iran’s position in the global market has significantly declined.”

Kamani concluded by mentioning a public awareness and environmental promotion campaign: “A campaign has been launched to introduce different weaving regions across Iran, with city billboards dedicated to Iranian carpets. We hope this marks a new beginning for revitalizing Iran’s handmade carpet industry, and as stewards of this craft, we aim to play an effective role in its development.”

During the event, Yahya Al-Es’haq, Chairman of the Strategic Council at Iran’s National Carpet Center and Senior Advisor to the Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade, highlighted the cultural significance of carpets: “Handwoven carpets are the only product that unites all Iranian ethnic groups—from Kurds, Turks, Baluchis, Arabs, to Qashqai. Carpets embody Iran itself. They have always contributed significantly to employment in the most deprived regions of the country.”

He recalled his tenure: “During my responsibility, Iran’s carpet exports reached two billion dollars, providing direct employment for about two million people and indirect employment for four to five million.”

Al-Es’haq criticized the industry’s neglect: “Despite Iran’s involvement in hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of international trade, a mere $40 million in annual carpet exports is disappointing. This figure is well below our potential and historical legacy. If ignored, Iranian carpets risk fading into obscurity.”

He also addressed challenges posed by sanctions: “Currently, exported carpets to Europe are stuck in customs due to sanctions, and traders face potential confiscation of their assets. Some museum-quality carpets sent abroad are also at risk of confiscation by foreign governments, and we must find ways to recover these.”

Al-Es’haq noted a positive shift: “Fortunately, the new management approach at the Ministry of Industry signals a renewed focus on the carpet industry. The High Carpet Council will be revived with a new perspective, focusing solely on policymaking, guidance, supervision, and support. However, genuine revival cannot occur without active involvement of the private sector, cooperatives, designers, exporters, and other stakeholders. If the industry remains solely under government control, past results will repeat. We need a structure where all real players lead the sector.”

He further criticized the lingering influence of traditional government-centric views: “Until the government refrains from excessive interference and limits itself to policymaking, guidance, supervision, and support, our economic issues will persist. Change can only happen through a shift in mindset and trust in the capabilities of the people.”

Al-Es’haq called for continued cooperation: “I urge the Ministry of Industry to maintain its support and for all private and cultural institutions to work together to restore Iran’s carpet industry’s rightful place in the national economy and global markets.”

He emphasized the need to lower the cost of Iranian carpets to enhance competitiveness: “The parliament, government, and customs authorities are aligned, and a significant, swift initiative has been launched. Yesterday, the first official meeting with industry stakeholders was held, identifying around nine major obstacles, with ongoing efforts to formulate solutions.”

He pointed out that some issues require inter-ministerial coordination and legislative approval. “We plan to provide comprehensive explanations to the public and industry players, including banking and tax issues, to begin practical implementation this year.”

He also warned about the problem of smuggling and unfair competition: “Some veteran carpet producers have migrated abroad due to domestic difficulties and now operate as competitors. For instance, carpets produced in China and imported into Iran are a major issue, mainly because raw material costs are lower there. To address this, we must reduce the cost of Iranian raw materials like wool, yarn, and dyes, ensuring quality and affordability.”

He stressed that supporting domestic production by allowing duty-free import of raw materials could significantly cut costs. “Why not support these activities? The best place to produce handwoven carpets is right here. We only need proper supportive policies. One current challenge is the insurance of weavers; the government can subsidize part of their insurance premiums. Marketing and advertising are also problematic, requiring government or institutional support to share costs.”

Al-Es’haq called for better utilization of international capacities: “Why aren’t we leveraging trade attachés and embassies to develop carpet exports? Legal support in international trade must also be prioritized. Iran’s carpet’s authenticity and prestige remain intact worldwide, but we must adequately protect and promote the talents of our industry.”