Garawan Rugs

Garawan rugs represent a richly traditional weaving art from western Iran and have been part of the curated range at Morgenland Teppiche in Hamburg for over 40 years. These hand-knotted masterpieces are made in the eponymous region near the city of Hamadan and are characterised by their distinctive geometric patterns and warm earth tones.

Origin and history of Garawan rugs

The Garawan weaving region lies in western Iran, about 50 kilometres south of Hamadan in Hamadan Province. This mountainous area has been known for rug weaving for centuries and belongs to the wider Hamadan weaving district. The nomadic and settled tribes of the region have preserved their weaving techniques and pattern traditions over generations.

The history of Garawan weaving reaches back to the 18th century, when various Kurdish and Persian tribes settled here. This cultural diversity is still reflected today in the various stylistic directions described in the Garawan entry in the Teppich-Fibel. The weaving tradition was primarily practised by women and passed down from mother to daughter.

Characteristics and typical patterns

Garawan rugs are known for their geometric designs and bold colours. Typical features include large, stylised floral motifs, diamonds and octagonal medallions, often surrounded by smaller geometric elements. The visual language shows clear influences of the Borchalou rugs and shares similarities with the Meymeh rugs, but differs through its coarser knotting and more rustic appearance.

The colour palette of Garawan weavings is dominated by warm reds, deep blue, beige and brown. These natural earth tones are largely created using plant-based dyes from the region. Equally characteristic is the often cream-coloured or beige ground, which provides contrast to the geometric patterns. The borders usually feature several narrow bands with repeating geometric motifs, giving the rug a harmonious frame.

Material and knotting technique

Garawan rugs are knotted exclusively from high-quality virgin wool sourced from sheep in the surrounding mountain regions. This wool is particularly hard-wearing and gives the rugs their distinctive firm structure. The warp is traditionally made of cotton, ensuring the rugs remain stable in shape and long-lasting.

The knot density typically lies between 80,000 and 120,000 knots per square metre, giving Garawan rugs a medium to good quality. The Turkish knot (Ghiordes knot) is used, valued for its firmness and durability. This knotting technique is shared with other weavings from the Hamadan region such as the Jozan rugs.

Interior styling and care

Garawan rugs are excellent for living rooms and dining rooms, where their warm colours create a cosy atmosphere. Thanks to their robust construction, they are also suitable for high-traffic areas such as entrance halls. The mostly rectangular formats in sizes from 200×300 cm to 300×400 cm make them ideal room rugs for medium to large living areas.

Professional rug cleaning should be carried out every 3 to 5 years, while regular care by vacuuming against the pile is sufficient. The high-quality virgin wool is naturally dirt-repellent and forgives minor soiling. With proper care, these wool rugs can retain their beauty for many decades.

Garawan rugs at Morgenland

Our range comprises carefully selected Garawan rugs in various sizes and colour variations. In our showroom in Hamburg's Speicherstadt you can examine the quality and craftsmanship of these special rugs in person. Our rug experts will be happy to advise you on choosing the right Garawan rug for your home and will share details on the origin, age and unique features of each individual piece.