Bijar is an important city in Kurdistan The Safavaids, who were kings of Iran in 16th Century were from that area. A pair of rugs, known as " Ardebil Rugs", displayed in London (Victoria and Albert Museum) and California, dating back from 1542, was in the mosque of the city.
The Russian and Turquish occupancies during WW1 had some influence on the quality of these rugs. They became thinner, and have now very often a cotton weft. But they are still very sturdy. The decor of this particular rug is unusual, because it is spread on all the surface

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