The Ardabil Carpet
Published: January 20, 2026
Duration: 8:37
The Ardabil Carpet, a masterpiece of 16th-century Persian weaving, represents a pinnacle of Safavid art. Though associated with Ardabil, scholars suggest it may have been woven in Kashan, a prominent center for carpet production during that era. Commissioned during the reign of Shah Tahmasp I (1501-1736 CE) for the Shrine of Shaykh Safi al-Din Ardabili, this monumental wool pile carpet on a silk foundation measures an impressive 34 feet 6 inches by 17 feet 5 inches and boasts over 25 million knots.
The carpet's intricate design features a central medallion surrounded by elaborate floral motifs, scrolling vines, and arabesques, reminiscent of a...