An introduction to Bidjar, Bijar and Zandjan rugs

The city of Bidjar in Kurdistan is renowned for its strong, densely knotted rugs. Its history and craftsmanship have profoundly shaped the region’s distinctive rug-making culture and exceptional quality.

Bidjar is a city of around 50,000 inhabitants in the north-western province of Kurdistan. It lies in a fertile valley surrounded by dry mountains and has no major historical monuments. The city primarily serves as a market centre for the surrounding villages.

Its recent history has been dramatic. During the First World War, it was occupied first by Russian forces and then by the Turks, leading to famine and a significant decline in the population. These events are also reflected in the city’s rug-making tradition.

Before the First World War, Bidjar Zandjan rugs were coarsely and firmly knotted with wool warps and wefts. They later became finer and were made on a cotton foundation. Bidjar designs often feature Herati motifs, although Mahi patterns also appear. Their colour palette is typically dominated by vivid reds with lighter borders.

Bidjar rugs have a knot density of between 350,000 and 450,000 knots per square metre. Because they are so tightly knotted, they should always be folded against the direction of the pile, with the fibres facing outwards.

Bidjar rugs contain noticeably more wool than most other rug types. They therefore feel significantly heavier than many other oriental rugs and lie especially firmly once placed on the floor. At the same time, their dense structure provides a resilient and pleasantly soft feel underfoot.