Where is BIJAR?

Kurdish Man KURDESTAN BIJAR is one of the fertile areas of Kurdestan. Its climate is cold and dry in winter and moderate in summer. In the Kurdish language, the willow tree is called 'Bi' and an area of such trees is called a 'Bijar'-- the region of willows-so named because of the abundance of willow trees,. Although the small Kurdish town of BIJAR in the province of Kermanshah has hardly ten thousand inhabitants, the high quality of its carpets has gained it an international reputation. Concern for this reputation for high quality led to a clear distinction being made between the products of the BIJAR town workshops and the Tekab-BIJAR, which are woven by an Afshari tribe that settled in the area. BIJAR rugs have a very unique weave that uses the symmetrical Turkish knot and double weft compacted very tightly, thus making them heavy and durable rugs. The characteristic weft technique used in the Kurdish BIJAR area gave rise to the term BIJAR structure. The strong tension of the weft pulls the warp into two layers, giving the carpet a certain rigidity. Though strong, if handled carelessly or folded, it will crack and tear. Qamechoqay Castle BIJAR Carpets with a BIJAR structure therefore must be rolled for transport. Most BIJAR rugs are woven by Kurd and Afshar weavers of the Gerus region around the town of BIJAR in western IRAN. Bijar carpets are divided into the following formats: Traditional Bijars (Bijars with rose motifs) Halvai and Tahjavi-Bijars Afshar Bijars BIJAR rug designs are difficult to define. They usually have all-over repeating Herati, as well as floras, Arabesques, and medallions. Only the carpets and rugs from the designer Tajhavi and from the little village Halvai are flexible enough to be easily folded. For the third group - the Afshar-Bidjars - the weavers often use the famous Herati motif; you can find these carpets in different qualities. BIJAR rugs and carpets not only go well with antique furniture, they beautifully complement modern and contemporary furniture, as well.

Return to top of page