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After years of sanctions, Persian rugs back to brighten world markets

Iran’s world-renowned handwoven carpets are already making a strong comeback in global markets following the lifting of sanctions.
EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran. 
Artin Markosian, professor at Isfahan's Art University, measures a carpet during his visit to Iran's Persian handmade carpet fair in Isfahan, 450 km (280 miles) south of Tehran, November 14, 2011. Persian carpet weaving is a historical part of Iranian culture, dating back to as far as approximately 2,000 years ago. Persian carpets can be mostly divided into th

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's capital city hosted the world’s largest and most prestigious handmade carpet exhibition Aug. 23-29. Hamid Kargar, the head of Iran National Carpet Center, told Al-Monitor, “About 730 companies from across Iran and dozens of carpet traders from across the globe participated in the 26th Iran Handmade Carpet Exhibition.” He added, “Among them were more than 90 international businessmen, including 14 Americans and 14 Japanese, who came to Iran for the first time.”

The world-renowned Persian carpet, which is widely believed to have been around for more than 2,500 years, is deeply rooted in the Iranian national identity. There is probably no home in the country where at least one rug isn’t part of either the flooring or decoration.

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