Birjand carpets are the finest quality Persian carpets in eastern Iran.
They have many characteristics similar to Qom, but the borders of Birjand
rugs and carpets are more crowded with detail. Birjand carpets have
the best quality among those from eastern Iran. Birjand carpets come
in different sizes, but the majority of them are large in size (10 x
18 feet).Light reds and powerful blues predominate, with ivory as a
contrasting color. Soft wool; thin, tight pile.Warp is mostly cotton;
weft is mostly wool.
Weavers in Birjand use Persian knots.
The quality of the carpet depends upon the number of knots, which varies,
but averages from around 120 KPSI (30 RAJ) up to 475 KPSI (60 RAJ).
Birjand carpets are among the finest quality
carpets, so expect to pay $6-$10 Per Square Foot (PSF) for nice carpets
from Birjand. You will pay much more as the KPSI increases.
Birjand is Located in the southern part of Khorasan
province in eastern Iran, the town of Birjand has a civilization dating
back more than 2000 years.
Birjand neighbors Qaen to the north, Nahbandan to the south, Afghanistan
to the east and the city of Tabas to the west. It is divided into four
districts:
Khosef
At an elevation of 1,480 meters, Birjand is surrounded by the Baqran,
Momenabad, Hamand and Tabasmina mountain ranges. Minabad, the highest
mountain peak in Birjand, has an elevation of 2,900 meters. Birjand
has an arid, desert climate and an average annual rainfall of 167 mm.
Towering pines decorate the town in profuse numbers, their long underground
roots making them resistant against the shortage of water.
The northern part of Birjand is the most populated area, housing mostly
rural immigrants. Water shortage has limited but not prevented land
cultivation. The town's central part incorporates historical Birjand
as well as the bazaar, banks, government departments, educational and
health departments, military installations, mosques and service departments.
The southern part of the town, extending to the slopes of Baqran Mountain,
is mostly a residential quarter with modern educational and administrative
centers. The variety of educational and scientific facilities ranks
Birjand among Iran's major academic centers. The total area of Birjand
is 35,337 sq. km.
Its industrial sector is centered in the Birjand
Industrial township, located 11 km from the town and incorporating 15
industrial units, including food processing, textile and business industries.
Surface roads connect Birjand to neighboring towns and regular flights
are scheduled between Birjand to Mashad and Tehran. Birjand has a population
of nearly 120,000 persons who are estimated to own approximately 18,000
carpet looms. Handicrafts in the area, including Birjand's neighboring
districts and villages, are divided into three groups: woven material,
sewn fabrics, and earthenware. The town is also noted for its decorated
earthenware and garment weaving, which are mostly centered in Khosef
(Eclipse).