Buying a Persian Carpet in Iran: What I Learned and What It Cost Me

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a Persian carpet, let me tell you: there’s no better place to buy one than Iran. I just returned from a trip where I visited bazaars in Isfahan, Tehran, and Kashan — and came home with a handmade rug that I’ll treasure for life. But getting to that point was a learning process. Here’s what I discovered, and what I paid.

Lesson 1: Not All Persian Rugs Are Equal

The first rug I saw in Tehran was beautiful, but the seller quoted $4,000 for a 2×3 meter piece. I was shocked — until I learned it was pure silk from Qom, signed by a master weaver. A few stalls down, I saw a village wool rug from Hamadan about the same size — it was $600. The difference? The first rug took over a year to weave, the second maybe a few months.

Lesson 2: City Rugs vs Tribal Rugs

City rugs like those from Tabriz, Kashan, and Isfahan are refined, with delicate floral designs and higher prices. A 3×4 meter Tabriz carpet I loved was around $6,500 — dense knots, silk highlights, gorgeous colors. On the other hand, a 3×4 meter Gabbeh from Shiraz with a bold, simple pattern was about $1,200. Both handmade, both beautiful — but made for very different homes and tastes.

Lesson 3: Bargaining is Expected, But Be Respectful

In Iran, bargaining is part of the culture, especially in traditional bazaars. But there’s a difference between bargaining and lowballing. I was quoted $950 for a medium tribal rug and got it down to $780. Anything lower would have been disrespectful. These are not mass-produced products — each rug is months of labor.

Lesson 4: Export Is Easy (Usually)

Contrary to what some might think, it’s legal to take Persian rugs out of Iran, as long as they’re not antiques (over 100 years old). Many stores even help with packaging for international shipping. I rolled my 2×3 meter rug into my suitcase. No issues at the airport.

What I Bought

After hours of browsing, touching, asking, and learning, I settled on a 2×3 meter wool & silk rug from Kashan. Soft texture, subtle beige and blue pattern, signed by the weaver. The final price: $1,400, including a certificate of authenticity and professional packing. In Europe, this would have cost me at least $4,000.

Final Tip: Buy With Your Eyes and Your Heart

Yes, knot density matters. Yes, silk is more expensive than wool. But in the end, buy what speaks to you. Some of the most charming rugs I saw were under $500 — handmade, full of character, and perfect for someone’s home.

Buying a Persian carpet in Iran is not just a purchase — it’s an experience. You’re walking through centuries of art, tradition, and human craftsmanship. Whether your budget is $300 or $10,000, there’s a rug waiting for you.