TEHRAN - On Friday, two antique carpets, transferred from London to Tabriz, were put on view in the ancient city where they were woven some two centuries ago.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by East Azarbaijan province’s tourism chief, stressing the significance of these historical pieces, ILNA reported.

The first carpet, which dates approximately 180 years, is made of natural wool from sheep and camels. It intricately depicts the story of Farhad and Shirin, a classic Persian love tale.

It stands as a testament to the rich cultural and literary heritage of the region. It contains Turkish poetry from the Divan of Abulhassan Raji.

The second carpet, also woven in Tabriz, is over 200 years old and made from natural sheep's wool. This piece narrates the story of Sheikh San'an, which is the title of a Persian mystical poem written by the Persian Sufi poet Abu Hamid bin Abu Bakr Ibrahim better known by his pen-name Farid al-din Attar.

The carpet depicts the journey of a devout Sheikh who falls in love with a Christian girl and travels to Rome for her sake. The carpet captures this poignant tale, showcasing the depth and complexity of Persian storytelling traditions.

The carpets were unveiled at Heshmimehr Carpet Trading House, which is embedded in a historical house that attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists annually.

Tabriz carpets are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, often incorporating silk, and occasionally golden or silver threads, into their structure and knots.

A distinguishing feature of Tabriz carpets is the prominent star at the center, surrounded by cursive arabesques adorned with paisley motifs, setting them apart from other handicraft products.

In 2015, the World Crafts Council designated Tabriz as the global hand-woven rug city, recognizing its exceptional contributions to this ancient art form.

AM