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Balkh Rugs

Balkh (Bactria), the territory of which Bactra was the capital, originally consisted of the plain between the Hindu Kush and the Amu Darya with its string of agricultural oases dependent on water taken from the rivers of Balkh (Bactra), Tashkurgan, Konduz, Sar-e Pol, and Shirin Tagoo. The capital at Bactra (Balkh) was one of the largest and richest cities in antiquity – Bactria itself known as the ‘empire of a thousand golden cities. This region played a major role in Central Asian history and in the Iranian history in general. The city of Balkh known as the “The Mother of the Cities” in Persian; an epithet which indicates the city’s great antiquity. Indeed the Bactrian plain was home to Neolithic and Bronze and Iron Ages civilizations. Here is most probably where Zoroaster established the ancient faith. Balkh kept its position as a center for Zoroastrianism till the early Islamic era. It was also a major Buddhist center for centuries. Balkh had a major role in the development of the New-Persian language and literature. The early works of New-Persian literature were written by poets and writers who were from Balkh. To list Balkhi poets, writers and scientists would be a difficult task. Rumi could be mentioned as the most famous one.
The Green Mosque of Balkh
Today, the town of Balkh located in the Balkh Province, north of Afghanistan, about 20 km northwest of the provincial capital, Mazar-e Sharif, and some 74 km south of the Amu Darya river and the Uzbekistan border. The town is a major source for tribal and village-woven rugs woven in the area.

Technical aspects and the structure of Balkh Rugs

In Balkh, Afghanistan, a man brings to market a carpet that his wife and children have woven. A large carpet like this one takes many months to complete
An Old Turkmen "Purdah"/ Engsi from Daulatabad, Balkh Province, Afghanistan. "Ertmen" Gul. Wool-on-Wool
Balkh design
Rugs gathered ultimately in Balkh are woven with asymmetric (Persian) knots. Some pieces are mostly woolen. In some pieces pile and warp are woolen while weft is cotton. Rug sizes are common. Items like bags, saddlebags and cushions could be found.

Dyeing and painting of Balkh Rugs

Balkh design
Balkh design
The most dominant color on Balkh’s palette is red. Ivory (or white), blue and pink are used as secondary colors. Olive green may be seen in some pieces. Pink silk may be used to emphasize the motifs (gul). Blue is chiefly used for lines which links the guls.

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Balkh design
Balkh design
Balkh design
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