Interview: Muhammedi Parviz

„MUSLIMS LIVE ON CARPETS, IN FACT ON THE ARTISTIC PICTURES“

"When somebody visits my shop, a person usually goes towards his carpet, for the one that awakens a particular feelings. Every carpet is the world for itself." (Muhammedi Parviz)

IAM: When Persian art is mentioned, the first association is with Persian carpets. Can you tell us something about the initial development of this kind of art and since when the oldest samples of Persian carpets date?

MUHAMMEDI PARVIZ: The oldest discovered carpet was found in South Siberia 50 years ago, by one Russian archeologist. He found that sample in a graveyard, in the place Pazirik. It was taken from the layers of ice and it had on itself motives of Persian kings, similar to the pictures on stone that we can see in Persopolis in central Iran. Technology of work and perfection of that carpet, although the age was estimated to 2500 years, makes the assumption that for such making another period of 2500 years was needed to achieve that perfection. Therefore, it is considered, that history of weaving of carpets in Persia is at least 5000 old. However, the carpet from Siberia is easily taken, as the beginning, what is repetead as stereotype in literature on carpets. However, it is probable that hundred of carpets are not yet found and they could say something new. Even before Islam, Iran was known for carpets and other linen making. Thus, Alexander Macedonian, when he came to Persia, enchanted with the Persian linen, wore Persian clothes. At the beginning of Islam, it was mentioned that the Arabic soldiers coming to one palace, saw a large carpet and so many of them attempted to take at least some pieces. It was narrated that a man saw a soldier that under his shirt had a piece of the carpet with the picture of bird, which was so beautiful as it was alive.

IAM: What did carpets get with the arrival of Islam in Persia?

MUHAMMEDI PARVIZ: Some motives are changed, especially those with the figures of birds and man. However, these motives were kept later and I think these typical Persian decorations enriched the Islamic art. Iranians got to like Islam, and when you like something you tend to decorate it. Such are Iranians. From the period of the arrival of Islam until the 16th century, making of carpets was not at such a high level, as it happened at the time of Safavid dynasty in the 17th century. Apart from carpets, they maximally developed a complete Persian art.

The rest of the article you can read in the magazine.