Qashqai Rugs

Woven by a people on the move.

A handmade Qashqai rug carries the color of a landscape most of us only see in pictures: high mountain pastures, long migration routes, and a way of life organized around the seasons. It's one of the most recognized tribal rug traditions in Iran, and one of the most colorful.

The Story Behind Qashqai Rugs

The Qashqai are a confederation of Turkic-speaking tribes in southwestern Iran, centered on Fars Province. Traditionally nomadic, they moved their flocks between summer pastures in the highlands and winter pastures in the lowlands, and the weaving was part of that life: rugs, kilims, saddle bags, and tent furnishings, made largely for the family's own use. Qashqai rugs are also sometimes sold under the name of nearby Shiraz, the main trading city of the region.

Who Weaves Them

Qashqai weaving has traditionally been women's work, passed down within families and learned by watching rather than from written patterns. Wool came from the tribe's own flocks, which is part of why the best Qashqai rugs are known for the quality of their wool.

Colors and Patterns

Qashqai rugs are known for rich, saturated color: deep reds, strong blues, and warm golds and greens, often set against a dark or ivory ground. The designs are tribal and geometric, built around bold medallions, diamonds, and boteh (the teardrop motif), with birds, animals, and flowers worked in. The weave tends to be finer and more detailed than many other tribal rugs. The Qashqai also weave the thick-piled gabbehs; see our Gabbeh Rugs page for that style.

Materials and Construction

Every Qashqai rug we carry is handmade from wool. Wool takes color well and wears well, which is a big part of why these rugs have kept their reputation for rich color and for holding up to daily use.

Where Qashqai Rugs Work Well

The bold medallions and strong color make a Qashqai a natural focal point in a living room or dining room, and the tribal patterns soften a more traditional bedroom. See our Oriental & Persian and Tribal & Traditional Rugs collections for the wider design traditions around it, and our Size Guide for help matching a size to your room.

Caring for a Qashqai Rug

Regular light vacuuming and prompt attention to spills keep a Qashqai looking its best. Blot rather than rub, and keep it out of strong direct sun, which can fade any dyed wool over time. Our full Rug Care guide covers the details.

Why Shop Qashqai Rugs at RugZar

• Genuinely handmade wool rugs in a recognized Persian tribal tradition
• Rich, saturated color and bold medallion designs that make a real statement
• Every rug is one of a kind. Check the individual listing for origin, size, and construction
• Free shipping to the USA and worldwide, arriving in 7-9 business days

A Qashqai rug brings a lot of color and a long story into a room, and a nomadic tradition that built its weaving around the seasons.