Effect of Globalization on Identity Components of Contemporary Rugs of Tabriz

The cultural heritage and its aspects including the handicrafts are accounted as the stabilizing factors of ethnic groups’ cultural identity. Tabriz rug is viewed as one of the most important cultural products and Iranian handicrafts in a global domain. In recent decades, the cultural waves resulted from the globalization phenomenon have caused changes in the identity components of the rugs. As such a trend continues, the expected functions of Tabriz rug face serious challenges. Losing the local identity and cultural authenticity and commodification are the consequences of continuing such a trend. The strategy in terms of scientific encounter with the global culture lies in recognizing works and concepts of such a phenomenon in Tabriz rug. This research studies the effects and consequences of cultural globalization on Tabriz rug and discusses the strategies for how to cope with it. This research iswas conducted on 200 pieces of hand-knotted contemporary rugs of Tabriz through a descriptive-analytical method, using field-study data and library resources. The contemporary rugs of Tabriz have joined the global trade network of cultural goods due to their cultural and commercial aspects. As this trend continues, the identity and style components of this Islamic-Iranian hand-knotted product experience changes. Thus, the concepts of such phenomenon are observable in three domains of visual, technical and applied components. Awareness of the principles and acquiring the necessary skills are the prerequisites of acting in a system. Therefore, facilitating the access of the designers of Tabriz rugs to the principles and basics of Iranian traditional designs can reinforce the constructive interaction of these agents against the surrounding structures resulted from globalization.