The Artistic and Cultural Activity of Iranian Carpets in the Travelogues of the Safavid Era

Among the historical periods of Iran, the Safavid era is precious from the point of view of dealing with the cultural anthropology of the Iranian people. Due to familiarity with the Western world, in this era, the foundations of social criticism and a critical look at social problems and sufferings were formed, and at the same time, the unpleasant and pleasant elements that make up Iranian society were presented to Europe. The opinions of European tourists about the cultural aspects of Iranian society are integral representations, the explanation and analysis of which can lead to the recognition of the main elements of Iranian culture and civilization at that time. The amazing attention of the travelogues of the Safavid period to Iranian carpets and the explanation of its beauty and elegance are among the issues that foreign travelers have mentioned in their writings, and accordingly, they have pointed to one of the cultural foundations of Iran and one of the essentials of the ecosystem of the Iranian society. In the present study, the following questions will be answered: “Which anthropological, artistic, and commercial dimensions have been explained in the European (Farangi) travelogues of the Safavid period in connection with Iranian carpets?” and “How these dimensions have influenced the attitude of the Westerners towards Iranians?”

This research is descriptive-analytical. The data was explained and analyzed using library sources after extracting the desired content from the examined texts. Considering that this research is based on the historical data contained in the travelogues, the historical research method is also among the research methods.

Based on what is inferred from the analysis of Iranian carpets and their belongings in European (Farangi) travelogues of the Safavid era, Iranian carpets were one of the best and most attractive cultural leaders of Iran in the eyes of Europeans in the 17th century and after, which has been able to draw a favorable image of Safavid Iran in the minds of Europeans with its unique visual appeal. In addition to their material value, Iranian carpets have been able to arouse the artistic admiration of Europeans and improve their attitude towards many Iranian ethnic groups. Also, part of the cultural identity of the Iranian people has been revealed to the Europeans through the patterns and designs of carpets.

In European (Farangi) travelogues, there are many mentions of carpet weaving centers, local knowledge of carpet weaving, and associated customs. A significant part of the cultural components of Iranian peoples, such as the connection of carpet designs with mythological stories and Iranian history, the use of carpets in religious ceremonies, and the like, have been introduced to European observers through the texture of this carpet. Most travelogues pay attention to plurality, dispersion, and variety of designs and patterns of Iranian carpets, and their minimum is related to Iranian customs and traditions in connection with carpets.