Chopping the Roots of Iranian Carpets; Experts Say Domestic Laws Are More Destructive Than Sanctions

Not long ago, Iranian carpets were unique and unmatched on the global stage, but today they face numerous problems. Experts say, 'We have chopped the roots of this art industry with our own hands.' The head of the 'Sardroud East Azerbaijan' carpet tapestry union stated, 'Previously, Iran was known for carpets, and carpets were known for Iran, but that is no longer the case. It has reached a point where countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan have become our competitors, using Iranian designs and patterns.' Hadi Abri Sardroudi, emphasizing that we have harmed this art industry ourselves, told 'Online Information': 'Even repairmen have migrated to neighboring countries due to existing laws and prohibitions in Iran.' The head of the Tabriz handwoven carpet sellers' union also commented, 'The establishment of certain laws has created problems for the handwoven carpet art industry. The government has imposed a currency commitment on us, effectively imposing internal sanctions.' Ahmad Azimzadeh added, 'Until a few years ago, we received a 10% subsidy, which has now been removed. However, we must still commit to bringing the proceeds from carpet sales back into the country after nine months and sell them at the Nima exchange rate, while carpets do not sell for nine months and may take up to five years. Besides, we have not received government currency for purchasing raw materials. These are internal sanctions against carpets.' A few days ago, the head of the National Carpet Center of Iran stated that India has taken Iran's place in carpet exports. Farahnaz Raafi, the head of the National Carpet Center of Iran, also said, 'Bureaucratic laws have caused reputable exporters to exit the market, leading to a situation where a country like India has replaced Iran in the carpet market.' She noted that previously, handwoven carpets were the first non-oil export commodity and the second overall export commodity of Iran after oil, adding, 'Last year, a total of $50 million worth of carpets were officially exported. However, due to existing problems, part of the handwoven carpet exports is done unofficially, and currently, a country like India has replaced Iran in the carpet market.' A member of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce described the carpet export figures as 'embarrassing' and stated that the export of Iranian handwoven carpets is in a coma.