Understanding the country of origin for carpets is a complex matter, which is sometimes difficult even for a seasoned professional to assess in person. There are infinite looks of rugs which appear almost identical from country to country. The region where the area rug is woven plays a large factor in its value.
No one knows precisely when and where the technique of weaving first started; there is no doubt that the weaving in general, started in Central Asia. The Nomadic tribes used flat weave techniques to make their tents to protect themselves from the elements. In addition, they started to use kilims, (flat weave) carpets to cover their earthen floors. As Nomadic tribes started to spread across western Asia, they spread their weaving techniques.
Iran has long been known as a major producer of hand woven carpets. Since the Oriental rug established a strong presence in the West, well over a century ago, the term "Persian carpet" has become a general term that could be applied to certain Turkish, Central Asian, or Indian rugs.
It is estimated that Iran produces approximately three-quarters of all the hand-woven rugs in the world. Iran has the highest and most diverse number of weaving groups from master workshops to nomadic tribes, and as a result, it produces the most diverse styles worldwide. Rugs are produced almost in all parts of Iran. Some well-known Persian styles include Ardabil, Bakhtiar, Baluch, Bijar, Isfahan, Hamadan, Heriz, Joshagan, Kashan, Kerman, Malayer, Mashad, Nain, Najafabad, Qashqai, Qum, Sabzevar, Sarough, Shiraz, Tabriz, Yazd and Zanjan.
While Persian carpets still carry a mystique, rugs from other countries with Iranian designs are flooding the market. Many of the "Persian" rugs are from China, India, and Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey.