تورج ژوله

In carpet studies، Armani-baf (Armenian woven) is an Iranian carpet، woven since the settlement of Armenians in Safavid era Iran by Iranian-Armenians in some local provinces of Iran، preserving the original features of Iranian carpet and influenced by ancient Armenian tradition of carpet weaving. One of the similarities between Iranian and Armenian rugs can be referred to as especial motifs، sometimes called “meaningful designs” or “symbols”. Thus Armani-baf rug has motifs and symbols: from “Water and Dragon” patterns، to “S shaped”، “Cross shaped”، “Eagle” and “Fish” patterns. Considering the lack of adequate research relevant to Armani-baf rugs، the main goal of this paper is to identify the artistic and cultural similarities between two great nations of Iranians and Armenians through introduction and analysis of symbols in Armani-baf rugs; and to reveal the influences of Iranian tradition of carpet weaving on Armani-baf rugs (Armani-baf rugs being considered as Iranian). This paper is based on fieldwork and library sources and uses descriptive- analytical method. Analysis of the symbols led to the conclusion that in this symbolic expression sometimes the purpose of the artist was a mythical or religious concept and sometimes the usefulness of plants or animals was considered. Also، the research shows that Iranian Armani-baf rug is an Iranian rug which is quite influenced by Iranian carpet tradition in its design.

Armani-baf (Irano-Armenian Rug) is going to be thoroughly extinct. By the settlement of Armenians in some local provinces of Iran، preserving the original features of Iranian carpet and influenced by ancient Armenian tradition of carpet weaving، such carpets were woven at the period of Shah-Abbas، the Great. Having many cultural commonalities، Iranian and Armenian people have had a long lasting history of cultural and civilizational relations. So the features of their cultural traditions is clearly reflected in their wide range of art and craft styles. Even before the emigration of Armenians to Iran، carpet weaving has been a well-known craft among both mentioned people. Despite this، rather than Armenian tradition، the Irano-Armenian Rugs mostly represent the Iranian native tradition of carpet weaving. The analysis of this hypothesis is highly dependent on comparative study of two mentioned carpet weaving traditions، considering: design، color، and weaving specifications. Indeed here with a pragmatic approach the data، gathered through field (conversation) and library research، is analyzed on a descriptive-comparative basis.