Manifestation of Carpets in Children's Literature Case study: Trip to City of Solomon

This study discusses the manifestation of carpets in children’s literature. Since carpets are one of the universal symbols of Iranian art and culture, scholars and educators should attempt to institutionalize this art and craft as a cultural issue in the society. Obviously, such a movement must begin from childhood and use methods and models based on children’s interests. A story is one model that children naturally admire. The present article is a case study of one of the best Iranian children stories on the topic of carpets. The article has presented and interpreted various parts of the story, demonstrating how the author, by pointing to the traditional motifs of carpets, making use of a symbolic language, religious and national symbols and values, the appropriate techniques of writing for children, as well as narrating the life of a little girl working in a carpet weaving workshop, has represented the features and values of carpets in both realistic and surrealistic contexts. The cultural and social status of carpet weavers and other groups involved in the production of carpets must be taken into further consideration. These people should receive due respect as artists preserving a major part of Islamic Iran’s cultural heritage.