The Arteverk Rug Encyclopedia · Weave Guide
Some of the most honest, hard-working rugs in all of Persia come from one place: Hamadan. The largest weaving region in Iran, its hundreds of villages have turned out sturdy, bold, geometric rugs for centuries — and it is the great source of genuine Persian runners. Here is what a Hamadan rug actually is, its history, and how to choose one.
A Hamadan rug is a hand-knotted wool rug from the Hamadan region of northwest Iran — the largest rug-weaving area in Persia, made up of hundreds of villages around the ancient city of Hamadan (historic Ecbatana). Because they are village rugs, Hamadans are charmingly direct: a sturdy, often single-wefted foundation, bold geometric drawing rather than fine court detail, and classic Persian color — madder red, indigo blue, camel and ivory — set around a pole medallion or an all-over Herati (fish) field. Their distinguishing trait is durability paired with the region's specialty in long, narrow formats, which makes Hamadan one of the best sources of genuine Persian runners and gallery rugs. The Hamadan rugs we carry are genuine Persian pieces, hand-knotted in Iran. To know it's the real article, check the product page: a true Hamadan reads Origin: Iran and Construction: hand-knotted, with the honest irregularities of a village weave.
The great weaving region of Persia
Hamadan is one of the oldest cities in the world — the ancient Ecbatana — set in the mountains of northwest Iran. But to a rug lover, “Hamadan” means far more than a city: it is the name for the single largest rug-weaving region in all of Persia, a vast area of hundreds of villages that have woven rugs for the bazaar and for export for generations.
Because they are village rugs, Hamadans are wonderfully direct: woven on a sturdy, often single-wefted foundation, with bold geometric drawing rather than fine court detail. That makes them honest, characterful and exceptionally hard-wearing — and, because the villages specialized in long, narrow formats, it makes Hamadan one of the best sources of genuine Persian runners and gallery rugs anywhere.
What makes a rug a "Hamadan"
Bold geometric design
A central pole medallion or an all-over Herati (fish) field, with strong, confident borders — village-made character.
Sturdy, hard-wearing build
A robust, often single-wefted foundation that stands up to decades of traffic — practical as well as beautiful.
Classic Persian color
Madder red, indigo blue, camel, ivory and black — warm and timeless.
The runner specialist
Long, narrow runners and gallery sizes are a Hamadan signature — perfect for halls and high-traffic spaces.
The genuine article — woven in Iran
A true Persian Hamadan
Hamadan is the genuine article: the Hamadan rugs we carry are genuine Persian pieces, hand-knotted in Iran, in wool, in the bold village style the region is known for.
As always, the rug's own record tells the truth: each product page states the real Origin (look for Iran) and Construction. With Hamadan you get a genuine Persian rug with real character — and remarkable value for a true hand-knotted Persian piece.
Six in-stock Hamadan rugs
Genuine Persian, hand-knotted in Iran — including the region's signature runners and gallery sizes.
The Dove Keep
Genuine Persian
The Dove Grove
Genuine Persian
The Smoke Medallion
Genuine Persian
The Pewter Meadow
Genuine Persian
The Soot Keep
Genuine Persian
The Almond Veil
Genuine PersianHow to choose a Hamadan rug
The best genuine Persian runner
If you need a runner for a hallway, a long gallery rug, or a hard-wearing piece for a busy room, a Hamadan is one of the smartest choices you can make — a genuine, hand-knotted Persian rug built to take traffic, at honest value. The bold geometry hides wear and brings warmth to a corridor.
Embrace the village character
Hamadans are charmingly direct rather than perfectly refined — slight irregularities are the mark of a real village rug, not a flaw. Lean into that character; it's what gives them soul. See the real piece before you commit — request photos in your light, or book a viewing.
Size it to the space
Beyond runners and gallery rugs, Hamadan weaves area sizes too. See our rug size guide for runner and room-by-room guidance, and because each is one of a kind, tell us your size and we'll hand-pick the closest pieces.
Caring for a Hamadan rug
A sturdy hand-knotted wool Hamadan is easy-going: vacuum gently with the pile, rotate twice a year (especially runners, which wear unevenly), use a rug pad, and blot spills immediately rather than rubbing. Our full rug care guide has the details.
Why buy your Hamadan from Arteverk
- Genuine Persian. Our Hamadans are woven in Iran — origin stated on every page, so you know it's the real village article.
- The runner specialist. One of the best sources of genuine Persian runners and gallery rugs, hard-wearing and full of character.
- A three-generation rug family, since 1970. We source and curate these genuine Persian pieces and sell them direct — the collection the trade trusted for fifty years, now straight to you.
- See it before you commit. Book a live video walkthrough from anywhere.
- Nationwide shipping, free. See any rug up close on a live video call — and we ship across the country, free.
Common questions about Hamadan rugs
What is a Hamadan rug?
A Hamadan rug is a hand-knotted wool rug from the Hamadan region of northwest Iran — the largest rug-weaving area in Persia, made up of hundreds of villages. Hamadans are known for sturdy, hard-wearing construction and bold geometric designs: pole medallions, Herati fields and stylized florals in red, blue, camel and ivory. The Hamadan rugs we carry are genuine Persian pieces, hand-knotted in Iran.
Are Hamadan rugs Persian?
Yes — Hamadan is a genuine Persian weaving region in northwest Iran, and the Hamadan rugs we carry are hand-knotted in Iran. Each rug's real origin is stated on its page (look for Origin: Iran).
Why are Hamadan rugs good runners?
The Hamadan villages have long specialized in long, narrow rugs, so the region is one of the best sources of genuine Persian runners and gallery-size rugs. Their sturdy, single-wefted construction also makes them hard-wearing — ideal for hallways and high-traffic areas. Many of our Hamadans are runner and gallery sizes.
What do Hamadan rugs look like?
Bold and geometric — a central pole medallion or an all-over Herati (fish) field, framed by strong borders, in classic Persian color: madder red, indigo blue, camel, ivory and black. The drawing is confident and village-made rather than fussy, which is a big part of their charm.
Can I see a Hamadan rug before I buy?
Yes — we'll walk you through any piece on a live video call, and every rug ships free with easy returns.
Find your Hamadan
Browse our genuine Persian Hamadan rugs and runners, or tell us your size and colors and we'll hand-pick a few for you.
