Kerman's Symphony: From Ancient Citadels to Exquisite Carpets
The history of human settlements in the territory of Kerman dates back to the fourth millennium BC. This area is considered one of the most ancient regions of Iran, where valuable historical messages have been unearthed.
Kerman, also known as Karmania, is famous for its long history and strong cultural heritage. The city is home to many historic castles, such as Meymand, Rayen, and Zoroastrian fire temples, located on a high plateau bordering the desert in south-central Iran. Surrounded by mountains, Kerman has a cold desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Winters, occurring between June and October, create massive sand formations called "calix." These calix, resembling eroded towers from a distance, offer an incredible spectacle.
Sunsets and dawns paint a breathtaking view of these natural castles, formed from the shimmering, golden sands of the Lut Desert, reaching heights of up to 155 meters. The Lut Desert is also well-known for its active and moving sand dunes, some reaching heights of 500 meters.
Kerman is one of several Iranian cities with a strong cultural heritage expressed through its local accent, poetry, music, handicrafts, and customs that have captivated the world. The people of this region are renowned for their hospitality and kindness.
Ancient, abandoned citadels like Arg-e-bam and Rayen Castle have been preserved in the desert for 2,000 years. According to historical documents, Rayen Castle remained inhabited until 150 years ago. Situated on a trade route, it was a center for trading valuable goods and high-quality textiles. It also served as a hub for sword and blade manufacturing, and later, guns. The "Knife of Rayen," a legendary blade rumored to cut through iron locks, is a testament to the skill of its makers. Rayen's sword smithing artistry, however, is sadly becoming obsolete, with only a few individuals still pursuing this craft.
The layout of the city is fascinating. Traveling east from Ardeshir Castle, you encounter the Dome of Mustaghiye, Anahit and then followed by the Arg-e New Castle. Lush gardens surround this area. As you approach the city from the east, you'll find neighbourhoods like Gangali Khan, Malik Historical Site, and the Makarem-al-Abrar School in the north. The main library is located further south, and the grand bazaar lies towards the south of the mosque.
One of the most intriguing features of Kerman's architecture is the intricate details on old buildings' facades and the main doors of traditional homes. These details hold great cultural significance. Arabic calligraphy (Katibeh) and Islamic tilework (Nakhshnama) serve two purposes: protection against the evil eye and the beautification of homes and spaces.
Carpet making is a celebrated human achievement in Kerman and a subject of Persian proverbs, such as "Khali Kermani cheh zor ter az qaali omr ast," which translates to "An old Kermani carpet is even more powerful than fate." The older the carpet, the more valuable it becomes, akin to a garden of vibrant flowers. Its beauty offers comfort and tranquillity. Regions like Mahan boast a rich carpet-making history. While cities produce larger carpets, villages typically create smaller ones. Three-leaf motifs are commonly used. In the late 20th century, the use of garden flowers, cypress trees, and a thousand-flower designs gained popularity. Modern carpets often feature geometric patterns, birds, medallions, and tree motifs.
Motifs like the three-headed, Musa Khani, and repetitions of roses, daisies, peonies, and carnations woven together with various leaves create a mesmerizing density, leaving virtually no empty space. Here, we see two artistic expressions from Kerman at the Bo Fig: the intricate geometric designs symbolizing the cyclical nature of creation and reaction, and the densely packed floral patterns representing the boundless energy of life. Please contact us for more information on these collectible pieces of Art.
