The Heriz Region of Azerbaijan

Heriz rugs are hand-knotted in the rural towns of northwest Persia, in the Iranian province of East Azerbaijan — on the slopes of the volcano Sabalan, around the towns of Heriz, Ahar, Gerawan, Bakhshayesh, Karaja, Mehraban and Sarab. The geometric design language is strongly influenced by neighbouring Caucasian rug art.

For technical and historical context, the Jozan Carpet Encyclopedia documents the major Heriz weaving villages.

The Three Quality Tiers

Heriz — The Geometric Classic

The standard Heriz: a bold central medallion with hook pendants, large geometric corner pieces and a powerful main border. Knot density typically 90,000–150,000 per m² — deliberately not too fine, because the Heriz language is one of architectural clarity, not filigree detail.

Bakhshayesh — The Tribal Ancestor

Bakhshayesh rugs (from the village of the same name) are typically the older, more tribal and more spontaneous expression of the Heriz tradition. Antique Bakhshayesh pieces from the 19th century are highly sought after for their soft, irregular medallions and rich, muted palette.

Serapi — The Finest Heriz

Serapi is a market name (from the village of Sarab, transmitted via Western trade) for the finest grade of antique Heriz. Knot density often exceeds 200,000 per m², and the wool is of exceptional quality. Antique Serapi rugs are top-tier collectibles, often featuring softer, more refined colour palettes — salmon pinks, soft ivories, faded indigos.

The Heriz Palette

The classic Heriz colour scheme is unmistakably Persian: deep madder red field, dark indigo border. The field can range from light salmon and faded coral to deep oxblood and dark brown. Less common but highly desirable are Heriz rugs with an ivory or cream field and an all-over (medallion-less) design. Pigments are predominantly mineral and vegetable in antique pieces.

Construction — Why Heriz Lasts Generations

• •Foundation: thick cotton warp threads, giving the rug its renowned dimensional stability
• •Pile: robust highland wool from sheep grazed on the slopes of Mount Sabalan — high lanolin content, exceptional durability
• •Knot: symmetric (Turkish) knot, ideal for the bold geometric vocabulary
• •Knot density: Heriz 90k–150k/m² | Bakhshayesh 80k–120k/m² | Serapi 150k–250k+/m²
• •Common formats: 8 × 11 ft, 9 × 12 ft, 10 × 13 ft, 12 × 18 ft, plus oversized 16 × 20 ft palace formats

Where Heriz Excels

The Heriz aesthetic is one of scale and confidence — these are the carpets that anchor large rooms with one bold geometric gesture. They are unmatched for:

• —Stately living rooms with high ceilings and substantial furniture
• —Formal dining rooms with 8–12-seat tables
• —Grand entrance halls and libraries
• —Loft interiors — the geometric clarity complements industrial architecture

Why Choose a Heriz from the Djoharian Collection

• —Verified provenance — authentic Heriz, Bakhshayesh and Serapi with detailed documentation
• —Specialty: large and palatial formats — we maintain inventory in the rare 12 × 18 and 16 × 20 ft sizes
• —Professionally cleaned and master-restored by our specialist craftsmen
• —Label STEP Fair Trade partner — ethical sourcing for modern production
• —Djoharian Collection — since 1967