About Hamadan Rugs

The city of Hamadan is surrounded by hundreds of small villages that have produced hand-knotted rugs for generations. Many rugs sold under the broad name “Hamadan” are actually woven in nearby villages, each with its own subtle patterns, colors, and weaving characteristics.

These village rugs often share common traits such as bold geometric designs, durable construction, and practical wool materials. Beyond the immediate Hamadan region, this weaving tradition extends into neighboring towns and cities, where rugs are produced in a similar Hamadan style or “flavor,” reflecting shared cultural roots while still maintaining local identity.

The Ancient City of Hamadan, Iran

Hamadan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that stretches back more than 3,000 years. Located in western Iran at the foothills of the Alvand Mountains, the city has long held strategic, cultural, and historical importance in Persian civilization.

In ancient times, Hamadan was known as Ecbatana, the capital of the Median Empire during the 7th century BCE. According to ancient historians, Ecbatana served as a political and administrative center where early Iranian tribes united. Its name is believed to mean “place of gathering,” reflecting its role as a hub of power and governance. Later, the city continued to flourish under the Achaemenid Persian Empire, functioning as a summer capital due to its cool mountain climate.

Throughout successive eras—including the Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian periods—Hamadan remained a prominent city along important trade and travel routes. Archaeological remains at the Hegmataneh Hill provide valuable insight into its ancient urban planning, revealing organized streets, fortifications, and residential areas dating back thousands of years.

Hamadan is also closely associated with some of history’s most influential figures. The famed Persian philosopher and physician Avicenna (Ibn Sina) spent his final years in the city, and his mausoleum remains one of Hamadan’s most recognizable landmarks today. The city is also home to the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai, a site of historical importance to Iran’s Jewish community.

Today, Hamadan blends ancient heritage with modern life. Its deep historical roots, archaeological treasures, and enduring cultural traditions continue to make it one of Iran’s most significant and fascinating cities.