The struggle to preserve the tradition of the Persian carpet

The Persian carpet, that artisanal marvel that has adorned the homes of many cultures for centuries, is now in danger. The international sanctions imposed on Iran in recent decades have had a devastating impact on the carpet industry, one of the jewels of the Iranian economy. The ancient art of weaving these unique pieces, which used to be a significant source of income for the country, has been severely affected by the trade restrictions imposed from the West. In the past, Persian carpets represented a major source of income for Iran, surpassing even oil exports. However, currently, the income figure has plummeted drastically, from 2.000 billion dollars to just around 100 million. These figures reflect the impact of sanctions on the Iranian economy and on a craft sector whose tradition dates back centuries. The commercial blockade imposed on Iran has greatly hindered carpet exports, distancing Iranian traders from international markets. The ban on importing Persian carpets, along with other iconic products of the country such as pistachios and caviar, has left carpet weavers and sellers in a precarious situation, struggling to keep alive an invaluable cultural tradition. The effects of the sanctions have been felt in the daily lives of Iranians, as evidenced by the testimony of Mirmola Soraya, an artist who has dedicated her life to the art of carpet weaving. Soraya recounts how trade restrictions have made it difficult to market Iranian carpets abroad, forcing Europeans to turn to other suppliers such as Turkey or India. The loss of the American market has been particularly significant, plunging traders into an unprecedented crisis. The devaluation of the Iranian rial against the dollar is another sign of the economic difficulties facing the country. The sharp drop in the national currency reflects the instability caused by sanctions and political tensions. Despite the resilience shown by the Iranian economy in the face of sanctions, the reality on the streets of Tehran and other cities paints a bleak picture for the carpet sector. Meanwhile, other countries like China and Turkey have emerged as key players in the carpet market, taking advantage of the void left by the decline in Iranian exports. China has become the leading exporter of carpets globally, closely followed by India. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul has replaced traditional Iranian bazaars as the epicenter of carpet trade, reflecting a paradigm shift in the industry. The history of the Persian carpet, a work of art that has withstood centuries of history, is now threatened by the political and economic circumstances surrounding it. The millennia-old tradition of weaving these unique pieces is fading under the pressure of sanctions and competition from other countries. The uncertainty about the future of this emblematic industry of Iran raises questions about the preservation of an invaluable cultural legacy that has been part of the country's identity for centuries. In a world where cheap imitations and mass productions threaten to overshadow authenticity and traditional craftsmanship, the Persian carpet represents a cultural treasure that deserves to be protected and valued. As Iran struggles to keep this industry alive in difficult times, the fate of the Persian carpet becomes a symbol of the struggle between tradition and modernity, between history and globalization.