History of Carpets | Mohamed Maktabi

We visit Maktabi's flagship store in Beirut to unravel the rich history and intricate artistry of carpets. A third-generation carpet dealer from the renowned family behind Iwan Maktabi, Mohamed Maktabi delves into everything from the first carpet every discovered, the ancient origins of carpet weaving and the unique characteristics of tribal versus city carpets, to the esteemed legacy of Persian rugs and the evolving nature of the carpet dealing business. Maktabi shares personal family anecdotes, discusses the cultural significance embedded in some woven masterpieces, and offers insights into caring for these cherished objects. Whether you're a long-time admirer or new to the world of carpets, this conversation offers a deep appreciation for an art form that has captivated humanity for millennia. Maktabi also gives us his carpet wishlist from around the world.

0:00 Introduction

0:22 The Oldest Carpet and Persian Heritage

0:46 Tribal vs. City Carpets: Craft and Purpose

0:50 The Evolution of Carpet Dealing: From Bazaar to Flagship

1:08 Mohamed Maktabi's Role and Family Legacy

3:31 The Craft of Hand-Knotted Carpets

4:57 Tribal Weaving: A Woman's Art

9:01 The Unparalleled Quality of Persian Carpets

15:15 The Rise of Carpets in Every Household

17:40 The Golden Age of Classical Carpets

19:24 The Shifting Landscape of Carpet Dealing

20:30 Contemporary Creations and Embedded Stories

21:20 Mass-Produced vs. Hand-Knotted Carpets

24:26 A Tour of Curated Antique Pieces

25:06 Shahabs Suzani: A Needlework Diary from Central Asia

28:32 The Paisley Design in Khorasan Carpets

29:55 Isfahan Quran Cover Design: A Family Heirloom

33:37 The Enduring Value and Care of Carpets

35:11 Japan's Appreciation for Persian Carpets

35:48 The Future of Classical Carpet Making

36:38 Mohamed's Dream Carpet Collection

38:32 The Legendary Ardabil Carpet

40:33 Proper Carpet Care and Maintenance

Mohamed Maktabi is a third-generation carpet dealer and a scion (and now CEO) of the Iwan Maktabi family, an institution in the carpet business established in Beirut in 1926. His grandfather immigrated from Isfahan to Beirut, with his father, Abbas Maktabi, continuing the family tradition. Mohamed, alongside two of his five sisters, joined the family business, which his father initially envisioned as a small gallery for esoteric textiles and unique tribal pieces. Mohamed is known for his deep knowledge of carpet history, from ancient origins to contemporary creations, and his appreciation for the cultural and artistic significance embedded in each piece. He maintains a focus on both traditional and modern designs, ensuring the legacy of hand-knotted carpets endures.

Connect with Mohamed Maktabi 👉 https://instagram.com/mo_maktabi

Hosted by: 
Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb

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