In Mosul’s Saray Market, buyers drawn by rugs woven with history

MOSUL – Mu’an Mahmoud, a rug collector and seller in Mosul’s Saray Market, has built a reputation for trading rare, handwoven carpets that reflect centuries of cultural history.

Among his most prized items is a 200-year-old Russian rug illustrating a love story between a princess and a commoner. Others include rugs crafted for Ottoman courts or inspired by Kurdish romantic legends, such as Shirin and Farhad.

Mahmoud emphasizes authenticity in his collection, which also features Romanian carpets—many originating from Transylvania, historically a supplier to Ottoman palaces.

Prices at his shop range from 2 million to 3 million IQD ($1,382 to $2,072), depending on origin and age. “Foreign tourists often buy from us, especially those interested in antique handmade carpets,” Mahmoud told 964media.

He added that weaving is a painstaking art, with some carpets created by one artisan over several weeks, while others involve multiple weavers working together. “Tabriz rugs are in high demand now,” he noted.

Experts and collectors distinguish carpets by their knotting technique, materials, and regional color schemes—for instance, differentiating the distinctive palettes from Kashan and Tabriz in Iran.

+3