Sumak-Shahsavan
Origin: NOMADS FROM NORTHERN IRAN
The Shahsavan is an important confederation of nomadic Turkish origin in north-western Iran. Initially, the nomads came from Anatolia and settled northwest of Persia at the end of the sixteenth century, after asking permission from the Safavid king Shah Abbas to settle on the Persian territory. Demand coincided nomads Shah Abbas looking for protection from the northern border of his kingdom. The name of the confederation of nomadic Shahsavan shows a deep gratitude for having been allowed to take root in Persia. Shahsavan literally translated, basically means "friends of the king / shah" or "those who love the King / Shah".
Most live a semi-nomadic or settled to the south, mainly between Tabriz and Tehran, as well as around the city Veramin. Some also live in the northern part of the country on the border with Azerbaijan.
Characteristics:
The Shahsavan are especially famous for their weaving flat. Their weavings are considered among the best qualities in Iran. Soumak fine quality home textiles, such as Mafrash (packing rectangular textile bags) are hand-made by women Shahsavan. Typical colors Shahsavan often include a deep indigo blue and crimson warm red. Finely woven with animal motifs such as camels, goats and peacocks are widespread. Compared to other Iranian nomadic tribes, the Shahsavan produce virtually over knotted pile carpet, the few known knotted carpets are very old. There is no clear explanation for which Shahsavan have stopped making knotted pile carpet.
Soumak (Sumak): The name comes from the center of Shemakha caucasian, about fifty kilometers from Baku. The technique is to surround four warps with the weft which is drawn in the last two. These operations are repeated from one edge to another.
It is interesting to know that Shahsavan tents called "Alachiq" differ greatly from other tents used in Iran. They closely resemble the Turkmen yurts. Today only a few Shahsavan lives completely as nomads.
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