Ilam's Embossed Kilim: Where the Elegance of Tradition Meets the Pulse of the Economy

Masoumeh Sharifi, an expert on Ilam handicrafts, wrote in a note: The handicrafts of every land are the narrators of the history, culture and taste of the people who have passed the art from generation to generation. In the meantime, the prominent rug of Ilam has a distinct place; An original art that emerged from the creative connection of rug weaving and carpet weaving and has been able to combine long-standing traditions with innovation in design and execution. This art is a manifestation of creativity of Elamite men and women artists and is a valuable part of the cultural heritage of this province.

What distinguishes the embossed rug from many other hand-woven rugs is its special production method; In such a way that the background of the work is formed by the carpet weaving technique and parts of the motifs are formed using carpet knots. The result of this combination is an outstanding, eye-catching work with an independent identity that is rooted in the native culture of Ilam. These features have provided a suitable capacity to introduce this art as a leading product in the markets of Iranian handicrafts and authentic arts.

Today, the preservation of crafts does not only mean preserving a historical tradition; Rather, it should be seen as an opportunity to create employment, strengthen the economy of families and sustainable development of rural and nomadic areas. The prominent carpet can provide direct and indirect employment by relying on the capabilities of local artists and become one of the important axes of the culture economy in Ilam province.

Naqshbargesteh is a valuable opportunity to strengthen the position of this art and move towards high-quality products, targeted introduction and development of sales markets. Achieving the goals of this national title requires coherent planning, supporting weavers, improving the quality of raw materials, training and innovation in design, and establishing effective communication between producers and the consumer market.

In this direction, Ilam's neighborhood with Iraq and its cultural and tourism capacities, especially during Arbaeen, provide a good opportunity to introduce and supply handicraft products of the province. Taking advantage of these capacities, along with professional marketing and targeted export, can increase the economic value of the prominent carpet and improve the artists' share of the profits from production and sales.

Despite the significant capacities of this art, its development requires serious attention to the issues and challenges faced by artists. Supporting the insurance of weavers, providing the basis for the activity of specialized workshops, promoting professional skills, strengthening the sales infrastructure, and introducing the prominent visual identity of the rug in urban spaces, are among the measures that can help stabilize the status of this art.

Also, the development of specialized stores, targeted presence in domestic and foreign exhibitions and the use of new advertising and sales tools can reduce the gap between production and the market. In addition to these actions, the cooperation of executive bodies, specialized organizations, economic activists and artists themselves is an undeniable necessity to achieve sustainable development.

Finally, the embossed rug is not just a beautiful hand-woven; Rather, it is a cultural and economic capital for Ilam province. Keeping the authenticity of this art along with its basic commercialization are two complementary ways to protect the legacy of the past and build a brighter future for the new generations.

With the support of the rich culture of Zagros and the capable hands of its artists, Ilam has the capacity to transform the prominent carpet into a well-known symbol of Iranian identity and a sustainable opportunity for economic prosperity; A path whose realization depends on the continuous support of artists and belief in the true value of art and handicrafts.