Tabriz is the capital of the Iranian province of Azerbaijan. It has a rich past going back to the Sassanids and played an important political part in the history of Persia. It has built a reputation for rugs and textiles since the rise of the Safavids and the city has produced many master weavers, designers and workshops. Western companies had their offices in Tabriz. In the 19th century the rug trade was very active between Tabriz and Trabzond, the harbor that was closest for export to Europe and the United States.
Until recently, Tabriz and the surrounding area offered a wide range of qualities and designs, but one must admit that current production has run out of steam, preferring systematic repetition rather than seeking out new sources of inspiration.