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Since ancient times weaving has been practiced throughout the Middle East and Central Asia. Many historians believe that the art of hand-knotting carpets with pile originated among nomadic people as a means of imitating the texture and warmth qualities of animal pelts. Rug weaving is an ancient craft whose origins are lost in prehistory. Ancient making tools have been excavated at archeological sites throughout the Middle East.

The oldest hand-woven pile carpet in existence dates from the fifth century BC. This carpet, known internationally as the Pazyryk Carpet, was discovered in 1949 frozen inside a burial mound in Siberia.It was in almost perfect condition because it had been preserved in a thick sheet of ice, which had protected it for 25 centuries. Many experts believe the Pazyryk carpet was woven in the Caucasus (where the countries of present-day Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia intersect). Other experts note the similarity of the woven motifs in the carpet to the architectural motifs found at Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia, and conclude it must have been woven there. No matter where this interesting carpet was woven, the technique of creating a soft pile by knotting and compacting wool yarn is the same technique used by carpet weavers today.

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