c1940's ANTIQUE MEDALLION PERSIAN MASHAD RUG 6.5x9.8

MASHAD, the capital of the Province of Khorassan, is located 909 km(564 Miles) from Tehran in Northeastern Iran, and is placed between the two mountain ranges of Binalood and Hezarmasjed. In the year 823 CE, a town, adjacent to Toos, formerly known as "SANABAD," built a shrine after His Holiness, the Eight Shiite Imam, the Imam Reza. Sanabad is now called MASHAD-E-REZA or "place of martyrdom" due to the significance that this holy martyr had. The original Shrine was destroyed in 993 AD by Sabuktagin, the Ghaznevid sultan. It was rebuilt by his son the Sultan Mahmud Ghazni in 1009 AD. During the 13th century, Mongols overtook Toos and Mashad and destroyed much of the Shrine. Later during the early 14th century, the Shrine of Imam Reza was brilliantly renovated by the Mongol, Sultan Muhammad Khudabandeh. This Shrine still stands today and is considered a very important aspect of not only Mashad's culture but the Muslim religion. At first, the Toos area was the residence of non-Aryan tribes and some parts of it were conquered by Arabs in the period of Caliph Osman. It was annexed to the Islamic territory in the time of Caliph Omar. Toos was among the first cities subjected to the destructive Mongol onslaught and, like the other cities of Khorasan, it was completely ruined. Due to its specific and sensitive conditions, Toos passed from governor to governor in the Teymoorian and Ilkhanan periods, and many people were massacred. Finally, in 1438 CE, Shahrokh, the son of Amir Taymoor, took the throne. From his reign on, Toos was paid special attention, causing its expansion and development. Since the second half of the 15th century CE, this city was commemorated as a suburb of Mashad. Some ruins of old Toos remain. Today, Mashad has an unbreakable tie with the history of old Toos and hosts hundreds of thousand of pilgrims and visitors annually. Due to the existence of the tomb of "Ferdowsi," a great Iranian poet, New Toos, is also recognized as a significant cite. Important natural, cultural, and religious sites and monuments of this township are:
• Bazangan Lake
• Recreational areas of Kooh-Sangi
• Khorshid Palace in Kooh-Sangi
• Milakhanjan and Robat
• Sharaf castle
• Ruins of the old city of Toos
• Kalat-e-Naderi historical aggregate
• Tombs of Ferdowsi • Nader Shah • Imam Mohammad Ghazali
• Khajeh Morad
• Goharshad mosque
• Ravi (famous Iranian Gnostics)
• Mausoleum of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi
• Mashad mud-brick dome
Mashad, also is known as a trade center in which products, in particular rugs, are traded for the neighboring villages and tribes. Since, Mashad is also famous for having a extensive weaving center, they are sure to be known for exquisite rugs. Most Mashad rugs are woven in workshops in the city, however, there are some are woven on home looms. In reference to a Mashad's design, it has a single central medallion, corner floral designs, and very busy, curvilinear floral motifs in a dark red background which is also known as the Shah Abbas desisn. Sometimes classic, Kashan patterns can be used on a Mashad. An all-over Herati or Boteh design is occasionally used, however, some of these Herati pieces are sold as a Khorassan. Mashad is known for producing some of the best wool in Iran. Mashad rugs and carpets are of very high quality and are among the best looking carpets in Iran and the world. Mashad rugs and carpets come in different sizes, but the majority of them are larger in dimensions averaging from around 10x18 feet. Dark red, blue, and khaki are the main colors in Mashad carpets. They are made of a soft wool and have a thin, tight pile. The warp is made mostly of cotton; the weft is made of wool. Weavers in Mashad generally use asymmetrical, Persian knots and on occasion Turkish knots. Ironically, prices on a Mashad tend to be lower compared to other Persian carpets. These rugs and carpets are a great way to spice up a room with its active patterns.