Ziegler, Farahan, Kazak, Mamlouk rugs & more
Ziegler, Farahan, Kazak & Mamlouk rugs at a glance
- Construction: Pakistan and India, hand-knotted using traditional techniques
- Material: hand-spun new wool, natural dyes (plant dyes); cotton warp
- Pattern: Ziegler/Farahan: floral Persian patterns in pastel and earth tones; Kazak: geometric Caucasian patterns; Mamlouk: geometric patterns modelled on Egyptian originals
- Sizes: many runners (e.g. 80 × 250 cm, 75 × 320 cm), small area rugs and large formats; custom sizes on request
- Price guide: approx. 500 € per m² for Ziegler and Mamlouk; runners from approx. 400 €
Where the name Ziegler comes from
Ziegler & Co. was founded in Manchester in 1883 by a Swiss merchant and had rugs knotted in Sultanabad (today Arak, Iran) – to Western colour and pattern specifications, lighter and softer than traditional Persian rugs. The classic patterns of Farahan and Mahal served as the models, which is why Farahan, Mahal and Ziegler are often used synonymously today.
Today's Ziegler rugs take up that idea: classic Oriental patterns, but in beige, grey, dusky pink, sage or muted red. With their natural dyes and hand-spun wool they embody a timeless elegance and create fascinating, shifting patterns – just as they did 200 years ago.
Kazak and Mamlouk: geometric rather than floral
Kazak rugs follow the models of the Caucasus: bold geometric medallions, stars, hooks and wide borders. Mamlouk rugs are inspired by the Egyptian rugs of the Mamluk period – concentric stars and octagons in green, blue and red. Like the Ziegler, both are knotted from hand-spun wool with plant dyes, but they are more graphic and look like a work of art in modern rooms.
Who these rugs are right for
- Anyone who likes the pattern of a Persian rug but is looking for calmer colours.
- Hallways and stairs: the collection includes many runners in standard lengths.
- Heavily used rooms: hand-spun new wool is hard-wearing and easy to care for.
- Anyone who wants a new piece with the character of an old rug – at a price below that of a comparable antique.
Frequently asked questions about Ziegler, Farahan, Kazak and Mamlouk rugs
What is a Ziegler rug?
A Ziegler rug is a hand-knotted rug with classic Persian patterns in light, restrained colours. The name goes back to Ziegler & Co., which from 1883 onwards had rugs knotted in Sultanabad (Arak) for the European market. Today Ziegler rugs are made above all in Pakistan and India from hand-spun wool with natural dyes.
What is the difference between Ziegler and Farahan?
Practically none. Farahan (and Mahal) are the names of the traditional Persian patterns that Ziegler & Co. used as their models. In the trade the names are used interchangeably.
Are Ziegler rugs genuine Persian rugs?
No. The patterns are Persian, but today's Ziegler rugs are knotted in Pakistan and India. They are still entirely hand-knotted and made from natural materials – simply not Iranian originals.
What is a Mamlouk rug?
A Mamlouk rug is a hand-knotted rug modelled on the Egyptian rugs of the Mamluk era (15th/16th century): geometric stars, octagons and medallions in green, blue and red, made from hand-spun wool coloured with plant dyes.
What does a Ziegler rug cost?
At Zomorrodi, Ziegler and Mamlouk rugs come to around 500 € per square metre; runners start at about 400 €. Every rug is shown with its price and its price per square metre – no discount games.
Can I order a Ziegler rug in a custom size?
Yes. As these rugs are still being produced today, we can have Ziegler, Kazak and Mamlouk rugs knotted in the size and colours of your choice. You will find the details under Custom Orders.