Persian rugs and carpets are an integral part of the Persian culture and heritage. They are loved and desired even after thousands of years because of their elaborate and intricate workmanship, unparalleled beauty and quality, and astounding variety in design. They are hand woven and require a year or two to finish a single rug or carpet. Nowadays machine made rugs and carpets are also produced in large quantities. Ancient Persia is the mother of most designs, patterns, conventional fabrics and colorations produced in rugs today worldwide. Iran, ancient Persia, is now the highest producer and exporter of rugs and carpets. Iran has successfully continued the old tradition and quality of carpets and so they are among the very best in the world. Handmade Persian rugs and carpets - antique and modern, account for almost three quarters of the world’s total output.