Number 1752
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Tabriz
Size 60 x 88
Age 1943-44
Signed by the legendary Grand Master Aalabaf of Tabriz
Inscribed PGC : Persian Gulf Command
The PGC was set up to be the American forward base in the Middle East during the second world war. In Iran specifically, through which the Americans supplied petroleum and heavy weaponry to Soviet Russia. What Cold War? The mother of all October surprises. It’s a unique facet of 20th century military history and it’s immortalized in this rug. It’s also a timely reminder of how close the two countries were until recent times.
As storms of violence herald an engulfing darkness and clouds of hatred rain down death and destruction, it feels as if the end of history is near and that the final chapter, as always, will be set in the Middle East.
But we’ve been here before.
With the same players, the usual villains.
In fact we’ve been here so many hundreds of times across thousands of years. Our lands are where the Tree of Life was planted and where Armageddon is supposed to happen. For now, as the clock counts down to yet another Wild West showdown, the devil holds all the cards in his hand and watches as the dogs of war howl and howl.
Why don’t they give peace a chance?
“You don’t just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... It’s an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!” Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺
Purchasing carpets from Hadi Maktabi was the epitome of professionalism and joy. Hadi is an expert curator, purveyor, historian and story teller. His passion, knowledge, professionalism and expertise are evident every step of the way. With a wide range of choices and prices, prompt service, and fast sipping, we had our carpets in Sydney in a matter of days. The ultimate flying carpet experience! Zeina Tebbutt, Sidney, Australia 🇦🇺
I first met Dr. Maktabi as a lecturer on carpet history and was captivated by his passion for the subject. Only later I knew him as a dealer, though even in our financial transactions, Hadi has been a gentle guide and friend. He has understood my taste and interests and made wonderful suggestions, but never in a pushy way. That is to say I have enjoyed working with him on several levels and wish to continue our excellent relations and dealings far into the future. A. Harvey Pincis, formerly Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah Museum (Kuwait), Latvia 🇱🇻