Number 44608
Type Workshop
Material Wool
Style Pictorial
Origin Arab
Size 91 x 126
Age 1950
This sweet rug from my private collection has taken on new meaning to me, in light of the last weekโs events, from Idlib to Damascus.
It has a famous couplet from the grand old Egyptian poet Ahmad Shawqi ุงู
ูุฑ ุงูุดุนุฑุงุก, the prince of poets:
ูููุง ุฏู
ุดู ูู
ุง ูุงูุช ุทููุทูุฉ ููุง ุฒูุช ุจุจูู ุงูุนุจุงุณ ุจุบุฏุงู
(If not for Damascus, there would be no Toledo, nor would Baghdad have prospered with the Abbasids.)
It has further inscriptions that say:
ู
ุฏููุฉ ุงูุณูุงู
ุฏู
ุดู ุงูุดุงู
(The city of peace, Damascus of Sham)
It is signed by the Syrian weaver ู
ุญู
ุฏ ุฑุถุง ุงูู
ุฌูุฏ Mohammad Reda Al Majid in the ancient city of ู
ุนุฑุฉ ุงููุนู
ุงู Maโarrat Al Noโman in Idlib province, famous as the birthplace of the medieval poet philosopher ุงุจู ุนูุงุก ุงูู
ุนุฑู Abu Alaโ Al Maโarri (973 - 1057). (No, that was not a nom de guerre nor a pseudonym.)
It is incredibly rare for settled Arabs to weave carpets. It is far rarer to find an Arab workshop-made Syrian carpet. This is a piece of history.
As we witness live history unfolding on fast forward, please spare a thought for the beautiful country of Syria, its utterly remarkable people, their invaluable contributions to humanity across history, and all the hardships they have endured for so long. I pray for peace, prosperity and stability.
Posted on December 8, 2024.
Acquiring a piece from my dear friend Hadi is truly a journey. We start that journey with a lesson and detailed background on any piece that is of interest. After a thorough discussion regarding the chosen piece or should I say marvel, since Hadi's pieces are truly marvels, Hadi guides us into why he would advise us to acquire it or go for another of his marvels that would suit us more than the one initially chosen. This sincere advice always makes us feel that we are generously taken care of by Hadi. The learning process and honesty in guidance make us go back only to Hadi whenever we are looking for our next beautiful piece for our homes. All I can say is thank you Hadi for your impeccable guidance and service. Abdullah Al-Awadhi, Kuwait ๐ฐ๐ผ
As a carpet collector of 30 years, I have noticed a decline in the amount of truly unique and high quality carpets on the market. I have also noted a decline in the knowledge of merchants, generally. Hadi Maktabi stands against this trend as a both a curator for and an educator of his clients. His offerings are well-researched, museum quality carpets that are both singular and expertly chosen. In dealing with Hadi, I have experienced excellent communication, a high standard of service and extremely pleasant interactions. Warren D., Hong Kong ๐ญ๐ฐ
โYou donโt just buy a rug from Dr Maktabi... Itโs an experience, a rich one! You learn about history, culture & art. And more importantly you feel euphoric!โ Dr Siamak Abolhassani, Expert Medical Care Clinics, Victoria, Australia ๐ฆ๐บ