The Problem of Serapi in Iranian Carpet Culture

The Iranian carpet is a rich and diverse phenomenon. It reflects the history, culture, art, and identity of the Iranian people. But the Iranian carpet also has many obscure points. They need to be clarified and explained. These points are related to the historical, cultural, technical, and economic aspects of the Iranian carpet. One of the most noteworthy and thoughtful aspects is the naming of different titles and phrases. These titles and phrases are used to describe and classify the Iranian carpet. Some of them are clear and justified, but some others are unknown and unjustifiable. They are even a gross mistake that experts and researchers cannot accept. One of the examples of such a mistake is the word "Serapi". This word has caused confusion and misunderstanding in the field of Iranian carpet.

What is Serapi?

The word "Serapi" is commonly used to refer to different types of rural carpets of Azerbaijan. These carpets are especially woven in Heris county. But this word is a mistake. It does not correspond to any specific weave, place, time, size, or design of these carpets. The word "Serapi" has no documented source, origin, motive, or reasoning in the culture of Iranian carpet. It is not a Persian word or an Iranian name. It is not clear who invented this word or why it was used. It is possible that this word was a result of mispronunciation, misreading, or miswriting of another word. For example, "Sarab" or "Sarabi", which are names of places in Iran.

The use of the word "Serapi" has created confusion and misunderstanding among the buyers, sellers, collectors, and enthusiasts of the Iranian carpet. It has also distorted the recognition and appreciation of the diversity and beauty of the rural carpets of Azerbaijan. These carpets have their own characteristics and features. They reflect the local traditions and tastes of their weavers. They should not be lumped together under a fake and meaningless word.

How to Avoid Serapi?

The word "Serapi" should be considered a fabricated term that has no place in the culture of Iranian carpet. It should be avoided and replaced by more accurate and appropriate terms. These terms respect the authenticity and diversity of the rural carpets of Azerbaijan. The best way to avoid Serapi is to learn more about the history, geography, culture, art, and technique of the Iranian carpet. By doing so, one can appreciate the differences and similarities among different types of carpets. One can also recognize their true value and beauty.

There are many sources and resources that can help one to learn more about the Iranian carpet. Some of them are books, magazines, websites, museums, exhibitions, workshops, experts, researchers, weavers, dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts. By consulting these sources and resources, one can gain more knowledge and insight about the Iranian carpet. One can also avoid falling into the trap of Serapi.

But Serapi is not the only problem that exists in the field of Iranian carpet. There are many more irrelevant and misplaced words that have been attached to the skirt of the Iranian carpet. These words are not based on reality or logic. These words have also caused confusion and misunderstanding among different audiences and stakeholders of the Iranian carpet. They have also harmed the reputation and dignity of the Iranian carpet as a national treasure and a global heritage.

Therefore: By reason and logic, these words should also be identified and eliminated from the written and spoken culture of Iranian carpet. They should be replaced by more accurate and appropriate terms that reflect the reality and logic of the Iranian carpet.

With hope for preserving authenticity and traditions, recycling and continuing the glory and greatness of Iranian carpet.