Arijana and Mamluk carpets

Geometric Elegance

Those who look at a Mamluk carpet often do not realize that its roots go back to the 15th century. In Cairo, the center of the Mamluk dynasty, the first pieces were created at that time. Even these early examples stood out from all other hand-knotted Oriental rugs of their time. The geometric ornamentation of these carpets appeared strict, yet there was a harmony within it that immediately caught the eye. That is exactly what made them distinctive.

The geometric ornamentation of these carpets may seem strict at first glance, but at the same time, it is remarkably harmonious. This very contrast makes them unmistakable and incomparable.

At some point, Mamluk carpets found their way along the ancient trade routes to Afghanistan. There, they encountered families who had been knotting for generations. They adhered to the classic Mamluk patterns, of course. But they also introduced new elements: different colors, finer yarn, sometimes a modern touch. Thus, something unique emerged. Something that preserves the old while still moving forward.

And to be honest: A hand-knotted Oriental rug is far more than just a floor covering. Those who look longer feel it. It tells a story. Of balance. When you look at the Mamluk patterns, you quickly think: there is more to it than just lines and ornaments. It somehow feels larger, almost as if it goes beyond the visible. Not just a pure geometric play, but something that radiates harmony – hard to explain, but immediately palpable. That is what makes the fascination of the Mamluk patterns.

And that is why: These hand-knotted Oriental rugs do not simply adorn spaces. They transform them. A Mamluk carpet brings balance, creates atmosphere, and gives the room a depth that doesn’t need explaining. And to be honest: Such a hand-knotted Oriental rug always tells a story. Of balance. Of harmony. Of an order that seems greater than the pattern itself. They are carpets that fill a space with meaning.

Mamluk

A classic Mamluk rug is instantly recognizable.
At the center usually lies a star-shaped medallion, surrounded by a weave of circles, octagons, and small stars. This geometric ornamentation draws the eye to the center and creates an almost meditative calm.

Traditionally, red and blue dominate, but Afghan reinterpretations incorporate additional gradients. These shades make the patterns appear more three-dimensional and vibrant. Those who delve deeper will discover new details: almost like a kaleidoscope of patterns that constantly change.

The production is purely handwork. With a high knot density and months of labor, hand-knotted Oriental rugs are created that not only adorn spaces but also define them.

Arijana Klassik

The rugs from the series Arijana Klassik feel as if they have been transported directly from another era to us. Strict in their order, clear in form, and yet they possess a warmth that one only gradually notices.

At the center lies a large field, surrounded by several layers, almost like walls that build up. Those who look longer discover new details: tiny stars, fine lines, recurring ornaments. It is this geometric ornamentation that immediately reminds one of classic Mamluk patterns.

The color scheme appears understated yet strong. Deep red, vibrant blue, along with bright accents that bring the whole to life. It has a royal-timeless quality.

The craftsmanship also deserves respect. These Arijana rugs are among the most precise hand-knotted Oriental rugs one can find. Over the years, they even change. The natural colors darken, and a patina develops.

Choosing Arijana Klassik means not just acquiring a rug. It is more like a piece of history that enters the space.

Design Arijana

With Design Arijana , the journey takes a different direction. You can recognize the roots, the old Mamluk patterns, yet these rugs look different. More reduced, clearer. Sometimes it almost feels minimalist.

Instead of many ornaments, often only one motif remains in focus. Perhaps a medallion. Or a tree of life. Everything else recedes, and therein lies the effect.

The colors?
No longer just the typical red and blue. Here, gray, beige, and soft tones also appear. Color gradients are popular, bringing depth and making the patterns appear less strict. Modern, therefore: fitting for a loft, but equally suitable for clear architecture. And yet: The connection to the geometric ornamentation of the past remains palpable.

Of course, these pieces are also genuine hand-knotted Oriental rugs. Knot by knot, crafted over weeks or months. And as with all good rugs, it holds true: Over the years, they become more beautiful, not older.

That’s why a Design Arijana fits into many spaces. Sometimes it feels familiar, sometimes fresh. But it always brings a piece of the past with it.

Close-up of a folded hand-knotted Oriental rug with traditional patterns.

Arijana Bakhtiarii

9'5" x 6'2"

$3,481

Arijana Bakhtiari

The rugs from the Arijana Bakhtiari collection feel like stepping into a garden. Small fields side by side, each with a different motif: flowers, trees, vines. A colorful mosaic, vibrant and playful.

The colors are bold. Red, green, white, and sometimes soft gradients create transitions that seem almost like a picture in constant change. One could say: almost like a kaleidoscope pattern that reassembles with each glance.

Even though the patterns are playful, they do not lack a connection to tradition. Amidst all the flowers and vines, a hint of geometric ornamentation occasionally flashes, a reminder of the ancient Mamluk patterns that form the origin.

Of course, the Arijana Bakhtiari rugs are also hand-knotted piece by piece. They are true hand-knotted Oriental rugs, where every detail is crafted with patience. Those who look closely will notice tiny leaves and flowers that are worked with astonishing precision.

Such a rug brings nature into the home.

Close-up of a hand-knotted Ziegler rug with a traditional border and floral ornaments.

Overall view of a classic Ziegler rug with a Tree of Life motif.

Central excerpt of a Ziegler carpet with a symmetrical tree of life motif.

Close-up of a Ziegler rug with woven diamond patterns and fringe edging.

Care tips

A good carpet often accompanies you for a lifetime, provided you take care of it properly. This is especially true for hand-knotted Oriental rugs, such as Mamluk rugs or the various lines of Arijana rugs, where maintenance is crucial.
The most important thing is regularity. Regularly vacuuming the carpet prevents dust and dirt from settling deep into the knots. It's best to do this without a brush attachment, as it could roughen the fine fibers over time.

You should also avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. While a carpet with natural color gradients is beautiful, too much light will eventually make the colors look faded. And what if an accident happens? In that case, the rule is to react quickly. A glass tips over, a stain appears.

Immediately take a clean cloth, lightly dampen it, and dab the stain. Do not rub, as this will only push the dirt deeper into the wool.
Every few years, it is also worth having the carpet professionally cleaned. A gentle wash refreshes the colors, removes deeply embedded dust, and almost restores the carpet to the brilliance it had on the first day. This way, the beauty is preserved, and the carpet only grows more into the room over the years.

Meaning of the patterns

When you look at a rug for a long time, you quickly realize: every line seems to be intentionally placed, every shape carries something within it. Strict? Yes. But in this geometric ornamentation, there is also tranquility.
Then there are the playful details. Sometimes they resemble a kaleidoscope of patterns. Sometimes still, sometimes in motion. This speaks of diversity, of change, of life itself.

And with the Arijana rugs, it is often nature that becomes visible. Flowers, vines, small trees. This represents growth, fertility, a closeness to the earth. Not by chance, but a symbolism that you can feel immediately.

In the end, there is always the craftsmanship. Each of these rugs is a unique piece. Quietly and patiently made. And when you look closely, they tell their own story, not directly, rather softly. But clear enough that you can feel it.

Close-up view of a handcrafted patchwork rug with oriental patterns.

Interior Design Styles in Focus: Boho and Ethno Look with Arijana & Mamluk

A rug from Arijana fits perfectly into a Boho style. Boho isn't too strict. It brings together many colors, patterns, fabrics, and little details. An Arijana rug, with its warm tones and fine patterns, doesn't get lost in it but simply blends in.

In contrast, the Ethno style is usually a bit calmer: wood, cotton, natural colors, that sort of thing. A Mamluk rug fits better here because it has clear, geometric patterns and doesn’t look too playful. The colors are often more muted, which suits this style well. Still, it brings warmth to the space.
In the end, whether Boho or Ethno, a rug makes the difference. Something feels missing without it.