ARAK, founded c.1800 was previously known as SULTANABAD. Located in north Central Iran, this city is not only an agricultural trade center but also is the home for the creation of rugs, pottery, metalwork. Arak rugs are hand-woven, uniquely beautiful pieces that will enhance any room with their lively colors and warm motifs. The history of this town is very deep and its commercialized rug weaving industry dates back to the 17th century. Persian civilization initially began weaving rugs about 3500 years ago. Each single item in the pattern of the rugs therefore has a history of being woven in carpets for thousands of years. In 1883, ZEIGLER and Co. of Manchester, England, established Persian carpet manufacture in Arak (SultanAbad), Iran, employing designers from major Western department stores, like B. Altman & Co. and Liberty of London, to modify fanciful 16th- and 17th-century Eastern designs for the more restrained Western taste. Using highly developed dying techniques (which Zeigler futilely attempted to copyright) and the best artisans from the region, Zeigler created rugs with bold, all-over patterns and with softer palettes than the more vibrant Persian counterparts. ZEIGLER rugs developed an almost immediate following, especially among newly Western industrialists; early collectors included the Guinness family, the owners of the stout-beer manufacture, who laid them in Elveden Hall, their Suffolk, England, estate. After World War II the Province of Arak also developed a particular style of rug called the Sarouk. These intriguing area rugs, were named after a local village. They generally feature scattered, floral outbursts against a red background. Carpets from Arak (Sultanabad) have excellent visibility. Arak carpets come in a variety of styles and they are among the most gorgeous carpets. These rugs, however, generally have one of three major patterns. First of all of the three patterns the Herati design is used most frequently. To refresh ones memory, the Herati design generally includes small fish throughout the field, with or without a central medallion. The second most common pattern used in the Arak pieces includes a more curvilinear pattern such as that in a Sarough. This pattern is intertwined with grapevines throughout the field and is centered with a round, central medallion. Last but not least, is that of a Viss. The Viss pattern contains a central medallion composed by three diamonds. These Arak pieces are becoming the most sought after rugs and carpets on the western market. Arak rugs and carpets, also, go well with any decor. They are of excellent quality. The colors primarily used are dark reds, navies, soft greens and ivories. They are comprised of a soft, thin wool and has a very well textured pile. And although it is not uncommon in older or antique pieces, silk piles and silk foundations are rarely seen in new Arak carpets. The warp is made mostly of cotton; the weft can be either made of cotton or wool. Most often it is made of cotton, but sometimes goat hair is used for the foundation. The wool of the rugs is hand- spun, usually from the weaver's own sheep. The rugs are woven using asymmetrical Persian knots. There are many different grades of rugs made from this region, ranging from medium to fine. These pieces are usually mid-sized starting from 4x6 to larger sizes up to 18 feet. Carpets and rugs from Arak are very beautiful and there is a very high demand for older pieces. They are much more expensive compared to any of the similar carpets from the surrounding areas due to their vibrant colors, quality, and designs.