BIJAR is one of the fertile areas of Kurdestan. Its climate is cold and dry in winter and moderate in summer. In the Kurdish language, the willow tree is called 'Bi' and an area of such trees is called a 'Bijar'-- the region of willows- named due to the abundance of willow trees. Although the small Kurdish town of Bijar in the province of Kermanshah has hardly ten thousand inhabitants, the high quality of its carpets has gained it an international reputation. Concern for this reputation for high quality led to a clear distinction being made between the products of the Bijar town workshops and the Tekab-Bijar, which are woven by an Afshari tribe that settled in the area. Bijar rugs are made with a tightly compacted double weft while using the wet-loom technique. This 'wet-loom' technique is comprised of consisting keeping the wool, warp, and weft of the rug wet during the entire weaving process. Additionally, the rows of the weft are beat down with a comb at frequent intervals. The result from this individualistic approach is the making of heavy and durable rugs. This is probably why Bijars are known as 'the carpets of steel.' The characteristic weft technique used in the Kurdish Bijar area gave rise to the term Bijar structure. The strong tension of the weft pulls the warp into two layers, giving the carpet a certain rigidity. Though strong, if handled carelessly or folded, it will crack and tear. Carpets with a Bijar structure therefore must be rolled for transport. Most Bijar rugs are woven by Kurd and Afshar weavers of the Gerus region around the town of Bijar in western Iran. Bijar carpets are divided into the following formats:
• Traditional Bijars (Bijars with rose motifs)
• Halvai and Tahjavi-Bijars
• Afshar Bijars- Bijar rug's designs that are difficult to define.
Bijars usually have all-over repeating Herati, as well as floras, Arabesques, and medallions. The borders of a Bijar are also similar to a Mahi but is more curvilinear. On another aspect of the Bijar's physical characteristics, only the carpets and rugs from the designer Tajhavi and from the little village Halvai are flexible enough to be easily folded. For the third group - the Afshar-Bidjars - the weavers often use the famous Herati motif; you can find these carpets in different qualities. Bijar rugs and carpets not only go well with antique furniture, they beautifully complement modern and contemporary furniture, as well. Herati and Mina Khani designs are very common in BijarKurdish rugs. Mini Khani rugs have a field of daisies linked together with lines that form diamonds or circles in an all-over pattern. You can also find hexagonal, diamond medallions and all-over patterns with multiple borders. Bijar carpets are known to be amongst the best oriental carpets for everyday. Modern Bijar workshop carpets are still of excellent design and construction. Bijar carpets come in different sizes, but in general start at 3 feet up to 11 feet and up. Ground colors are harmonious, a product of blending subtly shaded patterns. Dark blues, ivories, and strong reds are predominant. Browns, yellows, salmons, and burgundies are also used, but greens are rare. Some older Bijars are woven with combinations of light and dark blues. Bijars have a very dense hard pile, cut medium to high, though old and antique finely woven pieces tend to be clipped lower. The warp is of cotton or, less frequently, goat's wool, and is tightly spun. The weft is tightly spun with wool from Kurdish mountain sheep. In older and antique pieces, the warp and weft are of wool. The majority of Bijar rugs have symmetrical, Turkish knots. However, Persian knotted pieces are also found. Bijar carpets and rugs are beautiful and there is a high demand for them, so a nice Bijar is more expensive than similar carpets from the surrounding area due to their remarkable designs, durability, and uniqueness.