Bahār-e Kisra

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The Bahār-e Kisra (also: the Fühling Ḵosrows (Ṭabarī) or winter carpet (Baḷʿamī) or Bahārestān (Ḥabīb al-sīar )) was a royal carpet and one of the largest carpets of its genre ever produced . It was made between 500 and 600 AD and measured approximately 27 mx 27 m. It was considered a symbol of rule of the late Sassanid Empire and was laid out in the audience hall ( Ayvān-e Kesrā ) of the Taq-e Kisra (in present-day Iraq ).

motive

It was a garden carpet with a chessboard-like field pattern, called "Ghab-ghabi" (frame within a frame) in Persia. The representations of the carpet illustrated types of landscape such as paths and streams; these were represented by means of precious stones and crystal glass and were embroidered on a golden background. He also showed flower beds, fruit trees and pavilions at the crossroads. The sides of the carpet had emerald embroidery, which in turn had green areas and were strewn with spring plants. The silk foliage was in turn represented by different colored gemstones and gold. During the harsh winter months, people liked to stay in this place. Legend has it that "this sitting together was when spring woke up".

After the Taq-e Kisra was captured and looted by the Arabs in 637 as part of the Arab-Islamic expansion , the carpet proved too heavy to be carried away with the remaining spoils of war. The Arabs called him "al-qeṭf" ( the one picked up ). Abī Waqqāṣ gave it as spoils of war to the ʿOmar in Medina so that he could make his own judgment about the use or disposal options. The gem was then divided among the people. He did not even keep the best piece himself, but sold it for 20,000 dirhem . In honor of the Sassanid king, the vernacular still tells of the "Spring of Chosrau" or "Baharestan".

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Reception of the "Persian Garden" in the carpet: remarks under Sasanids ( memento from February 10, 2016 in the Internet Archive ) accessed on February 10, 2016
  2. ^ Entry in Encyclopædia Iranica
  3. ^ Peter Lamborn Wilson , Karl Schlamminger: Weaver of Tales. Persian Picture Rugs / Persian tapestries. Linked myths. Callwey, Munich 1980, ISBN 3-7667-0532-6 , pp. 141-163.
  4. ↑ Hakan Baykal, s. Lit. (p. 62)
  5. ↑ Carpet legend (field pattern carpet) in Taq-e Kisra ( Memento from May 1, 2013 in the Internet Archive )

literature