Heritage: The Connection Between the Families of AbdolMataleb, AbdolSamad Khan, and Haj Mehdi Khan Safdarzadeh Haghighi

1840 – Master AbdolSamad Khan and the Beginning of Carpet Weaving

Master AbdolSamad Khan was born in 1840 and, through the bold act of reverse-engineering a saddlebag made from Persian carpets alongside his brother, paved a new path in the art of carpet weaving. This craft not only flourished within AbdolSamad’s family but also found new heights in the family of his brother, AbdolMataleb Khan.

AbdolMataleb Khan had six sons, all of whom became renowned masters in the art of carpet weaving:

1. Master Rahim Khan
2. Master EidolGhaffar Khan
3. Master AbdolKarim Khan
4. Master AbdolKhaleq Khan

These sons, known as the “Rebel Family”, revolutionized the design and techniques of Persian carpet weaving with their innovative and transformative approaches.

1868 – The Birth of Haj Mehdi Khan and His Connection to the AbdolMataleb Family

Haj Mehdi Khan Safdarzadeh Haghighi was born in 1868 and grew up under the profound influence of his maternal family, the AbdolSamad Khan household, and his aunt, Khavar Sultan. In his youth, he also benefited from the unique techniques and skills of the AbdolMataleb family, drawing inspiration from both sides to develop his own distinctive contributions to Persian carpet weaving.

1884 – Haj Mehdi Khan’s Marriage to Sadigheh Khanom and the Start of a Family Collaboration

At the age of 18, Haj Mehdi Khan married Sadigheh Khanom, the third daughter of AbdolSamad Khan, who was 16 at the time. This marriage not only strengthened familial ties but also forged closer connections between the AbdolMataleb, AbdolSamad, and Safdarzadeh families, further advancing the craft of carpet weaving.

Haj Mehdi Khan’s Close Friendship with Haj Mirza Agha Emami

One of the most significant aspects of Haj Mehdi Khan’s professional life was his close friendship with Haj Mirza Agha Emami, one of the most prominent designers and painters of the Qajar and Pahlavi eras. Haj Mirza Agha Emami was responsible for designing many of Haj Mehdi Khan’s carpets.

This collaboration resulted in carpets that were a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation, characterized by intricate details, vibrant colors, and unique motifs that set a new standard in Persian carpet artistry.

The Fusion of Tradition and Innovation in Carpet Weaving

The connection between the AbdolMataleb and AbdolSamad families, combined with Haj Mehdi Khan’s leadership and ingenuity, along with collaborations with artists such as Haj Mirza Agha Emami, created a powerful artistic tradition. This tradition transformed Persian carpet weaving from a mere craft into a living, dynamic art form.

Each of these families played a pivotal role in the evolution of Persian carpet weaving, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, authenticity, and creativity that continues to thrive across generations.

A Reflection of Family Heritage

From AbdolSamad Khan’s daring innovations and the AbdolMataleb family’s creative transformations to Haj Mirza Agha Emami’s masterful designs and Haj Mehdi Khan’s visionary leadership, this heritage is a testament to the synergy of family strength, tradition, and creativity that has elevated Persian carpet weaving to unparalleled heights