Collector guide · 8 min

Persian prayer rugs: the mihrab design

Editorial team · updated 2026-10-03

Design

An arched niche, sometimes with a hanging lamp, flowers or columns, points toward Mecca when in use.

Collecting

Look for balanced proportions and wear consistent with use. Many 'prayer rugs' are decorative modern pieces in the design.

A note on this guide

This guide is general information from the CraftPersia editorial team and has not been reviewed by a specialist. Prices, workshop locations and practices change; check current details before travelling or buying.

Related photographs

Related photographs: Wikimedia Commons photograph
Author unconfirmed; Commons attributes Fabienkhan · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Image source ↗
Related photographs: Wikimedia Commons photograph
Unknown tribal weaver; photograph by auction house (per Commons) · Public domain (per Wikimedia Commons) · Image source ↗

Representative photographs, not of any specific catalogued object. Sources on the credits page.