The art of carpet weaving in Persia can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of carpet fragments found in archaeological sites dating back to the 5th century BC. However, it was during the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century that Persian carpets reached their peak in terms of design and craftsmanship.

Origins and Early Development: Persian carpets, also known as Iranian rugs, have a rich history that dates back 2,500 years. They were initially developed by Persian nomads as a practical necessity to guard against the cold and damp floors. The earliest recorded mention of these illustrious carpets goes back to the Achaemenid Dynasty, around 500 BC. The ancient Greek historian Xenophon documented their luxuriousness and ability to enhance the opulence of Persian homes in his book “Anabasis”.

Safavid Dynasty (16th Century): The Safavid period marked a golden era for Persian carpets. These exquisite textiles were produced in court manufactories in cities like Isfahan.
Safavid carpets are famous for their elaborate colors and artistic designs. They are treasured in museums and private collections worldwide. The variety and elaborateness of Persian carpet designs set them apart from other Oriental rugs. They reflect the history of Iran, Persian culture, and its diverse peoples.

Weaving Techniques and Materials: Carpets woven in towns and regional centers like Tabriz, Kerman, Isfahan, and Kashan are characterized by specific weaving techniques and high-quality materials. Nomadic and small village weavers produce rugs with bold designs that are considered the most authentic and traditional rugs of Persia. Gabbeh rugs are well-known examples of this tradition.

Decline and Revival: Carpet weaving faced periods of decline due to political unrest and commercial pressures. The introduction of synthetic dyes in the 19th century had an impact.
However, town manufactories like those in Tabriz played a crucial role in reviving the tradition after the decline phases.

In summary, Persian carpets are not just textiles; they embody centuries of creativity, ingenuity, and cultural significance in Iran. Their intricate patterns and vibrant colors continue to captivate admirers worldwide.

Muslim views on abortion are shaped by Hadith (the words, actions, and the silent approval of the Islamic prophet Muhammad as transmitted through chains of narrators), as well as by the opinions of legal and religious scholars and commentators. The Quran does not directly address intentional abortion, leaving greater discretion to the laws of individual countries. Although opinions among Islamic scholars differ over when a pregnancy can be terminated, there are no explicit prohibitions on a woman’s ability to abort under Islamic law

There are 57 members in the Organization of Islamic Conference—an organisation of countries with Muslim majorities or pluralities. Most Muslim countries have restrictive abortion laws that permit abortions only when the life of the mother is threatened. Twelve members of the Organization of Islamic Conference allow unrestricted access to abortion. With the exception of Turkey and Tunisia, they are mainly former Soviet Bloc states. Bahrain, a politically and socially conservative Muslim state, is the 12th among these countries to permit unrestricted access to abortion. Among socially conservative Muslim countries, seven countries permit abortion in the first 4 months of gestation for fetal deformities, four countries in Sub-saharan Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Guinea) and three in the Middle East (Kuwait, Qatar and, now, Iran).

The Battle of Tours, also known as the Battle of Poitiers and the Battle of the Highway of the Martyrs (Arabic: معركة بلاط الشهداء), took place on October 10, 732. It was a significant battle during the Umayyad invasion of Gaul. The opposing forces were the Frankish and Aquitanian troops, led by Charles Martel, and the invading Muslim forces of the Umayyad Caliphate, commanded by Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi, the governor of al-Andalus.