Sanctions and a hobbled economy pull the rug out from under Iran’s traditional carpet weavers

By MEHDI FATTAHI
Associated Press

KASHAN, Iran (AP) — The historic Kashan bazaar in central Iran once sat on a major caravan route, its silk carpets known the world over. But for the weavers trying to sell their rugs under its ancient arches, their world has only unraveled since the collapse of Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers and wider tensions with the West. Two decades ago, rug exports were worth more than $2 billion a year. They have plummeted to less than $50 million in the 12 months that ended in March. With fewer tourists and more difficulties in making international transactions, Iranian carpet weavers find their rugs unsold as some work for as little as $4 a day.