Zerbias - Kairouán Carpets

Although carpets are a common topic in any souk, Kairouan is the capital of carpets, as these are its main craft product. The 2 main types of carpets are knotted and woven. The pre-Islamic traditional industry of carpet weaving was based on the fabric of the "mergoums" and "kilims". The first feature cheerful geometric designs and use the contrast between red, purple, blue and other colors. The Berber kilim uses traditional motifs on a white fabric. The "guetiffa" another Berber carpet is knotted, thick hair and is usually ecru with Berber motifs. The best known knotted rugs are classic of Kairouan, of Persian style.