Khorasan is an immense province, which occupies the northeast quadrant of Iran. Much of it is remote and sparsely populated. Khorasan is one of the major wool-producing areas of Iran. Many different ethnic groups reside in Khorasan. Each group weaves rugs with characteristics that reflect the ethnic origin of the weaver. Mashad serves as the major market place for these rugs. Mashad carpets are woven in the city of Mashad as well as in the 500 or more towns and villages.

Flat woven carpets are given their colour and pattern from the weft which is tightly intertwined with the warp. Rather than an actual pile, the foundation of these rugs gives them their design. The weft is woven between the warp until a new colour is needed, it is then looped back and knotted before a new colour is implemented. The most popular of flat-weaves is called the Kilim. Kilim rugs (along with jewellery, clothing and animals) are important for the identity and wealth of nomadic tribes-people. In their traditional setting Kilims are used as floor and wall coverings, horse-saddles, storage bags, bedding and cushion covers.