Isfahan -- Half the World >>Introduction "Isfahan is half the world" or so the old Persian saying would have us believe. For centuries Isfahan rugs have been treasured both in the East and in Europe and Americas. Isfahan experienced its Golden Age in the seventeenth century when Shah Abbas, who was the king of Persia at that time, declared it the nation's capital. The finest carpets in the world were produced here during this exalted period. The ancient Persian kings always had these rugs placed throughout their palaces; on the floors, and sometimes placed on the walls like priceless paintings. Isfahan itself is a very historic city, and it is responsible for a great portion of the reputation that the Persian rug name has today. Modern-day Isfahans are made from kurk wool. They are woven on a silk warp and weft. Isfahans are considered the best Persian rugs in the world. Typical of Isfahan are graceful flowers and jewel-like medallions with Shah Abbas palmettes and curving leaves, all entwined with flowing tendrils and curving arabesques. There exist in the world today, many Isfahan rugs that cost several hundreds of thousands of dollars.