Hand-knotted Afghan carpets sell at 3–5× markup in Western markets. Meet the weavers and wholesalers directly in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif. Negotiate wholesale prices at source. Skip every middleman in between.
Plan a Carpet Sourcing TripDifferent tribes and regions produce distinct styles. Understanding what you're buying — and who made it — dramatically improves your negotiating position.
Deep burgundy reds, classic geometric "gul" (elephant foot) motifs. Produced by Turkmen tribes in northern Afghanistan. Among the most in-demand Afghan carpet styles internationally.
Muted, aged-looking palette using vegetable dyes. Curvilinear floral designs inspired by 19th-century Persia. Hugely popular in the US and UK interior design market.
Bold geometric patterns, vivid multiple colours. High knot density. Popular with buyers who want a striking statement piece. Woven in Kabul and surrounding areas.
No pile — flat-woven, lighter, and more affordable. Geometric tribal patterns. Popular for interior design. Easier to ship in bulk. Wide variety available.
Dark, subdued palette — navy, black, dark red. Tribal geometric designs. Often prayer-rug format. Made by Baluch tribes in southwest Afghanistan. Collectible.
Unique to post-1979 Afghanistan — weavers incorporated tanks, Kalashnikovs, and helicopters into traditional patterns. Highly collectible in the US and Europe. Museum pieces.
Afghan carpets are hand-knotted using high-twist wool on a wool or cotton foundation. Knot densities of 80–200 KPSI are common. Tribal designs from Turkmen, Hazara, Uzbek, and Pashtun weavers are distinct and internationally recognised. A quality Afghan carpet can last 100+ years.
Wholesale prices in Kabul range from $100–$800 for a standard 6×9 ft carpet (depending on knot count, wool quality, and design). The same carpet retails in London or New York for $400–$3,000. Large pieces and antique/semi-antique pieces command significantly higher prices.
Yes. Carpets are one of Afghanistan's most common exports. Small quantities can travel as excess baggage. Larger commercial shipments go by air or sea freight via Pakistan. We introduce you to Kabul-based freight forwarders who handle carpet exports regularly.
Absolutely — and we strongly encourage it. Seeing the weaving process firsthand helps you understand quality markers, estimate time-to-produce (which correlates with price), and builds a direct relationship with producers for future orders. We arrange visits to both urban workshops in Kabul and larger cooperatives near Mazar-i-Sharif.
Tell us your requirements — carpet types, quantities, budget — and we'll arrange a tailored sourcing itinerary.