In carpet studies, Armani-baf (Armenian woven) is an Iranian carpet, woven since the settlement of Armenians in Safavid era Iran by Iranian-Armenians in some local provinces of Iran, preserving the original features of Iranian carpet and influenced by ancient Armenian tradition of carpet weaving.
One of the similarities between Iranian and Armenian rugs can be referred to as especial motifs, sometimes called “meaningful designs” or “symbols”. Thus Armani-baf rug has motifs and symbols: from “Water and Dragon” patterns, to “S shaped”, “Cross shaped”, “Eagle” and “Fish” patterns. Considering the lack of adequate research relevant to Armani-baf rugs, the main goal of this paper is to identify the artistic and cultural similarities between two great nations of Iranians and Armenians through introduction and analysis of symbols in Armani-baf rugs; and to reveal the influences of Iranian tradition of carpet weaving on Armani-baf rugs (Armani-baf rugs being considered as Iranian). This paper is based on fieldwork and library sources and uses descriptive- analytical method. Analysis of the symbols led to the conclusion that in this symbolic expression sometimes the purpose of the artist was a mythical or religious concept and sometimes the usefulness of plants or animals was considered. Also, the research shows that Iranian Armani-baf rug is an Iranian rug which is quite influenced by Iranian carpet tradition in its design.