Qum is a holy city in northwest central Iran that has grown in renown and prestige over the years. Carpet weaving in Qum began in the 1930s, and the rugs produced there are known for their excellent silk pile and hard-wearing qualities. Qum rugs are often mistaken for Kashan or Isfahan rugs, as they are woven with the asymmetric (Persian) knot. They are usually decorated with floral designs and come in a range of colours, but are most commonly red.
Qum weavers prefer to weave the most favorable designs of other Persian and Caucasian weaving groups, adjusting them to their own taste. All silk, part silk/part wool, and kork (fine wool taken from the belly of sheep) Qum rugs are very well-known in Iran and abroad. The foundation of Qum rugs could be either cotton or silk.