Countries
Where We Work
Label STEP is the only non-governmental organisation of its kind working in all major handmade rug and carpet producing countries, including Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Morocco.
Fair trade is not one size fits all. Every country is unique and holds different strengths, challenges, and customs. This is why STEP carefully tailors our industry-leading STEP Standard for fair trade to the specific local context of each country—ensuring holistic, sustainable solutions for both its industry and its workers.
Learn more about STEP’s unique engagements in each country:
Afghanistan
The rich history of carpet weaving in Afghanistan dates back over a thousand years, with skills and patterns that have been carefully passed down through generations. Afghan rugs are typically known for their vivid use of color, often deep reds, and their intricate designs such as the octagonal “elephant’s foot” print.
India
India has a rich weaving history that extends over four centuries, and it is the largest, most diverse carpet producing country in the world. Traditional Indian carpets are of an Indo-persian style—with knots and designs that are the same as those of Iran. Over the last several decades, however, the country has responded to changing market demands by adopting numerous other forms of weaving, such as Tibetan knots, Moroccan knots,
Nepal
The tradition of handmade carpet making in Nepal was started in the early 1960s with Tibetan refugees working in small workshops in refugee camps to earn a living. A centralised setup in Kathmandu allowed the country to become a pioneer of the modern handmade carpet industry, and carpet production flourished into one of the pillars of the national economy. However, years of political unrest, including a civil war, and the
Pakistan
The areas throughout present-day Pakistan, known as the Indus Valley, were some of the first to cultivate the art of woven textiles worldwide. Handmade carpet weaving was introduced to the region as early as 11th century CE and grew in dominance after the start of the Mughal Dynasty in the 16th century. Carpets woven in Lahore were some of the first to reach European markets. In the 19th century, however,
Iran
For many carpet enthusiasts and traders, Iran is the original home of the “oriental-style” carpet. The earliest recorded rugs in Iran date back to the 5th century BCE; yet, it wasn’t until the 1800s that Persian rugs acquired the notoriety they still hold to this day. Persian rugs became known for their exquisite workmanship, matchless paisley designs, and superior raw materials. However, inflation, increasing prices as well as political and
Türkiye
As one of the earliest known sites of human civilization, Türkiye possesses some of the most long standing weaving traditions worldwide. The region’s handmade woven carpets are crafted in a unique style that assimilates the motifs and patterns of the various peoples that have dwelled in this region over time into a cohesive, distinct design.
Morocco
Located in the Maghreb region of North Africa, Morocco is home to some of the world’s earliest handmade rug traditions. The country’s enduring carpet designs and techniques are often attributed to the Amazigh (Berber) peoples and other nomadic indigenous tribes from the region, with additional localised designs appearing across cities and towns as they developed. Morocco’s varied landscape, which spans from arid desert terrain to high-altitude mountain ranges, informed the
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