From Code to Carpets: How I Left the IT World to Embrace the Timeless Art of Handmade Rugs

by Zeeshan Tariq

✨ A Single Day That Changed Everything

Twelve years ago, I was working as an engineer in a leading IT firm—surrounded by code, systems, and screens. Life was stable, predictable, and fast-paced.

Then one day, I stepped in to help my father at his handmade carpet store.

That day changed everything.

As I stood in the middle of the shop—surrounded by intricate Kashan florals, bold Turkmen geometrics, and the quiet hum of centuries-old craftsmanship—I felt something I had never experienced in the corporate world: a calling.

🧶 Discovering the Soul Behind Each Knot

Growing up, I was always aware of my father’s business. But it wasn’t until I took charge that day that I truly began to understand what lay beneath the surface of these rugs.

Each handmade carpet was more than just a floor covering—it was a story, a piece of cultural memory woven into silk and wool. I became enamored with the textures, the patterns, the symbolism, and above all—the artisans behind them.

What was supposed to be a temporary favor sparked a lifelong passion.

🚪 Quitting the Corporate World for Carpet Weaving

It didn’t take long for me to make the boldest decision of my life: I quit my job and joined the family business full-time.

But I didn’t just sell rugs. I immersed myself in the world of weaving—studying dye techniques, tribal motifs, regional variations, and the forgotten histories of nomadic tribes whose lives were woven into their looms.

I spent months travelling, sourcing, researching, and collecting. The more I learned, the deeper my appreciation grew.

🌍 A Journey Through the World of Rugs

Over the past 12 years, I’ve curated and collected some of the finest handmade rugs from across Iran, Afghanistan, India, and Central Asia.

  • Kashmiri Silk Carpets – Exquisite pieces woven from pure mulberry silk, often taking over a year to complete.

  • Persian Kerman & Isfahan Rugs – Finesse and intricacy in every knot, celebrated for their regal design and high knot density.

  • Ersari Tribal Rugs (Turkmenistan) – Bold, geometric, and steeped in cultural symbolism—these are my personal favorites.

  • Turkish Kilims & Afghan Ziegler Rugs – Rustic, robust, and radiating authenticity.

Each piece I source is not only a work of art, but a living heirloom—something you don’t just buy, but adopt into your space and your story.

❤️ Why Handmade Rugs Still Matter

In today’s world of fast furniture and synthetic materials, handmade rugs remain a timeless counterpoint. They represent:

  • Sustainability – Natural fibers, vegetable dyes, and no mass production.

  • Heritage – Generational knowledge passed from master to apprentice.

  • Soul – No two rugs are the same; each holds a unique essence.

This is not just a business for me—it's a tribute to art, culture, and the enduring value of human hands.

🔍 What I Offer at RugWeave

At RugWeave, I curate rugs with a sharp eye for quality, authenticity, and soul. Whether you're a:

  • Homeowner seeking timeless decor

  • Interior designer looking for a statement piece

  • Collector hunting for museum-worthy carpets

  • Architect curating luxury projects

…I help you find the perfect rug that doesn’t just match your space—but elevates it.

📞 Let's Weave Your Story

Every rug has a story.

And I’d be honored to help you find one that becomes part of yours.

Explore our collection at www.rugweave.in, or reach out for a private showing, consultation, or just a conversation about the artistry behind your future rug.

Back to Know Your Rug: Stories, Heritage & Handmade Artistry