Armenian Carpet Factory
In the quiet town in northern Armenia, I explored a forgotten giant: the Armenian Carpet Factory. Founded in 1964, this huge building once employed 2,600 people. It was the largest carpet factory in the Caucasus and the third-largest in the entire Soviet Union.
Carpet-making is an old tradition in Armenia. For many Armenian women, weaving was more than a job, it was a way of life. The carpets were decorated with traditional patterns, animals, and symbols. Each one told a story.
At its peak, the factory produced 4,000 square meters of carpet each day. Workers created 380 different types of carpets, rich in color and detailed in design. The carpets were famous not only in Armenia but also across the Soviet Union and beyond.
Warm and quiet
During the Soviet years, carpets were very important in everyday life. Most Soviet apartment blocks were cold and noisy. Carpets helped to keep homes warm and quiet. They were used on floors, walls, and beds. They also showed a family’s wealth. In the 1960s, buying a carpet could cost several months’ salary, so owning one meant success.
The carpets were known for their quality and beauty. They became a symbol of Armenian craftsmanship. Sadly, after the fall of the Soviet Union, the factory started to decline. Some machines stopped in 2006, others in 2010. In 2016, the factory finally closed its doors.
Exploring the Armenian Carpet Factory
Today, the factory stands empty. Nature is slowly taking over. Rust covers the machines. Windows are broken. Old spools of thread lie forgotten on the floor. Still, the spirit of the place remains. You can almost hear the looms working and the voices of the women who once gave life to this place. Unfortunately, the demolition of the place started in 2024. Slowly its rich history is fading away.
Sources: Armenian Explorer, Megerian Carpet Museum.
