Systan is presently one of the Iranian provinces covering some
of the Eastern Border of this country. The old Systan consisted of
Baluchistan (some parts presently in Pakistan)
and reached towards the North well into Afghanistan up to Herat and South down to the sea;
and from the west reached Kerman and Mavara-al-Nahr.
In modern geographical division except from a big
part in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Baluchistan has gained more significance making Systan
only a part of Systan and Baluchistan province. The northern parts of Systan belong to the
province of Khorasan and Systan has become a small land with an area of 200km X
Systan was called in the ancient times "Zerang" (Zarka in
Avesta), and it was a holy fertile
land. Its other name was "Nimrouz" as it is seen on the local coins during the
Islamic era. One of the most important historical incidents, is the
"Secca" tribes into this land and thus the change of its name to Systan. Seccas
were the tribe from the Northern Iran who spread to East and South of Iran and had gone
West as far as Hamadan.
Until a few centuries ago the land on Systan provided a major part of the Iranian crops,
but with over cultivation, the land became salty and unsuitable for agriculture. Other
factors such as colonization also lead to destruction of this once glorious region. Today,
Systan is considered as one of the poorest regions of Iran.
There was a great reform with the entry of Seccas to this region. Among them, their
influence on local weaving had produced kilims and rugs and Namads even 5 centuries
BC. (Weaving, Dyeing, etc.). During the
Parthian and Sassanian
dynasties, the region enjoyed prosperous times, to the extent that it was one of the
richest regions. The start of decline was with Mongol invasion. During the period of
occupation by Mongols the whole country suffered massive destruction. The decline even
continued well after under Timurid dynasty. Other foreign leaders, especially Turks,
tried to destroy Systan's main families such as the Kianis, through mass murder and
destruction. Other factors such as reduction of water in the main river
"Hirmand" caused by construction of a number of dams in Afghanistan lead to
deprivation of this region.
Today we have two Systans. One in Iran and the other in Afghanistan. In Iran it is part of
Systan and Baluchistan province. From the North it reaches the Afghan border and Khorasan
province and from the South to the province of Baluchistan and from the East to
Afghanistan and Pakistan and from the West to the desert of Kerman. Its main
Systan carpets are divided into three categories:
1. Ancient or historical type which was woven until the turn of the 20th century.
2. Middle era, which has been woven since the
3. Modern type which is currently