Rayyan Carpet

Afghanistan

Rayyan Carpet – A Legacy of Craftsmanship from Kunar to the World Rayyan Carpet, led by Balqis Mohammadi, is a proud Afghan brand rooted in over 20 years of experience in the carpet trade. Based in Damkali, the central district of Asadabad in Kunar Province, Balqis’s journey began across the border, in Shabqadar, Pakistan, where she lived as a refugee and gained her professional skills in carpet weaving. Holding a bachelor's degree (lisans), Balqis combines academic knowledge with hands-on expertise, making her one of the few women entrepreneurs in the region leading a business of this scale. Her shop in central Damkali is now home to 10 workers, all helping produce a stunning variety of products including handwoven carpets, janamaz (prayer rugs), historically inspired designs, and large-scale decorative rugs. Operating under the brand Rayyan Carpet, Balkis is committed to turning her work into a recognized brand, driven by the goal of increasing national income and providing stable livelihoods for artisans in her community. She explains that carpets are high-value products with a limited local market, but they are in high demand internationally. With the right support and facilities, she believes the business could significantly grow and generate much higher income for her and her workers. Her skills were developed during her time in Pakistan through professional training opportunities, and today, she applies that knowledge to create pieces that reflect both artistry and Afghan heritage. Each carpet carries the spirit of resilience and the story of migration, growth, and cultural pride. Through her partnership with Aseel, Rayyan Carpet is not only reaching wider markets but also showing the world the power and beauty of Afghan handmade carpets. Rayyan Carpet is more than a business—it is a vision woven by perseverance, culture, and decades of craftsmanship.