Iran weaves world's largest carpet

Tehran -- Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi has designed the world's largest, hand-woven carpet, the CHN news agency said Friday.

It took 18 months for Khaliqi to plan his 21,325-square-foot masterpiece, "Qasr al-Alam," which incorporates traditional patterns.

"It's not only noted for its size but also for its trapezoid shape containing one concave, and one convex side," Khaliqi told the news agency.

IranMania said the carpet will be laid at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

About 1,000 weavers are producing the carpet, which is almost finished.

A spokesman for Iran's Carpet Company it will organize public tours to teach visitors about the timeless art form, which is among Iran's top non-oil, export-bound products.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.