The Iranian cinematic animation, The Legend of Carpet City, stands out as a remarkable piece of filmmaking that masterfully weaves together deep-rooted Iranian mythology, rich symbolism, and a compelling narrative for young audiences. Produced by Sima Center of Semnan and written and directed by Hamidreza Hafezi, this feature film is more than just a children’s story; it’s a journey into the soul of Persian culture, where the art of carpet weaving becomes the backdrop for an epic battle between light and darkness.
According to IBland, The Legend of Carpet City was created in 2014 with a runtime of 90 minutes (though some sources mention a production year of 2013. It has garnered significant acclaim and numerous awards, highlighting its artistic and cultural merit.
Key Achievements and Production Details
| Detail | Information |
| Original Title | The Legend of Carpet City |
| Year of Production | 2014 |
| Director & Writer | Hamidreza Hafezi |
| Production | Sima Center of Semnan |
| Runtime | 90 Minutes |
| Inspiration | Ancient Iranian myths, legends, and Persian carpet designs. |
| Major Awards | Golden Butterfly for Best Feature Animation Screenplay, Diploma of Honor for Best Animation from Isfahan International Film Festival for Children and Youth (28th edition), Best Feature Animation Directing from 19th Provincial Radio and TV Production Festival, Best 3D Animation from 8th Al-Ghadeer International Festival, Najaf. |
The animation was screened in both the Iranian and International competition sections of the Isfahan International Film Festival for Children and Youth, securing various accolades and earning widespread praise. The very essence of The Legend of Carpet City is drawn from the intricate designs and profound cultural significance of the Persian carpet.
Synopsis and Core Conflict of The Legend of Carpet City
The story of The Legend of Carpet City unfolds in a city quite literally shaped like a magnificent carpet, where the lives of its inhabitants are deeply interwoven with the art of weaving. This idyllic setting, however, is constantly under threat from the main antagonists: Moths. These destructive pests wreak havoc on the precious carpets, symbolizing a force of decay and evil.
The protagonist is a courageous teenager named Qobad. To save his city, Qobad must embark on an enigmatic and perilous quest to find the Luminosity Jewel. The central plot revolves around Qobad’s adventures and his mission to rid the city of the encroaching moth invasion. The Legend of Carpet City is fundamentally an allegorical battle between the forces of creation and destruction, good and evil.
Unveiling the Symbolism in The Legend of Carpet City
The analysis of The Legend of Carpet City reveals a rich tapestry of symbols borrowed directly from classical Persian literature and mythology. The film ingeniously translates abstract cultural concepts into visual elements, making them accessible to a younger audience while maintaining their profound meaning.
The Moths and the Phoenix (Simorgh): Light vs. Darkness
- The Moths: The moths, or “Bids,” dwell in darkness and draw their strength from it. Their existence in the shadows is a clear symbol of Ahriman (Ahreman), the embodiment of evil and destruction in Zoroastrianism. Their goal is the decay and consumption of the beautiful carpets, which represent human creativity and culture.
- The Simorgh (Phoenix): In contrast, the mythical Persian bird, the Simorgh, is surrounded by light. It represents Ahura Mazda (Ahura), the benevolent creator and supreme deity in ancient Iranian belief. The Simorgh, a creature of wisdom and light, is the ultimate goal of Qobad’s journey and the key to saving the city. The entire journey in The Legend of Carpet City is framed as a cosmic struggle.
The Quest Artifacts: Jewel and Magic Carpet
Qobad’s quest is aided by powerful symbolic tools received from the city’s ruler:
- The Luminosity Jewel: The jewel, or diamond, is a universally recognized symbol of perfection and glory. In mythology, it reflects the radiance of stars and is often seen as the “center” or axis of the universe due to its hardness and brilliance. In The Legend of Carpet City, the jewel is a powerful countermeasure against the enemy, representing loyalty, maturity, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Qobad must use the jewel to seek help from the stars and the crescent moon, aligning himself with cosmic power.
- The Mysterious Carpet: Qobad is the only one who can ride the magic carpet, signifying his inherent courage and destiny. The carpet, central to The Legend of Carpet City, embodies immortality and the power of transformation. It is the vehicle that carries the hero through his metaphysical journey, reinforcing the cultural importance of the carpet as a symbol of art, history, and transcendence. The Moth King’s desire to consume the carpet further emphasizes its life-giving, immortal nature.
The Simorgh and Mount Qaf: The Hero’s Journey
- The Simorgh’s Role: The Simorgh is a legendary figure in the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), renowned for its wisdom and protection. It nurtured Zal, the father of Rostam, and assisted Rostam in his most difficult battles. In many stories, seeking the Simorgh is a quest for immortality. In The Legend of Carpet City, the Simorgh is a transcendent, light-filled being. By receiving one of its feathers, Qobad is granted the power to quickly return and triumph over the moths, symbolizing the divine aid bestowed upon the pure of heart. Qobad’s father’s lifelong pursuit of the Simorgh, evidenced by his destroyed painting, sets the stage for the son’s destined success.
- Mount Qaf : Qaf is the mythical mountain that encircles the world and is the Simorgh’s eternal home. Described as being made of emerald, its green reflection is believed to give the sky its blue color. In the narrative of The Legend of Carpet City, Qaf is the ultimate destination, the “non-place” where the hero must travel to find light, enlightenment, and the source of power. It represents the highest spiritual level achievable.
- The Journey : Qobad’s journey itself is a crucial symbol. As in many mythologies, the hero’s journey represents a search for a lost ideal and a battle against inner demons (represented externally by the moths). His travel to Mount Qaf allows him to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious, a testament to the power of human spirit guided by goodness.
A Triumph of Cultural Storytelling: The Legacy of The Legend of Carpet City
The Legend of Carpet City beautifully captures the timeless Iranian theme of the ultimate victory of light over darkness (Ahura Mazda over Ahriman). The people of the city, along with Qobad, are the embodiments of light, and their collective effort leads to the destruction of the shadowy moths.
Hamidreza Hafezi’s expertise in screenwriting, previously demonstrated in works like Leyli and Majnun and Khomreh (a free adaptation of Houshang Moradi Kermani’s book), allows him to skillfully blend these mythological elements. The animation is not merely entertainment; it is a vital tool for the preservation and transmission of Iran’s rich cultural heritage to its youth. The themes of courage, resilience, and the symbolic importance of the Persian Carpet, as the main keyword, resonate powerfully throughout the narrative.
The use of Iranian legends, like the Simorgh and the concept of Qaf, enriches The Legend of Carpet City, providing a beautiful and deeply meaningful cinematic experience that celebrates the ancient, symbolic, and artistic value of the Persian Carpet. The profound artistry of the Persian Carpet is what saves the city.
Source: chouk