Iwan Maktabi

Iwan Maktabi traces its roots to Haj Hussein Maktabi, the patriarch of the Maktabi family in Lebanon, who emigrated from Isfahan to Beirut in 1926. A passionate collector of fine oriental carpets, much like his father before him, his arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s appreciation for this centuries-old art form. Over time, Haj Hussein and his sons became renowned purveyors of antique and decorative carpets throughout the Middle East.

Their influence extended from Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to the broader Gulf region, and from Zurich to the rest of Europe. In 1995, with the support of his father Abbas Maktabi, Mohamed Maktabi founded the Iwan Maktabi Gallery. The gallery quickly established itself as the region’s leading destination for rare carpets and textile art.

Built on three generations of expertise and a rich family collection of museum-worthy pieces, Iwan Maktabi continues to deepen the cultural appreciation for carpets in Lebanon and beyond—bridging heritage, artistry, and timeless design.