The holy city of Qum is located in northwest central Iran. Qum rugs are among the finest rugs in the world. The quality of Qum silk rugs is particularly high, with extremely tight weave and very high knot counts. In the past and at present, Qum is one of the most important centres for producing silk, Kourk wool and silk inlaid carpets. The majority of these carpets are small, very fine, and beautiful; so many people hang them on the wall. The patterns are usually highly curvilinear, but they sometimes illustrate landscape features or historical stories.