Shahidi
Shahidi was born from a simple idea: to preserve the value of craftsmanship and bring it into the homes of those who seek authentic beauty.
For years, we have worked with rugs and ceramics with the same care reserved for the things that truly matter, handmade objects, rich in history, created to endure.
In our workshop, nestled in the historic heart of Palermo, we restore and wash rugs from all over the world, bringing them back to life with renewed beauty. Every intervention is guided by respect, for the story, the materials, and the soul of each piece.
Alongside restoration, we create ceramic collections and curate a selection of rugs that reflect taste, heritage, and individuality. Our aim is not simply to offer beautiful objects, but to propose new ways of inhabiting a space, making it warmer, more personal, more alive.
We believe that true luxury today lies in thoughtful choices: surrounding oneself with fewer things, but truer ones. And continuing, each day, to weave together tradition and modernity with the same reverence one reserves for the most treasured stories.
The story of Shahidi
Shahidi is much more than a simple carpet shop, it’s an art gallery where every piece tells a story. Founded in 1987 by Ata Shahidi, originally from Rasht, in northern Iran, the company was born from his passion for craftsmanship and the restoration of Persian carpets. After moving to Palermo to complete his studies in architecture, Ata merged his artistic training with his love for textile traditions, opening his first restoration workshop.
The small shop quickly grew thanks to a meticulous selection of high-quality carpets. However, the true transformation came in 2005, when Ata undertook the renovation of a historic space along the anchient Corso Vittorio Emanuele. In collaboration with the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage of Palermo, the building was transformed into an elegant exhibition space that goes beyond mere commerce, creating an environment where every carpet is treated as a work of art.
Today, Shahidi is synonymous with authenticity and excellence, offering a curated selection that ranges from fine Persian carpets to kilims and Persian ceramics.
These finely decorated ceramics embody the elegance and refinement of Persian tradition, enriching the collection with unique pieces that reflect the same artisanal mastery as the carpets. The company also provides restoration and cleaning services, performed with the same dedication and expertise.
Now a family-run business, Soodabeh, Ata’s wife, and Kian, their son, continue to uphold the tradition of quality and authenticity that defines Shahidi. Every visit is a journey into the heart of Oriental craftsmanship, where time and tradition come together in perfect harmony.
Our history in pictures
