An Oriental rug shop run by a former Afghan professor has moved to a new location in Mount Rainier.
Run by political science professor Jawid Jawid, America Oriental Rugs has sold hand-selected handmade rugs from Afghanistan, Turkey, India, Pakistan and Persian rugs, in various sizes and designs since last year.
It recently moved to a new location just a few doors down at 3211 Rhode Island Ave.
Jawid told the Hyattsville Wire that he’s expanded the inventory and also offers services such as cleaning, repair, pad and appraisal.
“These rugs are more than just floor coverings; they are art on the floor,” he said. “Making one 8-by-10 rug could take six to 12 months to weave.”
A properly cared for Afghan rug can last decades, he added.
Jawid fled Afghanistan with his family three years ago after the government collapsed. He said the Taliban take over “crushed many dreams, especially with the ban on girls’ education,” but he said he has found “warmth and support” here and is “living the American dream.”
“I have two daughters who now have access to education—something millions of Afghan girls are denied,” he said. “In Afghanistan, they would not have been allowed to attend school beyond the sixth grade. This is why I cherish their opportunities here, and I dream of a future where girls in Afghanistan can also thrive.”
America Oriental Rugs is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also contact Jawid at 571-867-0353 or america.orientalrugs@gmail.com.
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I contacted the company after they opened by reaching out in social media. I never heard back from them. I used Instagram. Consider an auto responder which says messages are not checked and to please call or email etc
Hi scott, thank you for sharing your concern. We are open monday- Saturday. You could stopby, call, email or text us.
The reason for that was restriction on Our social media.