As the fifth generation in this business, I am proud to carry forward this remarkable legacy. INTRODUCTION
Since 1880 Oh-Yes, 1880! Our family has been in the business, and I am proud to represent the fifth generation. Kabul House, the brand we cherish today, was founded in Peshawar, Pakistan, by our great-grandfather, Mian Pir Mohammad. Established in 1880, it holds the distinction of being the w
orld’s oldest brand specializing in handmade rugs. THE FOREFATHERS
I know the names of my forefathers going back seven generations. Mian Pir Ali, who was born in the 1700s, had only one son, Mian Mir Ali. Unfortunately, details about them both are unknown. However, the history of our family becomes clearer starting with Mian Mir Ali’s son, Mian Pir Mohammad. THE KABUL HOUSE FAMILY HISTORY
"Mian Pir Mohammad B. 1840ies", a Rajput by caste, belonged to the elite class of the Indo-Pak region. He lived in Peshawar until 1860. The Rajputs, known as the monarchs of the Indo-Pak subcontinent, ruled over vast territories, including present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Iran, for over 5,000 years. In 1857, the freedom movement to liberate the Indo-Pak region from British invaders began. This movement disrupted the peace of the entire country, especially, in the Muslims majority areas. The Muslims in Peshawar, were also targeted and faced severe hardships and persecution. To escape these challenges, Mian Pir Mohammad migrated to Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1860. There he spent nearly twenty years there and returned to Peshawar around 1880, once peace was restored in the Indo-Pak region. During his stay in Kabul, Mian Pir Mohammad started a handmade rug business, crafting by the Afghans and Central Asian nomads. Later, upon returning to Peshawar in 1880, he formally established "Kabul House." It would not be an exaggeration to call it the world’s first handmade rugs store. THE SECOND GENERATION
Nearly thirty years later, "Mian Pir Mohammad D. 1910s" passed away, and his only son, "Mian Mir Mohammad B. 1864", inherited the business. THE THIRD GENERATION
Mian Mir Mohammad had three sons: Mian Maseeti (1894 - 1958), Mian Ashiq Mohammad (1901 - 1957), and Mian Faqir Mohammad (1921 - 1976). Later, in the 1929, Mian Mir Mohammad passed away, leaving the business to his three sons. They all dedicated their best efforts to uphold the legacy, achieving fame and success. Soon, Kabul House became an iconic name in Peshawar. THE QUEEN ELIZABETH'S VISIT
In 1961, during their visit to Peshawar, Queen Elizabeth of Britain and her husband, Prince Philip, purchased several rugs from Kabul House. As a mark of distinction, the Queen awarded us the “Royal Arms” symbol (the horse and lion), which remains proudly displayed on the Kabul House signboard to this day. PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN's VISIT
In 1973, President of Pakistan Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto paid two visits at Kabul House and Bukhara House. During his first visit he spent some time with Mian Faqir Mohammad (third gen). I still have the teacups from which President Bhutto drank tea. These cups have remained untouched since that historic visit. While during Bhutto's second visit, he also bought rugs from Imtiaz Ahmed (fourth gen) a notable figure from our family. FOURTH GENERATION
As the family expanded over time, the business was passed down to the fourth generation, the sons of the three brothers mentioned earlier. Each of the three families continued the same business but under different names. One family retained the name Kabul House, while the other two operated under the names Bukhara House and Carpet Palace. THE ULTIMATE GROWTH
Between 1970 and 2010, over the course of forty years, the family (the fourth generation) achieved its greatest expansion. The business grew not only across all major cities in Pakistan but also expanded internationally to the UAE, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia and the United States. From a single shop in 1880, Kabul House reached its peak between 1980 to 2002, with over 50 shops operating worldwide. THE FALL OF KABUL HOUSE
As the saying goes, "What rises must also fall." After more than 120 years in business, at the turn of the century—from 2001 onward—the handmade rug industry began to decline. This downturn was primarily due to the American invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, which disrupted trade and stability in the region. Since our handmade rug business relied entirely on foreigners—tourists, delegates, foreign missions, and embassy staff—the uncertainty and instability in the region directly impacted sales. The decline in stability and peace led to a sharp drop in rug sales. After 2014, the businesses that once operated over 50 shops under different brand names, all originating from Kabul House, began to gradually shut down their branches. As of 2024, only one shop remains under our family’s name: Kabul Crafts, located in Super Market Islamabad. This shop specializes in handicrafts and silver jewelry. Additionally, a relative continues the legacy by dealing in antiques and rugs in Chicago, but under a different name. Sadly, there is no longer a Kabul House in Peshawar. It is heartbreaking to witness the disappearance of what was once the jewel of Peshawar for over 135 years. SOME FAMOUS NAMES FROM KABUL HOUSE
The family included several notable personalities who earned respect and recognition in Peshawar. One such figure was my father’s uncle, Mian Faqir Mohammad, from the third generation. The second notable figure was my father, from the fourth generation: Nisar Ahmed (1939 - 2019). He was the first in the family to venture abroad, selling unique handmade rugs through Sotheby’s and Christie’s, the world-renowned auction houses in London. He was also the most well-known personality in our family. Nearly all the notable figures in Peshawar knew him and sought his friendship. My father was known for his generosity and willingness to support anyone he could, regardless of their background or status. The third notable figure from the fourth generation, was the late Javed Faqir (1942 - 2012), whom I deeply respect and admire. Known as the "Lion Hearted," he played a crucial role in holding the family together and was always there to support those in need. The fourth is my uncle, "Mohammad Humayun B. 1946" (fourth generation), who is now based in Chicago and continues to deal in handmade rugs and antiques. I must say, he is the most knowledgeable person in the field of handmade rugs—truly a living encyclopedia. The fifth is "Imtiaz Ahmed B. 1946" from the fourth generation, who still deals in handmade rugs but specializes in Gandhara art. He is a man with an extensive social circle and is the most beloved person in the entire family. THE REEMERGENCE OF KABUL HOUSE
As the fifth generation in this business, previously I was primarily involved in the gemstone trade since 1994. To honor and continue the family legacy, I have relaunched Kabul House in the United States. The "Kabul House" brand and trademark are now officially registered in my name. Currently, Kabul House in Buffalo, NY, specializes in:
Handmade rugs (Afghan, Central Asian, Chinese, Pakistani, Persian and Turkish)
Antique clocks and watches
Gemstones
Rocks and Minerals
Silver jewelry
