International young designers are invited to apply with an original carpet design that stands out for its creative design concept as well as its focus on traditional fabrication methods. Out of all competition entries, an international jury of experts will select three carpet designs to go on a shortlist, which will then be produced by weavers located in Afghanistan, using traditional techniques for subsequent presentation at DOMOTEX 2021.

Carpet knotting is an integral part of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. Fine, long-fibered Ghazni wool, natural vegetable and mineral dyes, skilled artisanship and a variety of regional knotting and weaving techniques give the carpets their distinctive character. Four decades of conflict, however, have made the country practically inaccessible to international buyers. The Turquoise Mountain organization is actively working to overcome that isolation. Being presented jointly for the first time ever by DOMOTEX, the HALI and COVER publications and Turquoise Mountain, the "Best Emerging Designer" award offers aspiring designers a unique opportunity to work with talented Afghan weavers to create unique contemporary woven works of art based on time-honored traditional techniques. The winning design will be featured together with the other Carpet Design Awards winners in the exhibition halls of the world’s leading trade fair for carpets and floor coverings.

For over 15 years, the Carpet Design Awards at DOMOTEX have been setting the standard for the highest quality and outstanding design of handmade carpets. An international jury of experts will present the globally respected awards in eight different categories at a festive awards ceremony in Hannover.