Kazak (Kazakh, Kasak, Gazakh, Qazax). The most used spelling today is Qazax but rug people use Kazak so I generally do as well.The areas known as Kazakstan, Chechenya and Shirvan respectively are situated north of Iran and Afghanistan and to the east of the Caspian sea and are all new Soviet republics. These rugs are woven by settled Armenians as well as nomadic Kurds, Georgians, Azerbaijanis and Lurs. Many of the people of Turkoman origin fled to Pakistan when the Russians invaded Afghanistan and most of the rugs are woven close to Peshawar on the Afghan-Pakistan border.There are many design influences and consequently a large variety of motifs of various medallions, diamonds, latch-hooked zig-zags and other geometric shapes. However, it is the wonderful colours used with rich reds, blues, yellows and greens which make them stand out from other rugs. The ability of the Caucasian weaver to use dramatic colours and patterns is unequalled in the rug weaving world. Very hard-wearing rugs as well as being very collectable