When Iraj Chiani arrived in the United States from Iran in 1972, he could not have known that a move prompted by family would eventually lead to a 50-year connection with Mt. Lebanon.
Chiani, owner of Persian & Oriental Rug Gallery, opened his Central Square store on July 4, 1976, after first learning the rug business while working at his brother’s shop in Washington, D.C. He later purchased the property in 1984.
Although he is now a Peters Township resident, Chiani lived in Mt. Lebanon, on Markham Drive, for many years. He described it as a “good place to live” and said he appreciates the relationships he built with customers, neighbors and local officials.
“Any place I go, I talk about Mt. Lebanon because it’s best,” he said. “I think it’s the safest place in Pittsburgh, as far as living or having business.”
Chiani’s described Persian rugs as pieces of history and craftsmanship.
“It’s a piece of investment. It’s a piece of art,” he said. “They started to make Persian rugs over 2,000 years ago.”
Chiani said the industry has changed over the years, including increased competition from rugs produced in other countries and the growth of online sales. He said he continues to focus on working directly with customers.
“We do cleaning, we do repairing and give good service to the customer,” he said.
Chiani said many of his customers come from Mt. Lebanon and surrounding communities, often through referrals. “A lot of people refer neighbor to neighbor,” he said.
Looking back on his journey, Chiani said he remains grateful for the opportunity to build a life and career in the United States.
“I’m so happy to be in this country,” he said. “If you are working hard, you make it.”