HALI Magazine—with readers in over 65 countries—has long been recognized as one of the most prestigious international journals dedicated to carpets and textile art. Known as the benchmark for excellence, HALI serves scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide.
During DOMOTEX Dubai, Kohan Textile Journal had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Sebastian Ghandchi, the Publisher of HALI, who was attending to promote the winners of the Carpet Design Awards.
The Journey from Theatre to Publishing
Early Life and Education
“I left Iran in 1974 after completing my studies at Lycée Razi and continued my education in the UK,” says Ghandchi. “At Durham University, I studied Politics and Philosophy, later earning a BSc in Business Management and Arts Administration. My passion for creativity first found an outlet in the theatre—acting, directing, and producing—before I transitioned into management consultancy.”
Entering the World of Publishing
After a brief stint in consultancy, Ghandchi sought a career that balanced creativity and business. “Publishing felt like the perfect fit,” he explains. “I joined HALI Publications in 1988, soon after it was acquired by Centaur Communications. Over time, I worked my way up to become the Publisher. Recently, I acquired the company from Centaur, allowing us to expand as a privately owned specialist art publisher.”
The Story of HALI and Modern Carpets & Textiles
The Foundation of HALI
Founded in 1978 by Michael Franses and Robert Pinner, HALI—meaning “carpet” in Turkish—has become the world leader in antique carpet and textile art publishing. The magazine is regarded as “the benchmark against which all other art publications measure their quality.”
It features a mix of scholarly articles, industry reviews, and auction reports, serving as the single most authoritative source for the global carpet and textile art market. With over 5,000 printed copies reaching 20,000 readers in more than 65 countries, HALI continues to lead the way in shaping trends and tastes.
The Birth of Modern Carpets & Textiles (MC&T)
In 2005, HALI Publications launched Modern Carpets & Textiles (MC&T)—a publication reflecting the dynamic global market for contemporary handmade carpets and artist textiles.
“The idea was to highlight innovation, design, and craftsmanship in modern carpet-making,” says Ghandchi. “MC&T celebrates creativity while setting standards for quality and aesthetics.”
Distributed to 8,500 key industry figures and reaching up to 34,000 readers, MC&T serves designers, retailers, and manufacturers seeking inspiration and direction in the evolving global carpet industry.
Establishing the Carpet Design Awards
In 2005, Ghandchi proposed the idea of the Carpet Design Awards to Deutsche Messe, organizers of DOMOTEX Hanover. The first awards were launched in 2006 and quickly became a global benchmark for creativity in the handmade carpet industry.
“These awards celebrate the remarkable talent and vision of designers,” he notes. “Bringing the winning carpets to DOMOTEX Middle East was a proud moment, and I hope to see this initiative grow in future editions.”
The Role of Industry Magazines
According to Ghandchi, specialized journals like HALI and MC&T play a vital role in shaping the market:
“Magazines provide validation, context, and standards for the industry. They introduce what’s new, what’s important, and why it matters. More importantly, they offer readers access to collections and exhibitions they might otherwise never experience.”
DOMOTEX Dubai and the Future of the Market
On DOMOTEX Middle East
“DOMOTEX Middle East is strategically located in a fast-growing market,” says Ghandchi. “It has the potential to become one of the world’s key hubs for flooring and carpet trade. I hope future editions will feature a wider range of handmade, antique, and design carpets to fully represent the industry’s diversity.”
On Global Exhibition Centers
Ghandchi believes the industry can thrive across multiple regions:
“There’s room for growth beyond Hanover. Markets in China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia are emerging strongly, and DOMOTEX’s global approach helps nurture this expansion.”
Evaluating Iran’s Carpet Industry
When asked about Iran’s position in the carpet sector, Ghandchi spoke with both pride and concern:
“Iranian carpets stand for tradition, quality, and finesse. However, the industry lacks coordinated marketing and branding efforts. Without a central export organization or modern design adoption, Iranian producers struggle to compete globally. There’s immense untapped talent and craftsmanship waiting for support.”
Modernization and Design Innovation
Finally, Ghandchi emphasized that innovation must blend tradition and modernity:
“It’s not just about following trends—it’s about reinterpreting heritage for modern tastes. Manufacturers should invest in talent, embrace creativity, and stay informed through industry publications like HALI, MC&T, and Kohan Textile Journal.”
