dastarkhan

A dastarkhan is a traditional cloth or mat, typically made of fabric, spread on the floor or a low table for serving and eating meals. The term is widely used across Central Asia, the Caucasus, Iran, and parts of the Middle East. It serves as a communal dining surface, embodying a sense of hospitality and shared experience.

The dastarkhan is central to many cultural practices, often laid out for guests, family gatherings, and celebrations. Its presence signifies a welcoming atmosphere and the importance of breaking bread together. The food is usually arranged directly on the dastarkhan, or on platters placed upon it.

The size and decoration of a dastarkhan can vary greatly depending on the occasion and region. Simpler, more utilitarian cloths are used for everyday meals, while intricately woven or embroidered dastarkhans might be reserved for special events. Regardless of its specific appearance, the act of gathering around a dastarkhan remains a fundamental aspect of social and culinary traditions in these cultures. The term itself originates from Persian, combining "dast" (hand) and "khan" (table or mat), literally meaning a "hand-mat" or a surface to eat from.