Araby Rug has provided the finest in antique and modern oriental rugs and kilims to New England since 1921.

Araby Rug is a three generation rug store founded by Husney Mahfuz in 1921. Mr. Mahfuz opened his first store on Regent Street in London. In order to generate interest in the launching of his business, he ran a contest to name the rug store. The woman who won chose the name "Araby" from the newest movie that year, The Sheik of Araby, starring the sexiest leading man of the time, Rudolf Valentino. The romance of the name Araby was in the air at that time, as James Joyce included a story titled "Araby" in his then recently published collection of short stories, Dubliners.

Husney Mahfuz eventually moved the store to 667 Boylston Street in Boston. Araby was an institution in the Boston area, providing choice, handmade, hand-selected antique and modern rugs and superior customer service to greater New England families and beyond. His son, Albert, continued this legacy, teaching other members of his family the intricacies of selecting, appraising and caring for handmade treasures.

Stephen Moss and Clare Mahfuz-Moss opened a second store in 1986 in Falmouth, Maine at the suggestion of many of the Maine customers of the Boston store. They provide the same stunning inventory, superior training, knowledge and attention to customer needs that the Boston store was known for.

Stephen and Clare travel to Turkey and other international rug centers, conferences and events several times a year to handpick their inventory. They work closely with highly regarded importers from around the world, and have Maine's premier selection of prestigious lines such as Zollanvari Persian gabbehs. Stephen and Clare are also committed to supporting several cultural survival projects that allow weavers to produce contemporary masterpieces while preserving their cultural heritage.

In Maine, Stephen and Clare have established strong relationships with interior designers, discerning collectors and long-time customers. Araby Rug Galleries carries the finest in antique and modern handmade rugs and kilims, and is a trusted resource for specialized cleaning, repair, padding and appraisal services.