In Azerbaijan, the saying goes, “xalçam harada, yurdum orada,” meaning “wherever my carpet is, that’s where I live.” Carpets in Azerbaijan hold a special place in the hearts of its people, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric since the Bronze Age.
Woven into the daily life of Azerbaijanis, carpets can be found adorning walls and floors in homes and restaurants, displayed in heaps outside souvenir shops, and even draped over the bonnets of cars. These artistic creations play a role in various life events, from births and weddings to birthdays and burials. Passed down through generations, the intricate weaving techniques and unique stories behind each carpet have made this traditional art form a symbol of cultural heritage.
The significance of Azerbaijani carpet weaving is underscored by its inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum in Baku, designed like a half-rolled carpet, stands as a testament to the country’s devotion to preserving this ancient craft. Founded in 1967 by carpet weaver Latif Karimov, the museum houses around 6,000 carpets dating from the 17th century to the present day.
In Baku’s UNESCO-listed Old City, Azerkhalcha continues the mission of preserving carpet weaving traditions. Women like 61-year-old Sevinj Hajiyeva, who learned to weave at the age of 6, express their passion for carpet weaving as a profound art, a source of love, and a lifelong companion. For these weavers, carpets are not just creations; they are cherished like children, and emotions and ideas are conveyed through the intricate patterns.
Two weavers, Maleyka Abdullayeva and Najiba Panahova, working at Azerkhalcha’s workshop in Ismayilli, exemplify the dedication to this craft. Maleyka, with three decades of experience, considers carpet weaving an appreciation for one of the world’s greatest beauties. Najiba, who started weaving at 14, describes being captivated by the enchanting dance of loops.
Azerbaijani carpets have a rich history that has garnered praise from various historical figures. The Book of Dede Korkut, dating back to the 10th century, eulogizes these carpets, and ancient Greek historians, Arab travelers, and Marco Polo have all acknowledged their unmatched quality. Divided into flat weave and pile weave, Azerbaijani carpets are classified into four regional categories: Guba-Shirvan, Ganja-Gazakh, Karabakh, and Tabriz.
The intricate and time-consuming process of creating these carpets involves rearing sheep for wool, washing, spinning, and dyeing the yarn before it is woven on horizontal or vertical looms. Natural dyeing techniques, using plants, fruits, and vegetables, contribute to the longevity of these carpets. While traditions are essential, contemporary artists like Faig Ahmed break the mold by deconstructing typical carpets and infusing them with three-dimensional and abstract patterns.
Ahmed’s innovative designs, exhibited worldwide, represent a fusion of traditional styles with modern, almost psychedelic elements. Despite the unconventional approach, he employs the same ancient knotting techniques, emphasizing the multilayered connection of history, tradition, social norms, religion, politics, and geography embedded in Azerbaijani carpets.
The preservation of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan extends to education, with universities offering degrees in Decorative, Applied Art (carpet, weaving). Tourists can also participate in carpet weaving workshops across the country. Through the efforts of artists like Faig Ahmed and organizations like Azerkhalcha, Azerbaijani carpets continue to be a dynamic and integral part of the nation’s cultural tapestry, bridging the past with the present and ensuring their legacy for future generations.