Azerbaijan's Love for Carpets: More Than Just an Art Form
Azerbaijan's affection for carpets is an inseparable bond that dates back to the Bronze Age. This cherished art form has been deeply embedded in its cultural DNA since then, passionately preserved and admired. Today, carpets have become a part of everyday life in Azerbaijan, visible in homes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and even on aging Ladas parked along the roadside.
These carpets are revered, with some being woven for special occasions like births, weddings, birthdays, and funerals. The art of weaving is passed down from generation to generation, each carpet holding a unique story. The UNESCO recognized the traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving in 2010 as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage.
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, features a striking manifestation of this beloved carpet in the form of a building, its distinctive shape resembling a large, half-rolled carpet adorned with gold geometrical patterns. Known as the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, it was designed by Austrian architect Franz Janz and lies proudly along the bustling city's waterfront.
Inside this museum, visitors can explore a diverse range of carpets – from modern and minimalist, to opulent and historically significant. With over 6,000 carpets ranging from the 17th century to the present day, this prestigious collection is drawing from every corner of Azerbaijan, spanning from the Caspian Sea coast to the rugged landscapes of Karabach.
The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum was founded in 1967 by renowned artist and carpet weaver Latif Karimov, who dedicated his life to preserving and honoring the rich history of Azerbaijani carpets. Since 2014, the museum has resided at its current location, serving as an essential research and learning center.
A short distance from the museum, in the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old City of Baku, lies the organization Azerkhalcha. This NGO promotes the preservation of the ancient weaving tradition and provides support to the women who have dedicated their lives to this art form, such as 61-year-old Sevinj Hajiyeva, who learned to weave from her brother at the age of six.
Hajiyeva fondly recalls: "Carpet weaving is more than just an art form; it's a passion. It's a deep-rooted love, a source of inspiration, and a lifelong companion." Her biggest wish is to pass this art on to the younger generation, hoping that they will continue to cherish and celebrate the centuries-old craft.
Nearby, in the Ismaili Region of the north, the Azerkhalcha Studio houses two dedicated artists, Maleyka Abdullayeva and Najiba Panahova. Abdullayeva, with over three decades of weaving experience, considers it not only a craft, but an act of respect for one of the world's most beautiful creations. Panahova, who began weaving at just 14 years old, was instantly captivated by the mesmerizing circular dance that carpet weaving represents.
With an impressive collection of carpets dating back to the 17th century, Azerbaijan's love for this centuries-old art form has profoundly influenced history. The Book of Dede Korkut, from the 10th century, celebrates carpets as one of the country's most significant cultural treasures, while its mention in ancient texts, such as the works of Herodotus, Xenophon, and Marco Polo, further attests to its timeless appeal.
Azerbaijani carpet weaving techniques are categorized into two main classes: flat-weave and pile-weave, with each featuring distinct regional characteristics. Seldom overlooked by modernists, these traditions continue to live on in today's world, seamlessly merging history and innovation.
Traditional Azerbaijani motifs incorporate various animal, plant, and geometric patterns, which are woven on traditional looms. The carpets produced can be easily distinguished by their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and meticulous attention to detail. Incorporating centuries-old, natural dyeing techniques, Azerbaijani carpets continue to withstand the test of time.
Contemporary artists like Fegh Ahmed are breaking traditional boundaries, reinterpreting classic carpet motifs with innovative, three-dimensional designs and bold, almost psychedelic patterns. Ahmed, born in Sumgait and now living and working in Baku, has showcased his groundbreaking art in world-renowned galleries, including New York, Paris, and Mumbai.
The preservation of Azerbaijani carpet weaving is of utmost importance to the national identity, and this dedication can be seen in universities and colleges across the country, where traditional weaving techniques are taught. The Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts in Baku, for example, offers bachelor's degrees in Decoration and Applied Arts (carpets, weaving, embroidery).
Fortunately for tourists, there are numerous carpet production facilities throughout the country, including Quba, a small city located in the northeast. When accompanied by innovative figures like Fegh Ahmed and Azerkhalcha, whose mission is to both preserve and modernize this timeless craft, it's safe to say that this tradition will remain deeply rooted in Azerbaijan's generational legacy.
