Azerbaijani Carpet: A Timeless Expression of Art and Culture

Azerbaijani carpets are a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. They are a vital part of Azerbaijani identity and are often used to express the country's values and traditions.

These intricate textiles are not just beautiful works of art, but also serve as a means of storytelling and conveying historical events. They are often passed down from generation to generation, holding secrets and stories that are only revealed through their intricate patterns and designs.

Azerbaijani carpets are woven using a variety of techniques, including knotting, which can take months to complete. The most common type of knot used is the "göbekli" knot, which is known for its high density and durability.

The use of natural dyes and materials, such as wool and silk, gives Azerbaijani carpets their unique characteristics and beauty.

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Azerbaijan's carpet culture is deeply rooted in the country's history and traditions, with evidence of carpet-weaving dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE.

Carpet-weaving is a family tradition in Azerbaijan, passed down verbally and through practice.

Azerbaijani folk art, particularly carpet weaving, has been the subject of attention from the government to preserve, study, promote and develop carpet weaving traditions of Azerbaijani people.

A law titled "On the Protection and Development of Carpet Art of Azerbaijan" was adopted in December 2004, demonstrating the government's commitment to preserving this art form.

A state program on the protection and development of carpet art in the Republic of Azerbaijan 2018–2022 was approved in February 2018 by President Ilham Aliyev.

Some of the key areas of focus in this program include creating raw material supply for the industry, improving the infrastructure for carpet-weaving, and supporting the establishment of new workplaces.

Azerbaijan's carpet culture is not only a source of national pride but also a vital part of the country's economy and daily life.

The art of Azerbaijani carpet-weaving has been mentioned in the writings of Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon, and travellers from across the Middle East and Asia.

Worth a look: Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Herodotus, known as 'The Father of History', spoke of the advanced skills evident in Azeri rug dyeing in the 5th century BCE.

Marco Polo talked about the unique fabrics produced in Tabriz in the 13th century, highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage.

Here are some of the key cultural and economic aspects of Azerbaijan's carpet culture:

The art of Azerbaijani carpet-weaving dates back to the 2nd millennium BCE.

Azerbaijani carpets have been eulogized in the "Book of Dede Korkut", which is one of the oldest surviving pieces of Turkish literature.

The traditional art of Azerbaijani carpet-weaving is mentioned in the writings of Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon.

Most Azerbaijani carpets are made using wool from either lambs or sheep, while the silk kind is crafted exclusively in Sheki, the only silk-producing region in the country.

The two types of carpets in Azerbaijan, flat weave and pile weave, are divided into four categories, depending on their region of origin: Guba-Shirvan, Ganja-Gazakh, Karabakh and Tabriz.

The most popular among Azerbaijanis are kilim and soumak, which are distinguished by bold, geometric patterns and flat woven on a loom with warp threads.

The Ardabil Carpet — one of the oldest dated carpets in the world — is believed to have been created in Tabriz, an Azerbaijani-speaking city in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province.

Natural, ancient dyeing techniques are still the most favourable in Azerbaijan, which are extracted from plants, fruits and vegetables, such as red onion, saffron, nut shells and pomegranates.

Azerbaijani artisans have been perfecting the art of carpet weaving for generations, passing down their skills and traditions verbally and through practice.

The government of Azerbaijan has taken notice of the importance of preserving this art form and has implemented various initiatives to support the industry.

A law titled "On the Protection and Development of Carpet Art of Azerbaijan" was adopted in December 2004 to promote and develop carpet weaving traditions.

Azerbaijani folk art, particularly carpet weaving, has been the subject of attention from the government to preserve, study, promote and develop carpet weaving traditions of Azerbaijani people.

The government has also established Azerkhalcha OJSC in May 2016 to further support the industry.

A Carpet Weaver Day is now celebrated on May 5, as designated by a presidential decree.

The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum has a new building, designed by Austrian architect Franz Janz in the shape of a rolled carpet, which was constructed between 2007 and 2014.

A state program on the protection and development of carpet art in the Republic of Azerbaijan 2018–2022 was approved in February 2018 by President Ilham Aliyev to create raw material supply for the industry, improve infrastructure, and support the establishment of new workplaces.

Here are some key goals of the state program:

In rural Azerbaijan, families face significant challenges in selling their products, including a lack of certification processes and marketing skills.

Rural communities in Ismayilli and Shamakhi rely heavily on simple animal husbandry as their primary source of income, which has led to overgrazing.

The GEF-supported Sustainable Land and Forest Management project aims to address this issue by promoting sustainable land management practices to protect the soil and prevent erosion.

Sixteen families in these regions received integrated business support, including six in the rug and carpet manufacturing industry.

These families received looms, carpet-making tools, and machinery, as well as assistance with legal compliance and logistical support.

ABAD, the Azerbaijan State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations, played a crucial role in providing support to these families, including training on technical and legal requirements.

By accessing ABAD's sales and distribution channels, these families can now sell their products not only in Azerbaijani markets but also internationally.