İstanbul Sanat Dergisi / Sayı 9

38
MUSEUM
Masterpieces with unique symbols:
Tradition of carpet
weaving
İstanbul Sanat | Ekim / Kasım / Aralık 2022 / 09
Tradition of carpet weaving has been a big part
of the social and cultural life of Azerbaijanis
for ages. The earliest examples of Azerbaijani
carpets go back in time to at least the Bronze
Age. Earlier carpets tend to have a more simple form, by
time evolving into masterpieces with unique symbols and
sophisticated techniques. Traditionally, a more classical weaving
developed into using lamb’s wool and silk. With the
development in dyeing and spinning, carpet-makers gained
a gift of freedom in the exploration of new techniques.
Diving deeper in the process of production, carpet-makers
were inspired to create symbols and patterns by history,
folklore, spirituality and nature. And just like that, carpets
reflect the formation of the history of the whole country.
In Azerbaijan, carpets are classified based on their belonging
to one of the “schools” of carpet-weaving: Baku-Absheron,
Guba and Shirvan, Ganja and Gazakh, Karabakh. These
schools differ from each other based on the materials,
weaving methods, pattern and colors used. The uniqueness
of each carpet can be noticed by a well-trained eye of the
experts as even a small detail can tell them a story of the
specific region, city or even a village. Among diverse Azerbaijani
carpets, flat-woven and pile are the most popular.
The largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets
The big collection of Azerbaijani carpets can be observed at
the Carpet Museum in Baku. The museum in the shape of
rolled-up carpet, designed by Austrian architect Franz Janz
has the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets - 6000. The
carpets here date back to the 17th-20th centuries and tell
us unique stories of those times. The museum is open from
Tuesday to Fridays and tickets can be purchased at the museum’s
ticket office.
Unique touch to the traditional
Azerbaijani carpets
An example of contemporary outlook on the carpets can be
seen at the Heydar Aliyev Centre. Those are the creations
of a Baku based contemporary artist who brings his unique
touch to the traditional Azerbaijani carpets. Just like our
ancestors, he continues their idea and legacy by adding accurate
social and cultural themes into the creation of carpets.
In his own way, the artist intertwines the contemporary
conceptual imagery with the traditional hand-woven
carpets. Faig Ahmed’s imagination and unique style brought
him international recognition and he was short-listed
for the Jameel Art Prize 3 at the Victoria & Albert Museum
in London back in 2013.