Azerbaijani Rugs & Carpets

Azerbajani Carpets Carpet weaving is one of the most ancient kinds of arts and crafts of Azerbaijan. The archaeological data gathered on the territory of Azerbaijan as well as the literature pieces testify that carpet weaving art of Azerbaijan originated in extreme antiquity. Carpets and carpet related items made in Azerbaijan have been repeatedly eulogized in many historical books, classical literature and folklore. According to the archaeological materials and written documents, carpet weaving in Azerbaijan was already spread in Bronze Age. This was mentioned in works by Herodotus, Claudius Elian, Xenophont and other ancient historians. Under the Sassanid Dynasty (3rd - 7th centuries) carpet art in Azerbaijan went through another stage of development - magnificent carpets from silk, gold and silver threads appeared.

Azerbajani Carpet Trading Center

In the 13th - 14th centuries Azerbaijan exported great number of carpets and carpet related production to foreign countries. Production of carpets weaved with gold and silver threads and decorated with jewels acquired traditional character in the 16th - 17th centuries. Azerbaijani silk carpets were celebrated in "Kitabi Dede Korkud" epos.

Azerbaijani carpets can be classified according to their technical features as pile and pileless. The pileless carpets are related to the early period of weaving art development.

In November 2010 the Azerbaijani carpet was proclaimed a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage by UNESCO.

Sources and inspiration: Bérinstain, Valérie, et al. L'art du tapis dans le monde (The art of carpets in the world),. Paris: Mengès, 1996. Print.; Jerrehian Jr., Aram K.A. Oriental Rug Primer. Philadelphia: Running Press, 1980. Print.; Herbert, Janice Summers. Oriental Rugs, New York: Macmillan, 1982. Print.; Hackmack, Adolf. Chinese Carpets and Rugs, Rutland and Tokyo: Tuttle, 1980. Print. ; De Moubray, Amicia, and David Black. Carpets for the home, London: Laurence King Publishing, 1999. Print.; Jacobsen, Charles. Oriental Rugs A Complete Guide, Rutland and Tokyo: Tuttle, 1962. Print.; Bashir, S. (n.d.). Personal interview.; Web site sources and dates of consultation vary (to be confirmed). Without prejudice to official usage.