Our national carpets are the material and cultural examples foreigners interested in

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Published on Tuesday, 12 December 2017 17:55

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Ancient Nakhchivan have contributed not only to the historical architectural monuments, but also to rich carpet weaving traditions. The climate and the charming nature of the region have created conditions for weaving kinds of carpets such as palaz (kind of carpet without pile), kilim (tapestry-woven type of rug), sumach, varni, shadda, zili, cecim and in general the development of carpet weaving art. As a result of archaelogical investigations carried out in the Autonomous Republic, exploration of primary clay speening wheels and spindle tips made of bone used incarpet weavingproved that nakhchivan was one of the oldest textile centers in Azerbaijan. 

Medieval travelers have also provided valuable information in their manuscripts about spreading and reputation of the carpet weaving in Nakhchivan. Especially, becoming one of the most important shopping centers in Middle Ages of Nakhchivan located on the Great Silk Road, has had a significant impact on the development of various folk art samples and handicrafts. The art of carpet weaving was widely spread as a folklore, and in most houses this tradition was continued. As a result of this, it was the carpet weaving art that was the most popular in the autonomous republic of traditional folk art until the end of the last century. In subsequent periods purposeful measures were carried out in the autonomous republic for the development of this art. Protecting and promoting this cultural heritage has been in the focus of attention. The work had done was a stimulus to promote the national carpet weaving art and conduct new scientific studies on this field. The Nakhchivan Carpet Museum started operating in 1998 has contributed to the promotion of our national carpet weaving patterns. In 2010 the museum was provided with a new building, and in 2013 the museum’s exposition was restored.

There are over 3000 exhibits in the museum. The number of items displayed in the exhibition is more than 300. The condition for carpet weaving has been created to meet modern standards of protection. The most beautiful examples of carpets with and without pile, as well as holdall, khurcun, bags are demonstrating at the museum. At present, more than 100 carpets of the Nakhchivan group, as well as various handicrafts and embroideries are exhibitedin this cultural center. Certain measures are being taken in the museum to study and propagate the Nakhchivan carpet weaving art. Based on my observations, I can say Nakhchivan State Carpet Museum is one of the most visited addresses of foreigners coming to the Autonomous Republic. 

Because of my profession I have accompanied many times foreign guests who came to thiss cultural institution and watched our carpets with admiration. Our conclution is that our national carpets are of special importance for those coming from foreign countries. 

Additional explanation. It is also known from the near and far history that our national carpets have been taken out of the country from time to time added into the collections of different people. But, unfortunately our carpets have often been known that they are belong to other nations. The offensive Armenians have gone further in this. However, it is proved once more those art samples differ from others with their value. It means that our national carpets are highly appreciated by the representatives of other nations both along the centuries and now. Because of this interest tourists coming to the Autonomous Republic in recent years visit the Nakhchivan State Carpet Museum and admire our national carpet samples. The looms at the exposition shows visually how our carpet were weaving. Samples of art that are handcrafts are distinguished by its uniqueness. 

But what makes our national carpet samples attractive to foreign visitors? First of all, it should be noted that, as in the past, nothing has yet been invented to replace natural carpet products on the floors of houses. On the other hand, the development of carpet weaving was possible only in countries where natural climate conditions are favorable. There are many things from sheep breeding to natural colors made from different plants that considered as important conditions. In addition, historically many fields of art have entered the factory-plant phase, but carpet weaving has kept its small commodity production character. It shows the hardships of carpet weaving which continues for months and requires great effort and patience. At the same time, the tradition of preservation of traditions and uniqueness of national compositions have made it even more popular in the global world. That is why carpets have been transported from East to West during centuries. 

Interestingly, European peoples who have contributed greatly to the Western renaissance through many art samples have not been able to benefit from the traditional carpet weaving culture - they have only imported it. So far, nobody has ever heard of a Japanese or German carpet, a South Korean rug or a Swedish rug. However, foreigners have always appreciated our national carpets. Although they realize how useful to use these carpets for human health, they prefer to keep them as art work. Because of this interest to our carpets, most foreigners visit the carpet museum in the center of Nakhchivan. Since January 2017, out of totally more that 6 thousands visitors of the museum, over 3500 of them are foreigners and this fact is the result of interest and sensitivity to our national carpets.

 Sabuhi HASANOV

“Sherg gapisi” (Gate of the East) Newspaper

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