The history of Azerbaijan Carpet weaving dates back to the Bronze Age, nearly 5,000 years ago. This ancient art form reflects the country’s nature, history, traditions, and way of life. According to historical sources, Azerbaijan was one of the most important centers for the production of pile and flat-woven carpets in the East during the Middle Ages. Today, the Azerbaijan Carpet is internationally recognized as a symbol of refined craftsmanship and cultural identity.
Research shows that the northeastern regions of Azerbaijan were major centers for high-quality carpet production as early as the 5th–7th centuries. Since the Middle Ages, Azerbaijan Carpet weaving has played a significant role in global trade. The country is now home to countless carpet types, distinguished by diverse weaving techniques, rich ornaments, and symbolic patterns.
State Museum of Azerbaijan Carpet
This priceless heritage is preserved in the State Museum of Azerbaijan Carpet and Folk Applied Art named after Latif Karimov. The museum houses rare ancient carpets alongside masterpieces created by modern and folk artists, making it the largest and most authoritative carpet museum in the world. It is the first specialized museum dedicated entirely to carpet art and folk applied arts.
The development of Azerbaijan Carpet weaving is documented in the works of ancient historians such as Herodotus, Xenophon, and Claudius Elian, as well as medieval Arab historians and Azerbaijani poets including Nizami and Khagani.
Azerbaijan Carpet in World Art
From the 13th–14th centuries, Azerbaijani carpets were widely exported to foreign countries. Their elegant patterns and fine ornaments attracted European artists, and many Azerbaijan Carpet examples appear in famous paintings. Works by Hans Memling, Jan van Eyck, and Hans Holbein depict renowned carpets from Shirvan, Gazakh, and other Azerbaijani regions.
Over the centuries, masterpieces of Azerbaijan Carpet art have been exhibited in leading museums worldwide, including:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
- Victoria and Albert Museum (London)
- The Hermitage (St. Petersburg)
- The Louvre (Paris)
Today, visitors can see these artistic treasures in the State Museum of Azerbaijan Carpet.
Famous Azerbaijan Carpet Schools
The museum showcases carpets from classical Azerbaijani schools such as Guba, Baku, Shirvan, Ganja, Gazakh, Karabakh, and Tabriz, each known for unique compositions, color schemes, and ornaments.
- Guba carpets (“Pirabadil”, “Gimil”, “Sirt-Chichi”) feature intricate details and compact color palettes.
- Shirvan carpets (“Mugan”, “Shilyan”) preserve ancient compositions with calm, rhythmic patterns.
- Karabakh carpets (“Khanlig”, “Malibeyli”, “Lampa”) stand out with vibrant colors and imaginative designs.
- Baku carpets (“Khila-Buta”, “Novkhani”, “Fatmayi”) are known for refined ornaments.
- Ganja and Gazakh carpets emphasize bold geometric styles.
- Tabriz carpets (“Sarabi”, “Afshan”, “Lechek-Toranj”) symbolize eternity and harmony through spiral and rounded motifs.
The museum also presents more than 10 weaving techniques, allowing visitors to learn about the secrets of Azerbaijan Carpet craftsmanship.
International Recognition
To promote Azerbaijan Carpet art globally, the museum has organized international exhibitions and symposiums. Notably, major carpet art symposiums were held between 1983 and 2003, and in 2007, an international exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Latif Karimov took place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Exhibitions showcasing Azerbaijan Carpet and folk applied arts have been organized in more than 30 countries, including France, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, India, Japan, Israel, the UK, Iran, Turkey, and many others.
