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C arpets known under the name “Ganja”
are different in accordance with their
compositions, color choices, and the arrange-
ment of “khoncha” (tray). The arrangement of
the composition along the vertical central ar-
row is specific to these carpets.
There are no accidental elements on Ganja
carpets. The filler motifs on these carpets are
totally symmetrical and this lends the com-
position monumentality and balance. A ten-
dency for dark-colored backgrounds is strong
on these carpets. The borders of Ganja carpets
are different from carpets in different groups:
wide borders, composing at least one-third of
the middle field, are usually applied.
This carpet is decorated vertically with pat-
terns belonging to Ganja carpets with several
“gyol” (medallion) on the middle field. The
gyol are predominantly cross-like and eight-
angular. This carpet is similar to the “Mugan”
carpets because of its composition. The orna-
ment of the carpet is clear and very concise.
The middle field composition consists of
three cross-like central medallions represented
inside a quadrangle. There are two vertical
rows of small eight-angular star-gyol between
the medallions. Hook-like “damga” (stamp) el-
ements are placed along the borders. These ele-
ments belong to ancient Turks and were used
as symbols of power and as evil eye catchers.
The composition of this carpet consists of a middle field and
border stripe. The carpet has a compound compositional
structure. Medallions with a brick red setting are represented on
the navy blue background middle field at the top and bottom; me-
dallions with a red setting are depicted in the center. There are mo-
tifs called “baga” (tortoise) inside the medallions at the top and
bottom. The “baga” element depicted on Azerbaijani carpets is one
of the archaic elements and is considered an ancient totem. The his-
tory of “baga” elements goes back to ancient times. These elements
are interpreted as symbols of longevity and freedom from curses.
Some weavers interpret these motifs as a pair of dragons when sep-
arate, which are interpreted as “baga” when together. The dragon
motifs depicted on Guba, Kazakh, and Karabakh carpets is one of
the symbols considered holy by ancient people. The dragon was
the symbol of water and the dark underground world in the an-
cient East. The empty spaces of the middle field along the edges of
the medallions are filled with different classic, rhombic, and floral
elements. There are small, stylized “baga” motifs in the center of
the relatively small medallion with zigzagged edges represented
inside the medallion in the center. Stylized “baga” motifs are rarely
encountered. Elements reminiscent of flaming palmettos designed
on a red and blue setting along the edges of the medallion give the
carpet a special appearance in their originality. The cream-colored
border is decorated with branches, leaves, and flowers.
Carpet. Wool. Pile weave. 240x108.
Late 19th century. Ganja group. Azerbaijan.
Victoria and Albert Museum.
London, Great Britain.
Carpet. Wool. Pile weave. 318x168. 18th century. Guba group.
Azerbaijan. Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York, USA.