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The “Chelebi” carpet is one of the most
famous carpets of Karabakh. Some Kara-
bakh weavers call this carpet “Barda.”
“Chelebi” carpets are woven in different siz-
es. Carpets woven under this name were origi-
nally single “gyol” (medallion); later they were
woven with two, three, and in rare cases, four
large gyol in accordance with the demands of
the times.
The main decoration of this carpet consists of
one large gyol represented in the center of the
middle field. “Gyol” is one of the most wide-
spread elements in the decorative-applied arts
of Azerbaijan. A “gyol” is a main element used
by national artists on the center of the carpet.
The “gyol” element was originally employed in
all areas of the decorative applied arts. “Gyol”
are different in accordance with their sizes and
forms. The “gyol” depicted on the “Chelebi”
carpet is very different from those represented
on other carpets due to their originality. Usu-
ally, there are four elements in the center of the
“gyol” with elements reminiscent of flaming
palmettos along the edges. There are “gubba”
(dome) at the top and bottom of gyol and in the
empty areas of the middle field on the single
gyol “Chelebi” carpets. Domes complement
and enrich the general composition of the car-
pet. One of the most widely used elements on
“Chelebi” carpets is the tree element. Since an-
cient times, trees have been interpreted as signs
of richness, abundance, spring, and vitality.
Floral elements are also employed along the
border stripes of these carpets.
Fylfot is a mythical decorative motif and abstract reflection of
natural forces that play an important role in the lives of peo-
ple. It once represented happiness and desire. It was widespread
under the name “cherkhi-felek” in the Islamic world.
Fylfot is one the most archaic symbols encountered in the images
of the Neolithic Era in the art of many nations. It is depicted as a
cross shape wrapped into an oval (most of the time clockwise) or
with its edges shaped like angles. This sign was more widespread
among the population of the Ganjachay valley, who were engaged
in farming, and in Western Azerbaijan in general during ancient
times.
German and Italian scientists believe that the fylfot is more of a
symbol of the sun. In this interpretation, the symbol of the sun as a
striped circle eventually became stylized.
Although the fylfot is used as a second-degree filler element on
carpets in all other districts of Azerbaijan, it is employed as the
main ornamental motif in the middle field composition on Gazakh-
Ganja carpets.
On this carpet, a complete fylfot is depicted in the center of the
brick red middle field and incomplete fylfot motifs are represented
at the top, bottom, right, and left. Elements called “alma” (apple)
depicted in the center of fylfot motifs and in the empty areas of the
middle field give the carpet a lively look. Rhombic, heart shaped,
flower, and s- and x-shaped images are represented in the empty
areas of the middle field and along the branches of the fylfot motifs
stretched towards the bottom.
The other empty areas in the middle field among the fylfot mo-
tifs are filled with elements with hooked protrusions. These ele-
ments are encountered on Ganja-Gazakh carpets belonging to the
fifteenth century.
The white main border of the carpet is decorated with elements
specific to Gazakh carpets. These elements are called “changal”
(fork). Small borders designed with zigzag-like elements surround
the main border. The edges of the small borders are complemented
with “alamunjug.” The carpet is considered one of the most rare
samples of Gazakh.
Carpet. “Chelebi.” Wool. Pile weave.
176x147. 1800-1899. Karabakh group.
Azerbaijan. Victoria and Albert Museum.
London, Great Britain.
Carpet. “Cherkhi-felek” (Fylfot). Wool. Pile weave.
242x180. 19th century. Gazakh-Borchali group. Azerbaijan.
Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York, USA.