Стр. 30 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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Since ancient times these carpets have been assessed highly not only in the
Caucasus, but also in Near East and world markets. They are seen as some of the
most rare samples in the private collections of world aficionados.
The composition of the central field of this carpet consists of diamond-shaped
“shabaka” (lattice). The diamond-shaped “shabaka” on the carpet are arranged
horizontally in a symmetrical sequence and in an asymmetrical order vertically.
Octagonal medallions and hooked elements have been placed inside the “shabaka.”
There are “dord unsur” (four ele­ments) motifs inside the octagonal medallions. A
special harmony is produced by changing the colors of the hooked and “dord unsur”
elements inside the “shabaka.” The “shabaka” are united by four-petal flowers.
Scallops on the edges of the “shabaka” have been made in light
brown on the upper and lower parts and in white in the center.
On the gaps of the central field, there are stylized images of a bird
and small flowers and leaves.
“Mehrab” (shrine) elements have been depicted in the upper part of the middle
space of the carpet. These types of carpets are called “namazlyg mehrab” in
Azerbaijan and “Tagi” or “Janamaz” in Iran. These carpets are used in religious
ceremonies and while praying. Carpets for performing “namaz” (prayer) have been
used widely in Azerbaijan and continue to be used by followers.
“Namazlygs” are woven in different sizes depending on their use. There were
“namazlygs” woven for three, five, six, and even 30-40 persons. Large “namazlygs”
were frequently presented as gifts to mosques. “Namazlyg” carpets are divided into
two groups according to their composition:
- those woven by folk masters in homes and
- those woven on commission based on artists’ and specialists’ sketches.
This “namazlyg” belongs to the first group.
“Mehrab” elements on “namazlyg” carpets also have different forms. The
“mehrab” on this carpet is called a “kesikkhetli” or “kesiktelli” mehrab. The gaps
inside the “mehrab” are decorated with quadrangular or octagonal flowers, striped
straight lines, and “darag” (comb) motifs.
On the upper part of the central field of the carpet in the spaces on the right and
left sides of the mehrab there are images called “budagbashi” (head of a bough).
Images of this type also occur on Gazakh carpets. There are also images on the edges
of the upper part of the central field.
On the edges of the “budagbashi” and “budag” (bough) motifs on the right and
left, there are also stylized bird figures in the upper gaps.
On center lower part of the “mehrab,” the motif called “saggal daragi” (comb
for a beard) has been embroidered. “Saggal daragi” motifs occur more often on
“namazlyg” carpets included in the Karabakh Group.
The primary border of the ivory background carpet has been embroidered with
red, light green, blue, dark blue, yellow, cornelian, brown-cornelian-yellow, and
brown-yellow colors, decorated with hooked elements.
The primary border has been encircled with “zanjira” (gold lace) in which baklava-
shaped elements of red and light green have been embroidered on both sides. The
“zanjira” are completed with ivory and black “su” (water).
The carpet exhibits a rich color design and order, produced with high
professionalism.
The pile and weft of the carpet are of wool and the warp is of cotton. The storage
condition of the carpet was excellent. The carpet is of artistic, historical, and scientific
importance.