(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Laman Ismayilova
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For Azerbaijani women, traditional silk headscarf, also known as
kelaghayi, has always been a must-have accessory that protects them
from both the hot sun and cold wind as silk is cool in summer and
warm in winter, Azernews reports.
In November 2014, traditional art and symbolism of Kelaghayi,
making and wearing women's silk headscarves was inscribed on the
UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity.
Ten years have passed since the inclusion of Azerbaijan's
traditional art and symbolism of kelaghayi in the UNESCO
Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity.
This significant date was celebrated at Maksud Ibrahimbayov
Creativity Center with a colorful event, co-organized by "İnkişaf"
Scientific Center and the Basgal Silk Center "Kelaghayi".
Director of the Maksud Ibrahimbayov Creativity Center Anna
Ibrahimbayova welcomed the guests of the event.
She expressed her satisfaction with the opportunity to celebrate
such an important event within the walls of the Creativity Center,
emphasizing that the preservation of cultural heritage is a
contribution to the future of the nation.
Then the cousin of the People's Writer of Azerbaijan Maksud
Ibrahimbayov, Rena Ibrahimbayova, spoke about the historical and
cultural significance of the kelaghayi, and also touched upon the
philosophical aspect of this unique attribute.
According to her, the kelaghayi is not just a woman's headscarf.
It is imbued with symbolism and carries a deep meaning. This is a
symbol of protection, wisdom and beauty that permeate our
culture.
As Rena Ibrahimbayova noted, the restoration and popularization
of the art of kelaghayi is the result of the careful attitude of
the country's leadership to the cultural heritage.
"Today, kelaghayi has been enriched with new content, and has
become even more diverse and beautiful. This became possible thanks
to the efforts of the First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva,
whose contribution to this process is truly invaluable. Thanks to
her initiatives, kelaghayi has received a worthy place in the world
cultural space," she said.
In an interview with journalists, the writer's cousin noted that
the inclusion of kelaghayi in the UNESCO list was a historic
achievement.
"Ten years ago, on November 26, 2014, a significant event took
place - kelaghayi was recognized as an object of intangible
cultural heritage of humanity. This step not only emphasizes the
uniqueness of our culture, but also consolidates its significance
in the international arena. We are proud that our national symbol
has taken a worthy place in the treasury of world heritage," she
emphasized.
Rena Ibrahimbayova drew attention to the universality of the
kelaghayi, which performs not only a practical but also a deep
philosophical function:
"People express their emotions, thoughts and values through the
kelaghayi. It is not just an element of clothing, but a means of
communication that unites generations and cultures. It was this
understanding that became decisive for UNESCO specialists, who
unanimously voted for its inclusion in the representative
list."
In her speech, she underlined that recognition of the kelaghayi
at the international level is the result of long and painstaking
work.
"It was not an easy task to single out the kelaghayi among many
unique elements of world heritage. But thanks to the
professionalism and persistence of our First Lady, this became a
reality. Today, we can proudly say that Azerbaijan has made a
significant contribution to world culture, and the kelaghayi plays
an important role in this contribution," she concluded.
Kelaghayi comes in a wide range of different patterns and looks.
This beautiful head scarf adds the perfect hint of cool to any
outfit.
The main figure used in silk headscarf is buta, a twisted
teardrop that has been a symbol of the divine fire, which has been
worshipped in Azerbaijan since ancient times.
The edges of kelaghayi, and sometimes its central part (khoncha)
are decorated with geometrical or nabati ornaments.
Each region produces its own unique type of kelaghayi. For
instance, Shah buta, buta, and khirda buta patterns are typical for
Sheki and Basgal kelaghayis.
There are many traditions associated with this magnificent
headscarf.
Unmarried girls cover their heads with a headscarf of bright
colors, such as yellow, pink, gold or purple, while the old women
preferred dark kelaghayi.
After obtaining the consent of the girl, the woman representing
the groom's side used to present jewelry wrapped in red
kelaghayi.
In addition, during the henna ceremony of the wedding, the
bride's head was covered with kelaghayi and then henna was applied
to her hands and feet.
At wedding ceremonies, the groom and his closest friends also
tied kelaghayi on their necks and a mirror of a wedding car.
In addition, trays with gifts from women arriving at the
wedding, kelaghayi, was considered the most expensive gift. This
wonderful tradition is still preserved in some regions.
Azerbaijan has been known as kelaghayi production center since
ancient times. High quality kelagai was produced in Tabriz, Ganja,
Shamakhi, Shaki and Nakhchivan.
The most famous silk headscarves are produced in the city of
Basgal, a beautiful village near Shamakhi.
For many years, Shaki has remained in the status of the
country's silk-breeding center. The largest silk factory in the
world operated in the 19th century was in Shaki.
Basqal is also known for its Silk Center and Kelaghayi Museum
provides visitors and tourists with a comprehensive picture of this
ancient Azerbaijani art. In the museum, they are informed about the
history of kelaghayi making art.
The most valuable six or seven kelaghayis are produced in Basgal
until now.
Kelaghayi production is a complex process, which involves
representatives of a number of professions, including a tailor, a
dyer of kelaghayi fabric, a pattern artist and an
ornamentalist.
Making this head blanket weighing 125 grams, requires two days
to paint and apply patterns.
Nowadays ancient silk headscarf continues to captivate the
fashion industry. Kelaghayi has turned into a source of inspiration
for many fashion designers around the world.
One can enjoy these stunning headscarves not only in the Museum
of Basgal, but also in the country's national museums.
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