By Maria Bregman
The Caucasus is a region of contrasts, where ancient traditions and modern aspirations coexist, where mountains and seas meet, and where cultures and religions mingle. It is also a region of conflicts, where borders and identities are contested, and where history and politics are intertwined. Traveling to the Caucasus is not for the faint of heart, but for those who seek adventure, beauty, and diversity.
Two of the most fascinating and diverse countries in the Caucasus are Armenia and Azerbaijan, which share a common heritage but also a bitter rivalry. Both countries have rich and complex histories, dating back to the ancient times, when they were part of the Persian, Greek, Roman, Mongol, Ottoman, and Russian empires. Both countries have also experienced periods of independence and oppression, war and peace, prosperity and hardship.
Today, Armenia and Azerbaijan are modern and dynamic nations, with vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and diverse attractions. They are also countries of art and soul, where creativity and spirituality are expressed in various forms, from architecture and music, to literature and cuisine. One of the most distinctive and symbolic forms of art in both countries is the carpet, which is not only a decorative item, but also a cultural treasure, a historical document, and a personal statement.
In Armenia, carpets are known as “karpet”, which means “woven fabric”. Armenian carpets are among the oldest and finest in the world, dating back to the fifth century BC, when they were mentioned by the Greek historian Xenophon. Armenian carpets are characterized by their geometric patterns, vivid colors, and symbolic motifs, such as animals, flowers, stars, and crosses. Armenian carpets are also influenced by the Christian faith, which is the oldest state religion in the world, adopted by Armenia in 301 AD.
Armenian carpets are made by hand, using wool, cotton, or silk, and natural dyes, such as cochineal, indigo, and walnut. They are woven on horizontal or vertical looms, using various techniques, such as pile, flat, or embroidery. Armenian carpets are usually made by women, who pass on their skills and secrets from generation to generation. Armenian carpets are not only used for covering floors, walls, and furniture, but also for celebrating weddings, births, and funerals.
Some of the best places to see and buy Armenian carpets are the Megerian Carpet Museum and Factory in Yerevan, the capital city, where visitors can watch the artisans at work, learn about the history and culture of carpet making, and choose from a wide range of products; the Vernissage Market, also in Yerevan, where vendors sell various handicrafts, including carpets, rugs, and kilims; and the Dilijan Folk Art Museum, in the picturesque town of Dilijan, where a collection of antique and contemporary carpets is displayed.
In Azerbaijan, carpets are known as “xalça”, which means “something spread”. Azerbaijan is considered the homeland of carpets, as it has the most ancient and diverse traditions of carpet making in the world, dating back to the second millennium BC, when they were mentioned by the Assyrian king Sargon II. Azerbaijan carpets are recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage, and are celebrated as the national art of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan carpets are characterized by their regional styles, which reflect the geography, climate, and customs of the different areas of the country. There are seven main schools of carpet making in Azerbaijan, each with its own features, such as colors, patterns, and materials. For example, the Guba school, in the northeast, uses dark colors, such as blue, green, and brown, and geometric patterns, such as stars, diamonds, and medallions; the Tabriz school, in the northwest, uses light colors, such as red, yellow, and beige, and floral patterns, such as roses, tulips, and hyacinths.
Azerbaijan carpets are also made by hand, using wool, cotton, or silk, and natural dyes, such as madder, saffron, and pomegranate. They are woven on horizontal or vertical looms, using various techniques, such as pile, flat, or embroidery. Azerbaijan carpets are also made by women, who express their creativity and emotions through their designs. Azerbaijan carpets are not only used for decorating homes, mosques, and palaces, but also for showing hospitality, respect, and generosity.
Some of the best places to see and buy Azerbaijan carpets are the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, in Baku, the capital city, where visitors can admire a stunning collection of carpets, ranging from the medieval to the modern times, and learn about the history and culture of carpet making; the Sheki Silk Factory, in the historic town of Sheki, where visitors can witness the production of silk, which is used for making carpets, scarves, and dresses; and the Baku Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where visitors can explore the ancient and medieval architecture, and shop for carpets, souvenirs, and antiques.
Traveling to Armenia and Azerbaijan is a rewarding and enriching experience, as it offers the opportunity to discover the art and soul of the Caucasus, and to appreciate the beauty and diversity of its carpets. Whether you are looking for history, culture, or nature, you will find it in these two countries, which are both different and similar, both friendly and proud, and both worth visiting.
