Kelaghayi

Silk-making has long been one of the defining strands of Azerbaijan’s rich craft tradition, closely intertwined with the art of kelaghayi. Renowned for its delicacy and refined aesthetic, the kelaghayi holds a special place in the traditional attire of Azerbaijani women. Adorned with intricate and visually striking patterns, this silk headscarf symbolises values such as love, beauty, peace and harmony.

The making of a kelaghayi is a multi-stage process requiring considerable skill. Crafted exclusively from pure silk, the square scarf is dyed and patterned using specialised techniques.

Today, the tradition continues to thrive in various regions of Azerbaijan, particularly in historic silk centres such as Shaki and Basqal, where the craft is both preserved and further developed.

Regarded as a symbol of grace and femininity, the Azerbaijani kelaghayi remains an important expression of national identity. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, “The Symbolism and Traditional Art of the Kelaghayi” was inscribed in 2014 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.