A group of Azerbaijani women held a walk-march in the center of Baku today wearing the national headscarf – kelaghayi – in an event organized by NGOs, APA reports.
The march started in front of the Maiden Tower.
Representatives of civil society said that through this initiative they aim to increase interest in national clothing, particularly the kelaghayi.
It was noted that the kelaghayi is an important example of cultural heritage that embodies the centuries-old history, national identity, traditions and aesthetic worldview of the Azerbaijani people. Made of natural silk, this delicate headscarf has for centuries been an integral part of the clothing culture of Azerbaijani women. The kelaghayi is not only an element of national dress, but also an expression of the spiritual values of the Azerbaijani people and symbols of elegance, beauty and femininity.
Chairwoman of the Public Association for Support to the Development of Art Turana Orujova told APA that the kelaghayi embodies the elegance of Azerbaijani women, the country’s national and cultural values and artistic traditions passed down through the centuries:
“Preserving this heritage means not only keeping our culture alive, but also safeguarding our national identity and historical memory. Promoting, preserving and passing on our national clothing, particularly our kelaghayi, to future generations is among our main goals. Because our national heritage is an important spiritual asset that embodies the history, national identity and statehood traditions of our people. Our aim is not simply to display these values, but to instill their essence in young people and carry our national heritage into the future.
Preserving our national and moral values is also of great importance in terms of strengthening our traditions of statehood and maintaining our national unity. Because a people that safeguards its history and culture also preserves its identity.
For us, our national clothing and kelaghayi are a spiritual bridge between our past and future and an expression of our national identity and spirit of statehood. Our main goal is to preserve, promote and pass this rich heritage on to future generations in its entirety.”
The kelaghayi march attracted great interest among city residents and tourists.
It should be noted that the Azerbaijani kelaghayi is also internationally recognized. In November 2014, “Traditional art and symbolism of Kelaghayi, making and wearing women’s silk headscarves” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This important event confirmed the significance of the kelaghayi not only for the Azerbaijani people, but also for the cultural heritage of humanity as a whole.
Sheki and Basqal hold a special place among the main centers of kelaghayi art. Traditional sericulture, dyeing and pattern-printing techniques using wooden blocks are employed in its production. Buta, floral and geometric ornaments on kelaghayis reflect the rich artistic thinking of the Azerbaijani people. Preserving this art, promoting it among younger generations and keeping it alive in everyday clothing culture are of exceptional importance for passing national heritage on to future generations.
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