Azerbaijan unveils “Thousand Patterns of Chul” textile exhibition
Exhibition highlights country’s rich textile heritage through intricate centuries-old chul designs
BAKU, Azerbaijan (MNTV) – The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum has unveiled its new exhibition, “Thousand Patterns of the Chul,” which features 25 intricately designed chul samples from its esteemed collection.
This exhibition showcases the cultural significance and artistic brilliance of these decorative cloths, which were traditionally used to adorn and protect animals such as horses, camels, donkeys, and oxen.
Through these pieces, the exhibition highlights Azerbaijan’s rich material history and its outstanding textile craftsmanship.
The exhibition presents chuls woven in various regions of Azerbaijan, including Baku, Shirvan, Gazakh, and Garabagh, illustrating the diverse techniques employed in their creation.
These include pile- and flat-weaving, as well as a range of embroidery methods such as gulabatin (gold embroidery), takalduz (chain stitch), julma (bird’s eye), and patchwork.
These artistic techniques underscore the country’s long-standing tradition of textile artistry.
Historically, chuls were not only used to beautify animals for ceremonial purposes but also provided practical benefits, offering warmth during the harsh winter months.
The antiquity of the chul is supported by significant archaeological findings, including a clay horse figure adorned with a floral-patterned chul from the 2nd millennium BCE discovered in South Azerbaijan and a gold bowl depicting a lion with a chul from the 1st millennium BCE near Lake Urmia.
Additionally, richly patterned chuls are depicted in works by artists of the Tabriz miniature school, further cementing their historical importance.
During the Middle Ages, chuls for rulers and nobility were crafted from luxurious materials such as colorful wool, silk, and even gold and silver threads, often adorned with precious stones.
The exhibition, which will be open until April 1, 2025, is part of the museum’s continued efforts to preserve and celebrate Azerbaijan’s textile heritage.
The National Carpet Museum, established in 1967, houses a remarkable collection of over 14,000 exhibits, including rare carpets and textiles.
The museum’s striking architecture, designed to resemble a rolled carpet, serves as a cultural hub for international symposiums, conferences, and exhibitions.
In recognition of its significant role in promoting Azerbaijani carpet weaving, the museum was granted national status in 2019.
Recent additions to its collection include the 19th-century Guba carpet “Ugakh” and the Garabagh carpet “Chelebi,” acquired through donations and international acquisitions.
For four consecutive years, the museum has been honored with the Travellers’ Choice Award, continuing to earn global recognition for its dedication to preserving and showcasing Azerbaijan’s artistic and cultural legacy.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
