"Treasures of Azerbaijan" Museum
Kamancha
Various types of kamancha are widespread among the peoples of East and Central Asia under other names. The first examples were made of pumpkin, coconut, and decorated with ivory. The kamancha is widely used in the performance of mugham, the national musical genre of Azerbaijan. In 2008, Azerbaijani mugham was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Length - 74 cm, width - 21 cm þ
Examples of artistic embroidery and applied arts
One of the most delicate and delicate arts of the traditional material culture of Azerbaijan is artistic embroidery. Elements of national clothing and household items were decorated with different types of artistic embroidery. Various techniques were used to create these embroideries - tekelduz, gulab, etc.
Belt samples displayed in the section
Belts were an integral part of women's and men's clothing in the past. Studies show that in the past, it was possible to know the position, wealth, religious beliefs, nationality, and even age of the person wearing them by the belt. The belts of the poor were simple, while the belts of the ruling class were usually made of precious metal decorated with stones. Sometimes gold or silver coins were also strung on the belt strap. A number of examples of the belt, which was widespread in Azerbaijani applied art, are kept in museums in Azerbaijan and abroad. For example, the belt of Shah Ismail I, made in 1507 and richly decorated with stones, kept in the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul, is an example of craftsmanship. The belt was widespread in Azerbaijan as a female decoration. In the past, when a bride moved in, they would tie a symbolic belt around the girl's waist and wish her many children (usually boys). Tying a belt was considered a symbol of maturity. In the 18th century, both men and women wore belts in Azerbaijan. Traditionally, women wore wide belts, while men wore thin ones. In those centuries, belts were made of figured and decorated bronze, silver, or gold parts. The most beautiful part of them was the buckle. The buckle usually consisted of a wide rectangular piece of metal decorated with netting, penwork, and sometimes with gems.
National costume
Azerbaijani national costumes reflect the material culture of Azerbaijanis, their inherent features and belong to the unshakable ethnic signs of the people. During archaeological excavations, bronze needles and needles dating back to the early Bronze Age were found. Small clay sculptures and seal fingers found in Kultepe and Mingachevir allow us to form a certain idea of the costumes of that time. The fact that the costumes of Azerbaijanis living in different historical and ethnographic zones are basically the same indicates that they historically belong to a single ethnic group. During the centuries-old development of our culture, national costumes that emerged in different regions of Azerbaijan were always distinguished by the quality of their fabrics, the elegance of their workmanship, the delicacy of their patterns and the originality of their decorative elements. It was possible to determine a person’s age, family and social status by their clothes. While women’s clothes were sewn from silk and velvet, men’s clothes were mainly made of mahud and home-woven shawl fabric. This section of the exhibition concludes with the uniform (parade dress) of a colonel of the Muslim Corps as part of the Caucasian Islamic Army in 1918. The uniform consists of a national bukhary hat, a weighted coat, a staff officer's sash, a black, silver-buttoned back, chrome high-heeled boots, a national Azerbaijani belt with silver decorations and pendants, a shashka, and a dagger (knife).
MINIATURE
The work was developed in Azerbaijan in the second half of the 18th century, during the Qajar dynasty, based on traditional miniature art. In this style, called transparent cover painting, artists created a number of important works on papier-mâché, wood, paper, and walls. The miniature painting of this period represents the unity of decorative-applied European classical painting and monumental art.
Law
The law has historically been widespread in the Near and Middle East, as well as in the territory of Azerbaijan. The bottom and sides are made of maple, walnut and other solid wood materials. Length- 94 cm, width- 40 cm, height- 10 cm
Coppersmithing department
It is known from the monuments of the Eneolithic period that copper was one of the first metals mastered in our country. The high development of coppersmithing in Azerbaijan is further proven by the examples made of copper kept in European and Russian museums. In 1474, the Venetian traveler Contarini, who was in the palace of the ruler of Aggoyunlu, Uzun Hasan, noted that every day about 400 people were served food in copper dishes here, surrounded by the ruler. At the beginning of the 19th and 20th centuries, the copper products made by Azerbaijani coppersmiths were highly appreciated and awarded when they were exhibited at various exhibitions. (Exhibition of works from the Transcaucasian region in 1850, World Vienna Exhibition in 1873). The centers of coppersmithing in Azerbaijan were Tabriz, Ganja, Nakhchivan, Shamakhi, Baku, Ardabil, Lahij (Ismayilli), etc. Starting from the 19th century, Lahij became the main center of coppersmithing. The copper products made by Lahij craftsmen, such as jugs, satils, sarnics, majmegi, sarpush, güyum, ashsuzan, kafkir, bowls, glasses, cauldrons, lamps, and other items decorated with intricate and delicate patterns, are known in Central Asia, Dagestan, Georgia, Iran, Turkey, and other places.
Glazed ceramics
1) In the past, glazed ceramics were used to decorate pottery with high taste. This section contains various exhibits related to the art of glazed ceramics found in Azerbaijan. 2) In the past, glazed ceramics were used to decorate pottery with high taste. This section contains various exhibits related to the art of glazed ceramics found in Azerbaijan. þ
BACKWARD
This type of clothing, called arkhaliq, was the outerwear worn by women in the Nakhchivan region in the 19th century. It was made of velvet and silk fabrics and decorated with beads.
Carpet Weaving - A Tale of Loops
There are currently eight schools of Azerbaijani carpet weaving.
Archaeological finds
In the next section, we see pottery jars from various periods of the Middle Ages (for example, the 11th century). Jars have been a household item used since ancient times for storing and protecting various items. However, historically, jars were buried underground and have survived to this day.
Nakhchivan group
The Nakhchivan carpet weaving school is characterized by striped, thin and long carpets with geometric, floral and zoomorphic patterns. Nakhchivan carpets from the "dragon" series, distinguished by their rich and diverse compositional solutions and dating back to the 17th-18th centuries, are currently kept in Istanbul museums.
Glazed ceramics
1) In the past, glazed ceramics were used to decorate pottery with high taste. This section contains various exhibits related to the art of glazed ceramics found in Azerbaijan. 2) In the past, glazed ceramics were used to decorate pottery with high taste. This section contains various exhibits related to the art of glazed ceramics found in Azerbaijan. þ
Exhibits in the coppersmithing section:
This chest made of copper dates back to the 19th century. In the past, wealthy ladies would use a "bath chest" with a lock to store their jewelry. The size of the chest provided a special opportunity to determine the wealth of that lady.
CERAMIC CUBE
The jar has been a household item used for storing and protecting various items since ancient times. Historically, jars were buried underground and have survived to this day. Jars found in Azerbaijan date back to the 11th-12th centuries.
Areas where rock carvings were discovered
These areas, as can be seen from the plaque, include the Greater Gobustan zone, the Absheron Peninsula zone, the Gamigaya mountain zone in Ordubad (Nakhchivan), and the foothills of Dalidag in the Kalbajar region. In accordance with the mentioned zones, in the photographs on the left, one can see images reflecting the Mesolithic era amulet-totem beliefs, religious rituals, hunting scenes, and a ship located in the Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Reserve, which was first included in the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO in 2007. Along with these, many rock paintings belonging to the Gala archaeological and ethnographic museum complex and Gamigaya should also be noted.
Exhibits in the coppersmithing section:
The 19th century barbecue was widely used in everyday life for heating the house. Although the barbecue on display is made of copper, its upper part is covered with bronze. The floral motifs carved on the barbecue using the forging method are particularly striking.
Weapons section
The oldest weapons (first weapons) in Azerbaijan can be considered spears, stone spears (or throwing weapons) with holes for hanging, found in the Paleolithic period. At the next stage, in the middle of the Stone Age, called the Mesolithic, many Mesolithic monuments of the Caucasus and Western Asia, including the Gobustan camps, also had microlithic features. This is mainly due to the widespread use of bows and arrows at that time. Sharp points, piercers, various types of awls, chisels and chisels are typical tools made during this period. Microliths were mainly used in the manufacture of toothed tools, arrows, spears, spear-type weapons and harvesting knives. The main weapon of the Mesolithic hunters of Gobustan was the bow and arrow. For its time, this complex weapon made it possible to obtain meat products. In addition, weapons from the Bronze and Iron Ages should also be especially emphasized. Iron spearheads from the Khojaly-Gadabay culture monuments, iron-handled daggers and swords from the Mughan culture monuments should be especially noted. The weapons (daggers, swords, maces, shields) and armored clothing (helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, etc.) made by Azerbaijani craftsmen abroad in the 16th-17th centuries gained particular fame. The majority of the museum's exhibits are weapons, men's and women's belts, mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries. We should also mention two interesting works from the Safavid era made in Azerbaijan. Both of these are headdresses used by nobles during wartime. One of them is currently kept in the Armory in Moscow, and the other in Istanbul. On the second headdress it is noted that it was made for Shah Tahmasib in 1528.
Archaeological finds
In the next section, we see pottery jars from various periods of the Middle Ages (for example, the 11th century). Jars have been a household item used since ancient times for storing and protecting various items. However, historically, jars were buried underground and have survived to this day.
Explanation regarding the money samples of the ADR period:
As is known, during the ADR period, the state language of Azerbaijan was Azerbaijani-Turkish. It should also be taken into account that from the 18th century to 1920, the Arabic alphabet was at the forefront of Azerbaijani writing culture. During the ADR period, the Declaration of Independence (Aqdnameh), which was the basic law of the state (i.e., the constitution of the state), was written in Azerbaijani using the Arabic alphabet. Therefore, banknotes were written in Azerbaijani using the Arabic alphabet and, in accordance with the environment of the time, were also written in Russian and French. In 1919-20, ADR banknotes in denominations of 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 manats were put into circulation. These banknotes, designed with high artistic taste, bore the signatures of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers N. Yusifbeyli and the Minister of Finance Aliagha Hasanov. The 25 and 50 manat examples of the mentioned banknotes are presented to the readers. The banknotes were 7 x 11 cm in size and were written in Azerbaijani (in Arabic script) and Russian. These coins were the first economic steps that strengthened the political independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and such a state was considered one of the main attributes of national power. In the second government cabinet organized by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan N. Yusifbeyli (22.12.1919), Rashidkhan Gaplanov was appointed Minister of Finance. At the beginning of 1920, according to the decision of R. Gaplanov, a coin with a face value of "500 manats" was put into circulation. The signatures of Prime Minister N. Yusifbeyli and Minister of Finance R. Gaplanov were reflected on that coin. Our first coins and stamps bore the words "Republic of Azerbaijan". On all the banknotes and postage stamps issued during the era of our First Republic, we read only one name – in Turkish (in Arabic script) “Azerbaijan Cumhuriyeti”, in Russian “Azerbaydjanskaya Respublika”, in French “Republiqued' Azerbaidjan”! Our first national state, which existed in 1918-1920, was officially called “Azerbaijan Cumhuriyeti”. ÷÷÷÷
Exhibits in the coppersmithing section:
A wide, round, and shallow household item, the bath bowl was primarily used to store water in baths. The copper bath bowl dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Jewelry
Starting from the Paleolithic period, the remains found in the graves discovered in the camps observed in large areas provide information about the lifestyle of the deceased, kinship relations, perceptions of community members, etc. For example, all the dead had necklaces made of stone beads. It should also be noted that a large number of belts and jewelry dating back to the 2nd millennium BC (Bronze Age) have been found. In general, gold and silver jewelry made of precious metals is divided into 4 parts: 1) neck jewelry 2) arm and finger jewelry 3) head jewelry 4) jewelry attached to clothes It is interesting that the decorative elements found on these jewelry samples, such as crescent moon, five-pointed star, etc. motifs, have survived to our time and are being used by our modern craftsmen. þ
Oud
The oud is a musical instrument widely used mainly in Arabia, Turkey, Iran and many Eastern peoples. The word oud is an Arabic word meaning "wood". Length- 90 cm, width- 39 cm, height- 22 cm þ
Flute
The flute was once a woodwind musical instrument used mainly by shepherds. The timbre of the sound is gentle and pleasant. The tubular body is made of apricot, walnut, mulberry or reed. Length - 33 cm, width - 3 cm.
Carpet Weaving - A Tale of Loops
1) The history of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan dates back to the 2nd and 1st millennia BC. The first carpet museum in the world was opened in Azerbaijan in 1967. The art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving was included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. Beautiful carpets and carpet products created by the hands of Azerbaijani female craftsmen adorn the world's great museums, such as the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the Victoria and Albert in London, the Textile Museum in Washington, the Louvre in Paris, and the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, as well as Azerbaijani museums. 2) Pile carpets are carpets that date back to the period reflecting the highest stage of weaving art. Azerbaijani carpets are divided into pileless, piled, and plot types according to their technical characteristics. Pile carpets woven with numerous compositional patterns and rich ornamental motifs are particularly distinguished in the art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Pile carpets are more complex in terms of weaving technique than the production of pileless carpets (kilim, sumakh, palaz, etc.), but they have higher operational qualities than pileless carpets. Pileless carpets are carpets that date back to the earliest period of weaving art. Azerbaijani carpet art is distinguished by its high artistic and technical quality, the diversity of pileless weaving. All examples of pileless carpets are presented here. It should be noted that these examples are represented in small quantities in the carpet art of other countries. The basis for the creation of pileless carpets, and carpet art in general, is their first simple examples, hasir, chetan, buriya. Pileless carpets are divided into 8 types that differ from each other in their weaving method, compositional structure, richness of ornamentation and color palette: palaz, jecim, ladi, kilim, shadda, varni, zili, sumakh. The carpet composition from 2011, demonstrated at the exposition, is one of the interesting exhibits of the exhibition. This work by Eldar Mikayilzadeh, titled “Yaranish”, is not only an example of modern carpet weaving, but also reflects all the stages of carpet making. In the center of the carpet, several weavers in the workshop realize the composition “Sheikh Safi”, which is considered one of the masterpieces of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. ÷÷÷÷
Trumpet
The zurna musical instrument, which has a strong and sonorous sound, is widespread in Azerbaijan and has taken a special place in our cultural life. It is believed that the word "zurna" comes from the word "surnay", meaning "big feast" and "nay" meaning "reed", "reed". It is mainly made by carving from apricot, walnut and mulberry trees. Length - 36 cm, width - 7 cm
Carpet Weaving - A Tale of Loops
1) The history of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan dates back to the 2nd and 1st millennia BC. The first carpet museum in the world was opened in Azerbaijan in 1967. The art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving was included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. Beautiful carpets and carpet products created by the hands of Azerbaijani female craftsmen adorn the world's great museums, such as the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the Victoria and Albert in London, the Textile Museum in Washington, the Louvre in Paris, and the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, as well as Azerbaijani museums. 2) Pile carpets are carpets that date back to the period reflecting the highest stage of weaving art. Azerbaijani carpets are divided into pileless, piled, and plot types according to their technical characteristics. Pile carpets woven with numerous compositional patterns and rich ornamental motifs are particularly distinguished in the art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Pile carpets are more complex in terms of weaving technique than the production of pileless carpets (kilim, sumakh, palaz, etc.), but they have higher operational qualities than pileless carpets. Pileless carpets are carpets that date back to the earliest period of weaving art. Azerbaijani carpet art is distinguished by its high artistic and technical quality, the diversity of pileless weaving. All examples of pileless carpets are presented here. It should be noted that these examples are represented in small quantities in the carpet art of other countries. The basis for the creation of pileless carpets, and carpet art in general, is their first simple examples, hasir, chetan, buriya. Pileless carpets are divided into 8 types that differ from each other in their weaving method, compositional structure, richness of ornamentation and color palette: palaz, jecim, ladi, kilim, shadda, varni, zili, sumakh. The carpet composition from 2011, demonstrated at the exposition, is one of the interesting exhibits of the exhibition. This work by Eldar Mikayilzadeh, titled “Yaranish”, is not only an example of modern carpet weaving, but also reflects all the stages of carpet making. In the center of the carpet, several weavers in the workshop realize the composition “Sheikh Safi”, which is considered one of the masterpieces of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. ÷÷÷÷
Musical instruments
The photographs show many musical instruments historically used in Azerbaijan, many of which are no longer in use today.
Shirvan group
One of the main characteristics of carpets belonging to the Shirvan carpet weaving school is that they are large in size and have a high density and, in some cases, are woven in the form of a "set-khali". The carpets, which reflect floral and geometric patterns, animal and bird images, are mainly dominated by red, blue, and ochre-brown colors.
Exhibits in the coppersmithing section:
Sherbet, the most widespread type of drink in Azerbaijan, was mainly served as a national drink symbol, at weddings and banquets, as well as on special occasions to give sherbet as a gift. Sugar, aromatic and spicy plants, fruits and berries are used in the preparation of sherbet. ÷÷The words “Creator of the whole world - Allah” are engraved on the displayed sherbet bowl, and the surface of the bowl is rich in various plant patterns and mythical images. This sherbet bowl, made of copper, dates back to the 19th century. ÷÷There were always buckets of different sizes placed next to the sherbet bowl to strain the sherbet from the sherbet bowl into bowls. One of these buckets is on display at the exhibition. ÷÷÷÷
Drum
This type of drum is usually used in a group of instruments such as zurna, balaban and others. The word "naghara" is an Arabic word meaning "to beat", "to knock". Walnut, apricot and various types of wood are used in the manufacture of this musical instrument. Height - 31 cm, diameter - 36 cm þ
Tabriz group
The carpets of the Tabriz carpet weaving school are distinguished by their ornament and plot compositions, elegant floral patterns, and exquisite design of the central medallion. The "Sheikh Safi" carpet (16th century), kept in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the "Hunting" carpet (16th century), kept in the Poldi Pezzoli Museum in Milan, are beautiful examples of the Tabriz carpet weaving school.
Land of tolerance
Tolerance is understood as a tolerant approach to other beliefs and convictions. Tolerance, which is related to human rights and conscience, is formed on the basis of democracy. It is also characterized by the rejection of racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, terrorism and extremism. As in all times in Azerbaijan, today, too, a dialogue between religions has been created in modern Azerbaijan, and an environment of democratic stability has been formed on the basis of mutual respect. This principle is also enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The hall displays the Talmud, Tanakh of Judaism, the Bible written in Arabic of Christianity, icons and the holy book of Islam - the Quran.
Glazed ceramics
1) In the past, glazed ceramics were used to decorate pottery with high taste. This section contains various exhibits related to the art of glazed ceramics found in Azerbaijan. 2) In the past, glazed ceramics were used to decorate pottery with high taste. This section contains various exhibits related to the art of glazed ceramics found in Azerbaijan. þ
Exhibits in the coppersmithing section:
Longevity of copper utensils In the past, people's longevity was due to their extensive use of copper utensils. Indeed, copper utensils have the ability to kill harmful substances. Therefore, everyone is advised to store drinking water in copper vessels and boil it in copper kettles. It should also be emphasized that dishes cooked in copper pots are very fragrant and tasty.
Music - The gravitational force of sounds
The first information about music dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. Specific information about it from the 3rd-1st millennia BC was found in Gamigaya. Musical instruments were also made from clay and animal bones in ancient Azerbaijan. Along with this, percussion, wind, and stringed musical instruments were always given wide space. It should be noted that the art of mugham and ashug, the preparation of tar, stringed musical instruments, and the art of performance of Azerbaijan were included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Exhibits in the coppersmithing section:
The sarpush, which dates back to the 19th century, was widely used as a copper lid in ancient Azerbaijani life. The sarpush was used to close the pilaf pot. The sarpush, an example of coppersmithing, served two purposes. It was used both as a lid to keep the pilaf warm and as a container to collect milk by sticking the spit into the ground when milking a cow.
With traces of ancient civilization
As a carrier of ancient civilization, there are many settlements in the territory of Azerbaijan, which belong to the Paleolithic period, the first stage of primitive community structure. These settlements are marked accordingly on the political map of Azerbaijan. Among them, it is worth noting the Azikh cave, located on the left bank of the Guruchay River near the city of Fuzuli in Karabakh. Thanks to the lower jaw bone of a person (Azikh man) who lived in the mentioned cave 350-400 thousand years ago, the territory of Azerbaijan was included in the map of “The oldest inhabitants of Europe”. Along with Azikh, the map also includes images of ancient settlements such as Taglar, Dashsalahli, Gazma, Shusha, Damjili and Buzeyir.
"Pearls of Azerbaijan"
The permanent exhibition "Pearls of Azerbaijan" contains photographs of the main material and cultural monuments of Azerbaijan, archaeological finds and other interesting exhibits. The Azerbaijani people still preserve and are proud of their pearls inherited from ancient times. At the entrance to the museum, you can see photographs of "Ilandag" in Nakhchivan, which is considered a symbol of individual regions, "Maiden's Castle" in Baku, which is a 12th-century architectural pearl of Azerbaijan, "Shusha" castle in Shusha, which was the center of the Karabakh Khanate for a long time, and "Gobustan rock carvings" dating back to the Mesolithic period in the settlement of Gobustan, located 56 km from Baku. In the center of this exhibition is a map of Azerbaijan, reflected on both sides with a special design - red threads. In the left part of the exhibition, women's jewelry made of gold, discovered in one of the ancient grave monuments as a result of archaeological excavations in the Ganja-Gazakh region of Azerbaijan, is displayed. A pair of earrings, a ring, leaf-shaped and tubular beads and pendants belonging to a young woman, a total of 52 pieces, made with great skill and exquisite craftsmanship, belong to the last stage of the Khojaly-Gedebey archaeological culture, which formed an important stage in the ancient history of Azerbaijan - 3000-2700 years ago. This newly discovered gold product proves the existence of social inequality and early state institutions in the ancient society of Azerbaijan at that time. Thus, a person buried with such rich gold ornaments for that period was undoubtedly one of the people with a high position in society. In general, these ornaments are the richest finds made of gold discovered in the ancient history of Azerbaijan due to their number and variety.
Exhibits in the coppersmithing section:
Several types of water vessels used in households were used for carrying, storing, or serving water at the table, for washing, or for cleaning. A jug or a jug is an oblong vessel with a handle and spout for storing liquid. It resembles a kettle, but it is smaller. A jug is made of various materials, primarily clay, glass, and plastic.
Baku group
The color palette of the carpets belonging to the Baku carpet weaving school is mainly dark blue, and rarely red and yellow colors are used for the middle area. Geometric flowers and curved plant elements dominate the decorations of the carpets. The colors used are mainly red, dark red, blue, blue, and green.
Saz
Saz is a stringed instrument played with a lute, or mizrab. Saz is also one of the symbols of the Turkic world and is considered one of the oldest examples of Azerbaijani national culture. The bowl of the saz is made of selected varieties of mulberry wood, and the neck is made of walnut wood. Saz is an important part of the ashug art, one of the oldest branches of Azerbaijani musical culture. In 2009, Azerbaijani ashug creativity was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. шш шшLength-100 cm, width-24 cm шшшш
Ganja group
Examples of the Ganja carpet weaving school are distinguished by their compositional diversity, finesse of lines, large medallions decorating the central area, and two-plane ornaments.
About the embroidery of the CARPET Gulabet
It is distinguished by its external brilliance, plastic silhouette, complex working technique and decorative features. It is mainly widespread in Baku, Shamakhi, Nakhchivan, Shusha and other regions. This embroidery is made in two types: smooth and embossed. To produce this embroidery, called “Zaminduzi”, a wooden frame called “kargah” (loom) and a needle were used. The gold and silver (gulabet) wires were made of high-quality silver by special wire weavers. To obtain gold wire, silver was immersed in gold water. The wires were used either in their pure form or wrapped around a silk thread. Heavy, dark-colored fabrics (velvet, ganovuz, khara, misgaltirma) were used for gulabet embroidery.
Exhibits in the coppersmithing section:
Longevity of copper utensils In the past, the longevity of people was due to their extensive use of copper utensils. Indeed, copper utensils have the ability to kill harmful substances. Therefore, everyone is advised to store drinking water in copper vessels and boil it in copper kettles. It should also be emphasized that dishes cooked in copper pots are very fragrant and tasty.
Karabakh group
The large-sized carpets of the Karabakh carpet weaving school consist of 5 parts and are called "dest-khali-geba". The carpets, distinguished by their diverse composition, are dominated by colorful colors.
Coppersmithing department
It is known from the monuments of the Eneolithic period that copper was one of the first metals mastered in our country. The high development of coppersmithing in Azerbaijan is further proven by the examples made of copper kept in European and Russian museums. In 1474, the Venetian traveler Contarini, who was in the palace of the ruler of Aggoyunlu, Uzun Hasan, noted that every day about 400 people were served food in copper dishes here, surrounded by the ruler. At the beginning of the 19th and 20th centuries, the copper products made by Azerbaijani coppersmiths were highly appreciated and awarded when they were exhibited at various exhibitions. (Exhibition of works from the Transcaucasian region in 1850, World Vienna Exhibition in 1873). The centers of coppersmithing in Azerbaijan were Tabriz, Ganja, Nakhchivan, Shamakhi, Baku, Ardabil, Lahij (Ismayilli), etc. Starting from the 19th century, Lahij became the main center of coppersmithing. The copper products made by Lahij craftsmen, such as jugs, satils, sarnics, majmegi, sarpush, güyum, ashsuzan, kafkir, bowls, glasses, cauldrons, lamps, and other items decorated with intricate and delicate patterns, are known in Central Asia, Dagestan, Georgia, Iran, Turkey, and other places.
Tambourine
The gaval is perhaps the only instrument that has managed to preserve its original form to this day. It is made of walnut wood, and its surface is covered with sturgeon skin, which is specially treated. Since the fish skin is thin and transparent, its sound timbre is quite pleasant. The gaval is widely used in the performance of mugham, the national musical genre of Azerbaijan. In 2008, Azerbaijani mugham was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Diameter- 40 cm, width-6 cm
Balaban
One of the widely used wind instruments is the balaban. The name of this instrument is made up of the words "bala" meaning small and "ban" because the timbre of its sound is likened to the crowing of a rooster. The balaban is made of apricot, walnut, mulberry and pear wood. Length - 42 cm, width - 6 cm þ
Guba group
The examples of the Guba carpet weaving school, which reflect the compositional solutions of more than thirty different ornaments and colors, are striking with their complex geometric patterns, color harmony, elegance of small floral images, and the delicacy and precision of the weave. The carpets are mainly dominated by blue, white, dark blue, brown, and yellow colors.
Ancient coins
The first coins found in Azerbaijan date back to the time of Alexander the Great. Starting from the 3rd century BC, other silver coins were also minted in ancient Azerbaijan (in Atropatena and Caucasian Albania). These coins resembled the coins of Alexander the Great, the Seleucid and Parthian rulers. After Azerbaijan was subjected to the Arab invasion in the 7th century, it joined the monetary circulation of the Caliphate. In the 9th-11th centuries, in the feudal states of Azerbaijan, including the states of the Shirvanshahs - Mazyadis, Sajis, Salaris, Ravvadis, Shaddadids, especially silver dirhams, not only met the needs of the domestic market of Azerbaijan, but also played the role of a kind of international currency in the Caucasus, along with the coins of the Caliphate. In the 15th-16th centuries, Shirvanshah coins - tenge - were considered a means of payment throughout the Caucasus. The states of the Garagoyunlu, Aggoyunlu, and Safavids minted silver and gold coins. Many heavy silver coins issued in the Safavid state at the beginning of the 16th century were in a certain sense indicative of the economic power of that state. According to the treaties of Gulustan (1813) and Turkmenchay (1828), after the northern part of Azerbaijan became part of Russia, the khanates were banned from minting coins. Azerbaijan was included in the all-Russian monetary circulation.
Yerevan group
Colorful dyes are the main feature that distinguishes Yerevan carpets from others. The imagination, mythical views, and beliefs of the local population also played an important role in the choice of pattern-composition of the carpets, and their expression was reflected in the carpets. According to the pattern composition, the examples of the Yerevan carpet weaving school are considered closer to the Gazakh, Karabakh, and Tabriz carpet weaving schools.
Tar
Tar, used as the leading instrument in the mugham trio, the national musical genre of Azerbaijan, still plays an exceptional role in the development of mugham art today. Since 2012, "Tar and its performing art" has been included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Length - 90 cm, width - 20 cm þ
Goshanagara
As the name suggests, the double drum consists of two small goblet-shaped drums fastened together. Clay was used in the manufacture of this instrument at first, and later wood and metal were used. Their faces are made of camel, calf or goat skin and are attached to the body with metal screws. The instrument is placed on the ground or on a special table and played with two wooden mallets. Length - 47 cm, width - 27 cm, height - 21 cm þ
Kazakh group
Carpets belonging to the Kazakh carpet weaving school are distinguished by geometric patterns and totem animal drawings. In the carpets of this school, a very harmonious color scheme is created with few colors. Mainly ocher brown, green, black-yellow and white-red tones prevail. Rare examples of the Kazakh carpet weaving school are kept in the "Victoria and Albert" in London, the "Metropolitan" in New York, the "Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art" in Istanbul and other museums and private collections around the world.
