Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

The national brand "Azerbaijan Kelaghayi" has presented a photo project devoted to the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku.

The main goal of the project is to promote Azerbaijan’s national heritage. In 2014, this unique silk headscarf was added to the intangible cultural heritage list by UNESCO.

Head of the Center of National Costumes Gulnara Khaloilova, People's Artist of Azerbaijan Anver Sadikhov, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, singer and composer Tunzala Aghayeva, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, jazzman Emil Afrasiyab, singer Abbas Baghirov, Tv host Nargiz Jalilova, writer and turkologist Gunel Anarqizi and others took part in the project.

Besides being a symbol of chastity, respect and devotion, kelaghayi also preserves the ancient history, culture and traditions of the Land of Fires – Azerbaijan.

The main figure used in silk headscarf is buta, a twisted teardrop that has been a symbol of the divine fire, which has been worshipped in Azerbaijan since ancient times.

Kelaghayis differ from each other in terms of their color tints and sizes and social status. Unmarried girls cover their heads with kelaghayis of bright colors, such as yellow, pink, gold or purple, while dark colored kelaghayis are for older women.

Nowadays Kelaghayis are manufactured in Basqal, a picturesque village near Shamakhi, and in Sheki.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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