Kelagai, a traditional Azerbaijani headscarf, has been a cherished craft in the regions of Basqal and Sheki, where it is passed down through generations. Typically, the children of kelagai artisans continue the family tradition. Unfortunately, because this art form has primarily been preserved within certain families, many kelagai patterns have been lost over time. This has led to the disappearance of national design examples, the forgetting of production processes, and the erosion of unique patterns from collective memory.
To address this issue, the Public Union "Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage" has undertaken a research project focused on studying and promoting kelagai patterns and symbolism. Supported by the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations, the project involved gathering information on kelagai patterns that have survived to the present day and creating a centralized database for them. Project participants visited various regions, including private museums, collectors, and state museums, to photograph kelagai and collect information about them. Research conducted in Sheki, Basqal, and Shamakhi led to the analysis of kelagai ornaments and the development of information regarding their meanings. All this data has been compiled into an electronic catalog of kelagai patterns.
According to Dr. Afet Rustamova, Chairperson of the organization and a PhD in History, the catalog includes over 100 ornaments, presenting information on ancient kelagai examples, their patterns, sizes, compositions, meanings, and color symbolism.
Dr. Rustamova noted that the creation of such a database will enable the restoration of forgotten kelagai patterns and their reappearance on kelagai scarves. It will also contribute significantly to preventing the appropriation of Azerbaijani patterns by other cultures and ensuring the preservation of these traditional designs. The project also plans to publish the catalog information in the future.
