In Sheki, Azerbaijan's silk weaving hub, one of the most sought-after souvenirs by tourists is the traditional kelagai, a colorful headscarf. Foreign visitors show great interest in kelagai and often take these vibrant head coverings as gifts. Additionally, tourists are keen to witness the kelagai production process. Currently, there are very few workshops in Sheki where this tradition is practiced.
As part of a project by the Public Union "Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage," the workshop of artisan Amir Aslan Shamilov, who preserves the art of kelagai making, has been renovated for this purpose. The project, supported by the State Tourism Agency, included repairs to the workshop, improvements to the yard, installation of a new gate, electrical wiring in the dyeing and tailoring sections, and the installation of a new heating system. The workshop has also been equipped with new tools and furniture.
During the presentation ceremony held in Sheki as part of the project, Gudrat Guliyev, the Manager of Dyeing and Decoration Production at "Azər İpək" LLC, provided detailed information about Sheki artisans, the kelagai molds they use, and their meanings. Expert Elshan Mustafayev also spoke about scientific research and findings related to kelagai molds during a training session supported by the "Upper Bash" National Historical and Architectural Reserve. Local vocational school students, museum staff, and employees from scientific foundations attended the event.
Additionally, practical and theoretical training sessions have been organized at Amir Aslan's workshop for students from Sheki. Theoretical sessions covered the significance of kelagai art, reasons for its inclusion in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative List, the importance of preserving this art, and other related topics. At the end of the practical training, it is planned that some students will be employed by Amir Aslan.
The project also includes the production of printed materials providing information about the kelagai workshop for tourists. The project's goals are to support artisans in Sheki, increase the number of tourism attractions in the city, promote the ancient kelagai production, boost demand for the product, and ensure the transmission of this ancient craft to the younger generation.