Kelaghayi — Azerbaijan's UNESCO-Listed Silk Scarf
The kelaghayi is more than a scarf — it's a symbol with its own colour code. How it's made and how to choose a real one.
Kelaghayi is the traditional Azerbaijani silk headscarf. In 2014 the art of making and wearing kelaghayi was inscribed on UNESCO's intangible heritage list.
How it's made
The main centres are Sheki and the village of Basqal in Ismayilli district. Silk is dyed with natural colours and patterned by hand with carved wooden stamps. The best-known motif is the buta, shaped like a teardrop or flame.
The colour code
The colour once said a lot about the wearer: red for brides and young wives, bright shades for celebrations, dark ones for mourning. Today the kelaghayi is worn as a headscarf, shawl or accessory with any outfit.
Where to buy
- Workshops in Sheki and Basqal — watch it being made.
- Shops in Baku's Old City.
- Local designer boutiques.
To avoid synthetics, feel the fabric: silk is soft and warms quickly in your hand. More gift ideas in what to bring home from Azerbaijan.
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