On August 15-22, Shirin Melikova, Director of the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, Chair of ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee, Honored Worker of Culture, took part in the presentation of the Quality Mark by World Crafts Council (WWC) at the invitation of Dinara Chochunbaeva, UNESCO expert on Intangible Cultural Heritage, Founder of the Central Asian Crafts Support Association. At the event, Shirin Melikova was elected as a member of the International Jury. Dinara Chochunbaeva (Kyrgyzstan), Edik Onk (Malaysia) and Ajan Bekkulova (Kazakhstan) are also on the jury.

Shirin Melikova mentioned that more than a hundred artists from Central Asian countries were nominated for the Quality Mark by World Crafts Council (WWC) at this international event. “The prize was awarded to products that received a rigorous multi-stage selection. Suzane and gulebetin embroideries, metal, ceramics, wood, lacquer and jewelry works, felt products, specimens of traditional costume, as well as the author works made in traditional technique such as clothing and accessories, are among them. In total, forty-six products have received the Quality Mark,” said the Museum Director. Shirin Melikova added that nowadays handicrafts in Central Asia are reviving their popularity.

“Handicraft movement in the countries of Central Asia is gaining momentum. In all countries of this region, ancient handicrafts are being revived - the whole family, young and old alike, is engaged in them. Thanks to the invaluable work of the devotees of this great cause, these crafts feed tens of thousands of families, developing the economy and promoting their culture throughout the world,” said Shirin Melikova.

It should be noted that artisans who have received the Quality Mark get the right to sell their products not only within the country but abroad.

Shirin Melikova also held several meetings within the framework of her visit. She visited the gold stitch embroidery factory in Bukhara and got acquainted with their work, materials and embroidery technique as well. Forty women work at the factory. Moreover, this factory also cooperates with home-workers. Fabrics - for example, velvet - are imported from Germany. The largest orders are produced for Russia and the countries of Western Europe.

During the visit, Shirin Melikova also visited the workshop of the prominent representative of the Gijduvan ceramics school of Uzbekistan Abdullo Nazrullayev, located near Bukhara. In Nazrullayev family this craft is passed down through generations. There is a gallery, presented with a range of products, and a museum with ancient samples of pottery at the workshop. Shirin Melikova noted an opportunity for organizing a joint exhibition of the Carpet Museum and this institution, dedicated to the art of ceramics and embroidery.

Shirin Melikova also met with Abdulhamid Badjisi, Head of the Samarkand Carpets Factory “Samarkand and Bukhara Silk Carpets.” He elaborated on the methods of factory work, its staff recruitment, and training programs on dyeing and weaving. Shirin Melikova got acquainted with the Azerbaijani carpets, kept in the factory’s collection.