Let's take a closer look at the exquisitely designed namazlig (a prayer rug) in ghalamkar (meaning drawing with a pen) technique from the museum's collection.

 

Ghalamkar fabric took a special place among other cotton fabric. Until recently, the irreplaceable household items included namazligs (prayer rugs), tablecloths, curtains, and towels in ghalamkar technique. Craftsmen applied natural dyes on thick cotton fabric. Depending on the shape of the pattern, they used ghalams (pens) of different sizes. Carpet ornaments greatly influenced the development of patterned motifs in the decoration of products in ghalamkar technique. Notably, narrative and ornamental motives were of great interest. 

This 19th-century namazlig attracts with its rich artistic design, floral and geometric patterns, elements of mihrab and ketebe. There is an inscription in Arabic inside the ketebe: Praise be to God, Who is pure and created all things pure.  

 

Namazlig (a prayer rug) in ghalamkar technique. Azerbaijan. 19th century. Cotton. Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum collection