A presentation of the book “Kelaghayi Is Our National Treasure,” dedicated to the art of kelaghayi, one of Azerbaijan’s rich examples of intangible cultural heritage, was held at the Alyans Youth Center operating in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.

The event was organized with the support of the Alyans Youth Center and a joint initiative of the Mirvarid Dilbazi Poetry Assembly Public Union and the Kalaghayi House Museum.

The ceremony began with a moment of respectful remembrance in honor of the heroic sons of Azerbaijan who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of our homeland.

 Various samples of kelaghayi and books detailing the history of the art were on display during the event.

In her speech, Gullu Eldar Tomarli, Chairperson of the Mirvarid Dilbazi Poetry Assembly Public Union and the Kelaghayi House Museum, as well as the author of the book, noted that as a result of initiatives led by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva and supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, “Traditional art and symbolism of Kelaghayi, making and wearing women’s silk headscarves” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 9th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee held in Paris in November 2014.

The book “Kelaghayi Is Our National Treasure,” published in Azerbaijani, Russian, and Georgian, provides information about the history of kelaghayi, its production techniques, and its role in the national and spiritual life of Azerbaijani women. It was noted that the Georgian edition of the book was translated by Imir Mammadli, a recipient of the Georgian State Prize and a renowned writer and translator.

The speakers emphasized the importance of introducing the art of kelaghayi to the younger generation and preserving traditional handicrafts.

At the end of the event, Azerbaijani national dances were performed, and children recited poems dedicated to kelaghayi.