Kalagayi is an inseparable part of the national attire of Azerbaijani women. It is woven from natural silk threads and traditionally dyed using plant-based dyes. The most renowned centers for kalagayi production have been Basgal, Shaki, and Ganja.
The patterns on a kalagayi are not random — each one carries a specific meaning: the “buta” symbolizes abundance and love, the “flower” represents elegance, and the “ivy” stands for life and continuity. The colors also carry symbolic meanings: white signifies purity, red represents love and energy, and black denotes mourning and compassion.
In the past, the kalagayi was not just a piece of clothing, but also held deep spiritual value. It was given to girls as part of their dowry, placed on the bride’s head during the wedding, and sometimes offered as a symbol of reconciliation and respect.
In 2014, “The traditional art and symbolism of Azerbaijani kalagayi” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today, the kalagayi is still cherished and preserved as a symbol of both our national identity and refined craftsmanship.
