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Nakhchivan from the ancient times is glorified by its decorative-applied arts and in particularly most widespread kind of this art on the East - carpet weaving. Carpets made by Nakhchivan craftsmen are known by their general style name "Nakhchivan". Related to their artistic and technological features they are divided into 2 groups.

First group includes carpets with geometrical patterns developed in various epochs by local craftsmen. These patterns usually have a very original lines. The middle field consists from thin strips - Madakhils. Generally, from the ancient times, the striped patterns were typical for artworks created in Nakhchivan. For example, in X century in Nakhchivan there was made a striped braid, which was very popular in other regions as well.

The second group includes large carpets (Halyh) especially popular in XVII-XVIII centuries. Initially layouts of these original artworks used to be shaped from vegetative, curvilinear ornaments. Later layouts of these carpets went varied, pursuant to changes of the local carpet making technology; curvilinear patterns were replaced by dashed lines.

Halyh and carpets of the Nakhchivan style are mainly lengthened. The floors of the Palaces constructed in Nakhchivan usually were entirely covered by Halyh and carpets, the majority from which were woven from silk. Especial development of this sphere of business in Nakhchivan happened in IX-XII centuries. Carpet weaving was the main business activity for local women and girls. However, the male artists frequently prepared the layout draft and color graphic pallet for a new carpet. Many recognized masters of this craft, received respect and love not only from their neighbors, but also from far outside Nakhchevan. In opinion of some researchers, Ajami Abubakr oglu Nackchivani, Ahmad Eiyub oglu Nackchivani and some other famous masters of carpet weaving personally participated in creating of weaving styles and decorating of carpets in other medieval cities of Azerbaijan.

The most typical ornamental element

The Nakhchivan craftsmen managed to weave perfect Zili and Halyh carpets. According to stories told by the oldest carpet specialists, big Zili carpets from Nakhchivan and some other cities of Azerbaijan were being exported to Russia and Europe in XVIII - early XIX centuries. Zili are referred to gently weaved carpets with no pile. In ancient times Zili were widely used for daily needs of nomads. Now they serve as other carpets - to decorate habitation rooms.
Jejim also was wide spread in Nakhchivan. Jejim is a carpet of thick weaving, weaved from the raw silk, sometimes from wool. Its used in household activities as mattress to be sat on, blanket, cushion - mutakka, coverlet. The Jejim patterns more often are simply vertical strips.
"shadda" - another type of carpets, usual for Nakhchivan. This carpet is with no pile as well. Chess-like squares, caravans of camels and horses, human figures, full face image of a flying hoopoe - these are the basic plot patterns of shadda.