Ref. No: 0407-256
Group: Kuba
Sub-Group: Gymyl
Origin Country: AZERBAIJAN, Gymyl Village (18kms to the southwest of Kuba)
General/Historical Information:
Gymyl type of carpets appeared in Gabala region
(one of the northern regions
of Azerbaijan) in 14th-15th centuries
and here it has been progressed. And later, in 18th century, it was spread to
the carpet weaving districts of Kuba Region. (Gymyl is one of the carpet weaving
districts of Kuba Region)
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Note: Gabala is
situated in the northeastern part of today’s Azerbaijan Republic. There is
an interesting fact from well-known historiographer Abu Jafar Muhammad
Tabari (10th century), he specially mentioned that in the north
eastern part of Azerbaijan carpets of high quality were manufactured. Gabala
was the capital of Ancient Albania State, – which was existed from 4th
century BC until 7th century AD, for 1100 years in the territory of Northern
Azerbaijan. The same design is still
used in Gabala region and has been called by old carpet makers as “Gadim
Gabala" (Ancient Gabala). Today the carpet of the same design but with
simple composition is called “Mammad Aghaly” in Gabala Region. |
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Additionally, the same type of rugs have been made in Barda, Karabagh region. In
Turk ve Islam Eserleri Muzesi (Istanbul) there is an alongated type of lachak
turunj design carpet (which is very similar to Gymyl), which was made in 1500th
in Barda.
Interesting Fact: 10th century Muslim traveler and historian
Al-Muqaddasi describing north Azerbaijani town of Barda and its market, noted: “
silk and clothes are sold at this market…and their carpets have no equals in the
world”
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Art Analysis:
The medallion of the central field is called "Quyu" (means a well) by
local carpet makers. This medallion is an another form of ‘lachak-turunj’, which
was used in the decoration of books and architectural buildings and engravings
of gravestones since 9th century. I strongly believe that lachak
turunj firstly appeared in the capital of ancient Azerbaijan – city of Tabriz.
But the formation of today’s Gymyl carpets was realized in Gabala. From this
point of view, I prefer to name this design as Gadim Gabala (Ancient Gabala), as
old carpet makers named it.
In the 18th century, they started to make this "Ancient Gabala" type of carpets
in Gymyl village, at the same time, Azerbaijan carpets became very popular in
western markets. So production of these carpets in Gymyl village and highly
demand for Caucasian Azerbaijan carpets in western markets came across at the
same time. Therefore, this type of carpet became famous with the name "Gymyl".
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Pile
& basement: PURE WOOL
Density/Kpsm (knots per square meter): up to 180 000
Size: 135x210cm
Area: 2.835cm2
AGE: circa 1950-55
Condition: very good
Technical Analysis: Density of "Gymyl" carpets varies from 40x40 to 50x50 per square decimeter. (from 160.000 to 250.000 knots per square meter)
The height of pile: 4-6mm
Comments: Carpet "Gymyl" is considered as one of the best quality carpet samples of Kuba Region. There is a very old Gymyl carpet in Lahij Village Mosque. (18th c.)
