Dragon

The “Dragon” carpets are esteemed as some of the most beautiful examples from the Garabagh carpet school. They feature unique designs, often illustrating various mystical animals. These types of rugs were primarily woven in Garabagh, Shirvan, and Guba between the 16th and 18th centuries. Some textile fragments adorned with dragon motifs have survived from the Ilkhanid period (13th – 14th centuries). In Azerbaijani decorative arts, the dragon image, when used alone, symbolizes positive energy and may also represent water sources in Azerbaijani folk literature. In ancient Turkic mythology, dragons like “Büke”, “Evren”, “Kök-luu”, and “Abyrga” symbolize might and power. Some historical sources mention a “Dragon City” from the ancient Huns. In Kipchak culture, the “Begsha” dragon symbolized the family hearth. Additionally, several pile and flat-woven carpets from the Safavid period also showcase dragon motifs.