Nakhchivan

This jewelry piece draws inspiration from the ‘Shadda’ pileless carpets of Nakhchivan. Mythically known as the first resting-place of Noah’s ark, Nakhchivan has been renowned for its decorative and applied arts since ancient times. Cities like Nakhchivan, Ordubad, and Julpha have long been centers of weaving both piled and pileless carpets from wool and silk. Located on the Silk Road, the city erected towers to safeguard itself and passing merchants from robbers and marauders. Situated at the crossroads of trade routes, the local population developed a distinctive culture reflected in the motifs of Nakhchivan carpets. The piece also incorporates motifs from domestic artifacts unearthed in archaeological excavations in Nakhchivan. In addition, ornaments from the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, a masterpiece by the medieval architect Ajami Nakhchivani, inspired another Nakhchivan design.