Guide to Buying an Azerbaijani Carpet

Azerbaijani carpets are among the finest in the world — and buying one is a genuine art. Here's how to tell authentic handwoven carpets from machine-made imitations, negotiate fairly, and get your carpet home safely.

Azerbaijani carpet weaving dates back over 2,000 years and was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. Each region produces carpets with distinctive patterns and colour palettes: Baku, Ganja, Shirvan, Quba, Karabakh, and Tabriz all have identifiable styles that trained eyes can distinguish at a glance.