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.
Handwoven vs machine-made
Turn the carpet over. Handwoven carpets have irregular knot patterns on the reverse. Machine-made carpets show perfectly regular machine rows.
Count the knots
More knots per square centimetre = higher quality. Fine Azerbaijani carpets have 40–60 knots per cm². Check with a loupe if possible.
Wool quality
Rub your hand briskly across the surface. Good wool won't shed. Low-quality wool leaves fibres on your hand.
Where to buy
The Carpet Museum shop (certificates of authenticity provided) · Established Old City dealers (ask for provenance) · State auction houses
Prices
Small decorative pieces: from $80. Medium room carpets: $300–1,500. Large fine carpets: $2,000–20,000+.
Getting it home
Carpets under 5 square metres can be exported freely. Larger or antique carpets may require cultural export permits from the Ministry of Culture.