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Which traditional crafts are important in Dagestan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan?

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Snow-covered peaks and ridges of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia stretch across the landscape under a pale sky. — Caucasus Caucasus Mountains in Russia.

The Caucasus region is historically renowned for its rich tradition of rug and carpet weaving, which serves as a primary traditional craft across Dagestan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

Carpet and Textile Traditions

Dagestan: Weaving is a significant craft, particularly in areas surrounding the city of Derbent and the Tabarasan district. Dagestan rugs are typically all-wool, often featuring blue tones and unique floral designs.1
Azerbaijan: The country is a major center for carpet production, with distinct styles originating from regions like Kuba (Quba) and the old khanate of Shirvan. These carpets are known for their symmetrical knots and bold, geometric patterns. Specialized techniques such as soumak—a form of weft-wrapped weaving—are also prominent in the Kuba district.23
Armenia: Historically, the region between Yerevan and Tbilisi has been known for producing coarsely knotted rugs with long piles, often characterized by strong primary colors and vigorous geometric designs, frequently referred to as Kazakhs in the trade.2

While carpet weaving is the most documented traditional craft in these areas, the region also maintains deep-rooted cultural expressions in music and oral traditions, such as the art of the ashug in Azerbaijan.4