Description
The name of Shamakhi was first mentioned in the works of ancient Greek geographer Ptolemy. The city, located at a crossroads of trade routes, suffered enemy attacks year after year, and the castle walls were built to protect the city. The vine and jug symbolize the centuries-old viticulture of Shamakhi, where the climate conditions favoured the development of the wine industry.
The city has also been wellknown as one of the carpet-making centres of Azerbaijan, from ancient times. The Shamakhi carpet belongs to the Shirvan carpet-making school and is distinguished by its unique ornaments and bright complex compositions. The rhomb, found in most of these carpets, is a religious symbol, and depending on its location can signify the earth, femininity and a fruitful beginning.
