Baku:A group of Azerbaijani women held a march in central Baku today, showcasing the national headscarf known as kelaghayi. The event was organized by non-governmental organizations with the aim of fostering interest in national clothing, particularly the kelaghayi.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the march began in front of the Maiden Tower and attracted significant attention from both locals and tourists. Representatives of civil society emphasized the cultural importance of the kelaghayi, highlighting its role as a symbol of the country's national identity, traditions, and aesthetic values.

The kelaghayi, made from natural silk, has been a significant part of Azerbaijani women's attire for centuries, representing elegance, beauty, and femininity. Turana Orujova, Chairwoman of the Public Association for Support to the Development of Art, stated that preserving this cultural heritage is vital for maintaining the national identity and historical memory of Azerbaijan. She expressed the organization's commitment to promoting and preserving national clothing for future generations.

The march also underlined the international recognition of the kelaghayi, which was included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. The traditional art of kelaghayi making, including sericulture and pattern-printing techniques, is especially prominent in the regions of Sheki and Basqal. The preservation and promotion of this art form are crucial for sustaining Azerbaijan's cultural heritage.