On 08 May 2026, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) and the Reserves Management Centre (RMC) organised a “Women’s Kelaghayi Masterclass” training session in the Basgal settlement of the Ismayilli district, welcoming approximately 15 local women engaged in traditional handicrafts to explore the tourism and economic potential of Basgal’s most celebrated craft tradition.
The masterclass was designed to advance the preservation of kelaghayi craftsmanship - a cornerstone of Azerbaijani intangible cultural heritage inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List in 2014 - while strengthening the capacity of local women artisans to engage with the tourism economy. Participants received detailed information on the historical and cultural significance of kelaghayi and its central place in Basgal’s identity as one of the foremost silk weaving centres of the Caucasus region since the Middle Ages.
The practical component of the session covered kelaghai patterns, presentation techniques, quality standards, and the adaptation of traditional designs to contemporary visitor preferences and market demands. Participants discussed how handmade kelaghai products can be showcased and sold to domestic and international visitors through tourism events, local markets, exhibitions, and online platforms - opening direct income channels for women artisans and reinforcing Basgal’s brand as a living craft destination.
Discussions throughout the masterclass highlighted the critical role of women entrepreneurs in anchoring community-based tourism and preserving the intergenerational transfer of craft knowledge. Participants exchanged experiences and ideas on cooperative production, collective marketing, and mentorship models - areas that align closely with the Basgal Sustainable Tourism Strategy’s objective of establishing a Kelaghai Co-operative by 2028, bringing together local women artisans and youth in a shared production and marketing hub.
The training underlined the connection between authentic cultural experiences and sustainable tourism growth, emphasising that the continuation of kelaghai craftsmanship is both a cultural imperative and a significant economic asset for Basgal. The session forms part of ATB and RMC’s ongoing programme to advance women’s economic empowerment through tourism, in partnership with the State Tourism Agency and local community stakeholders.
