Arzu Khalilova, born in Mahamalar village, Balakan district, was selected in 2017 as one of 44 participants in the joint ABAD, UNDP, and European Union project, “Support for the Development of Small Family Businesses in the Sheki-Zagatala Economic Zone through the Balakan Regional ABAD Center.” A graduate of Mingachevir Tourism College, she shares:

“My mother was a seamstress, so sewing and weaving were familiar crafts in our family. I work as a cultural organizer at the Talalar village Craft House in Balakan, participating in numerous events, festivals, and decorative-applied folk craft fairs. Naturally, the weaving works I saw there didn’t pass me by unnoticed. They inspired me to engage more closely with this craft.”

Three years ago, when a new project was announced in the Sheki-Zagatala region, Arzu Khalilova promptly applied to the Balakan Regional ABAD Center and secured her place. Choosing carpet weaving, she joined intensive training sessions:

“I currently weave small-sized carpets. In the future, I aim to deepen my knowledge of carpet weaving and create large-scale carpets.”

Her handwoven carpets, featuring traditional Azerbaijani designs, are available at ABAD ethno-boutiques, grocery stores, as part of the project supporting 44 artisans.