Sayali Salamova, born in 1991, takes pride in continuing the legacy of her family of artisans. Her mother, Yegana Salamova, is a renowned handicraft artist in Sheki, Azerbaijan, recognized through her affiliation with the “ABAD” initiative.

Together with her mother and sister, Sayali engages in the ancient art of tekelduz embroidery. She notes, “My mother’s craftsmanship is well-known throughout the region. She was a student of Mokhtaram Khanum, the first female tekelduz master in Azerbaijan, a craft historically practiced solely by men.” Yegana’s artistry has been highly valued by the state, which allocated a dedicated workshop for her. The President of Azerbaijan personally visited this workshop, closely examining her creations. Sayali’s own journey began at the age of 10, when her mother recognized her interest and encouraged her to pursue the craft seriously. “For 20 years, I have been immersed in this art,” she states. Her early works featured wall paintings inspired by the Khan’s Palace and scenes from the literary works of Nizami Ganjavi. She credits Azerbaijan’s historical treasures, including intricately crafted artifacts, monument wall paintings, and carpets, for shaping her artistic sensibilities.

Sayali Salamova graduated with distinction from the Design Faculty of Azerbaijan State Agrarian University. Over the past decade, she has participated in numerous exhibitions and competitions. In 2010, an exhibition in Sheki led to the selection of top works for display at the Baku Museum Center. “With only two months to prepare, I worked tirelessly to create four pieces,” she recalls. “Three of them were selected for the First Republic Decorative-Applied Arts Festival.” She later participated in the Second Republic Decorative-Applied Arts Festival, where she received an honorary certificate, and was awarded a diploma at the “Ancient Azerbaijan through the Eyes of Modern Youth” Art Festival. “I have also taken part in many other exhibitions,” she adds.

Currently residing in Baku, Sayali is married to a fellow artist, whose understanding of her craft has been a significant influence. “My husband’s artistry and deep appreciation for my work have greatly motivated me to continue,” she explains. Her mother-in-law, Elmira Hajiyeva, is also a distinguished “ABAD” artist. “Both families have played a vital role in my artistic development, but I am especially grateful to my mother-in-law for my journey as an ‘ABAD’ artist,” she acknowledges.

Initially, Sayali’s works were sold exclusively through her mother’s workshop in Sheki. After relocating to Baku, she faced logistical challenges with product distribution. Seeking to promote her “Karabakh”-themed creations globally, she approached “ABAD.” “I was overjoyed when they accepted my work and offered support,” she says. “Joining ‘ABAD’ revealed the opportunities they provide for artisans, especially housewives. Their care for handicrafts and high-quality presentations truly won me over.”

At “ABAD” ethno-boutiques, Sayali’s silk-thread embroideries featuring Azerbaijan’s national ornaments attract significant interest from foreign tourists, who acquire them with enthusiasm. Some of her works are also sold at exhibitions and fairs. However, she emphasizes that she does not sell pieces that have received honorary awards, as their sentimental value surpasses any material worth. She recounts a poignant moment at an exhibition: “An Italian decorative arts expert stopped before my work and asked, ‘Did you create this?’ I confirmed. He asked, ‘How much would you sell it for?’ I named a price, and he smiled, saying, ‘Then you didn’t make this.’ Puzzled, I listened as he continued, ‘Every stitch holds patience and love—it’s priceless.’ That moment reaffirmed the profound beauty of my craft.”

Looking to the future, Sayali aims to promote Azerbaijan’s ancient artistic heritage and the triumphs of Karabakh through her works, with the support of “ABAD.” “I aspire for my creations to be exhibited not only within our country but also abroad,” she states, “and I am always ready to work toward that goal.”