"ABAD" beneficiary: Aghamashadi Huseynov | Beneficiaries

"ABAD" beneficiary: Aghamashadi Huseynov | Region: Ismayilly | Leather items

Being a historical-cultural reserve of Azerbaijan, Lahij is a settlement of Ismayilly raion which is one of the most populous regions of craftsmen families cooperating with ABAD. Copper, leather and carpet crafts have historically been a traditional practice in Lahij, and these crafts are still flourishing. It is worth to mention that in 2015, the copper craftsmanship of Lahij was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Aghamashadi uses natural skins and hides of animals to produce bridles, whips, and saddles for the horses, the main means of transport in Lahij. He is also engaged in the production of the various leather and felt hats.

However, previously the sales of his products were restricted due to the seasonal character of tourism. He was earning money only during the tourist season.

The seasonal character of his job was the main obstacle to be the reason for the staggering development of his family business.

Eventually, in order to expand the scope of the sales market and develop his family business, master addresses to ABAD Public Legal Entity and signs a contract on cooperation.

Aghamashadi is proudly carrying forward this craft and says that it was handed down from his father:

"I used to think that this art would disappear over a certain period. But today, with the support of ABAD, our business has stimulated, and interest in this art among people has increased "Within the framework of the project, the tasks which Aghamashadi were facing, such as the logistics and the organization of the sales have been already tackled.

Please note that his crafts are available at ABAD ethno-boutiques.