Artistic embroidery, a form of decorative-applied art, has a long-standing history in Azerbaijan. One of the ancient and widely practiced traditional crafts in the country is tekalduz, a term derived from the phrase meaning "to stitch with one hand."

The city of Shaki, historically renowned as a land of artisans, is also considered the birthplace of the tekalduz art form.

Today, one of those preserving the traditions of tekalduz in Shaki is artisan Sakhavat Akbarova, supported by the ABAD initiative.

The tekalduz craft is deeply rooted in the Akbarov family’s heritage. Her grandfather, Rza Taghizadeh, was one of Shaki’s master embroiderers, and her mother, Mohtaram, was also a celebrated tekalduz artist of her time.

Now, Sakhavat Khanum continues the family legacy by using the same needle and thimble inherited from her grandfather—tools that have become a symbol of the family’s artistic identity.

These heirloom instruments, along with the secrets of the tekalduz technique, are carefully passed down from generation to generation. The artisan emphasizes that no other needle can replicate the desired patterns with the same precision, and she treasures these tools like her most valuable possession.

Expressing her profound passion for the craft, Ms. Akbarova notes that tekalduz has become an inseparable part of her life. She explains that the art has been handed down to her from both her grandfather and mother:

“I strive to teach this craft to younger generations. My main goal is to prevent artistic embroidery from being forgotten. We must preserve this art, inherited from our ancestors, so that it does not disappear or fall into the hands of others.”

Today, Sakhavat Akbarova’s delicate handmade works are on display and available for purchase at ABAD artisan centers.