BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 25. Leyla Aliyeva,
Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head
of the IDEA Public Union, met with women engaged in traditional mat
weaving in the village of Musakucha during her visit to
Azerbaijan’s Masalli district, Trend reports.
During the meeting, Leyla Aliyeva interacted with participants
in the “Rooted Hands” project, one of the last communities in
Azerbaijan preserving the traditional art of mat weaving, and
familiarized herself with their handmade works and creative
activities.
Women from Musakucha village in the Masalli district collect and
dry natural reeds, weaving mats by hand using traditional
techniques passed down through generations. The craft plays a
crucial role in preserving the region’s cultural heritage while
also supporting women’s employment and economic sustainability.
During the meeting, the women demonstrated the mat-weaving
process, and Leyla Aliyeva joined them, showing interest in the
details of the craft. A short film about mat weaving and the
“Rooted Hands” project was subsequently screened.
With Leyla Aliyeva’s support, a renovated space has been
established for the women, designed for workshops, training
sessions, masterclasses, and the display and sale of handmade
products. The initiative will contribute to developing a new
cultural and tourist destination in Masalli, while also enhancing
women’s economic opportunities and preserving the traditional craft
of mat weaving.
The “Rooted Hands” project has also started gaining
international recognition. In 2025, it was showcased at Milan
Fashion Week as part of sustainable fashion initiatives,
highlighting the successful combination of natural materials from
Azerbaijan’s wetlands, the craftsmanship of women artisans, modern
design, and traditional handicraft techniques.
More information about the project is available on the project’s
website
and social media accounts.
