So, there I was. The forth day (of the seven I had) to spend in Azerbaijan.
I just started recovering from a flu I caught on my arrival, and I was feeling much better. So, I decided to go to the seaside though it was cold. I always love to spend time by the sea, so it didn't matter.
On my way, I went into a museum for Azeri culture and arts (can't recall its name, there is plenty of them in Baku). I had such a great time learning about Azeri singers and musicians from the 20th century. I went on to the Carpet Museum, which I absolutely loved. I know one day I will have one of those colorful hand made rugs in my home.
Then, I walked to the old city. I love it. Oh, Baku Old City! I love you.
I love that it is 800 or 900 years old. I love its narrow pathways, the old bricks and stones, the old trees, and the warmth all of this has to offer to me.
As usual, it is easy (and beautiful) to get lost there. I came across a building from where I heard some loud (but pleasant) voices, so I went in. I was completely surprised as if I felt a vibe I was already familiar with. It turned out to be the Iceshehir Center for Traditional Arts, where a group of artists works. They are specialized in visiting old places in Azerbaijan to collect the designs they see (patterns in mosques, old houses, etc.). Then, they gather these designs in books and re-produce them in the forms of jewelry, paintings, and pottery.
I asked if I could have a session in pottery (since that was the only option) but they apologized when they knew that I had 3 days to the end of my trip. It was not enough time. Then, I offered to volunteer with them since I saw they had a lot of work to do. The head of the center was welcoming, but the employee seemed to be worried about her work that she didn't seem to be receiving help from inexperienced people like me. Hahahaha. So, I thanked them and left.
I kept walking in the old city, got lost again, only to find myself in front of the same center. There, I decided to go in. Again. "There must be something I can do. Maybe a painting?" I thought to myself. And so it was! After some back and forth attempts, they said "Sure! You can do a painting". That was a pleasant surprise. (Sometimes, I really love how persistent I am!)
That is how I spent the 3 most wonderful days of my vacation in Baku. I used to spend 5 or 6 hours at the center every day. I learned how to draw a geometric pattern, in several layers, and then paint it. Everything was wonderful. The vibe took my heart, but here is a very important moment that I'd never forget.
On day 2, the head of the center, a Syrian/ British gentleman, gave me a little tour around. He explained their work and how it originated. I was deeply moved when I learned that he has been studying the geometric patterns in nature and in ancient drawings with his English professor. "If you look carefully at flowers, e.g., you will start to discover the hidden geometry of the universe", he said. He went on and on for an hour maybe.
You know what? (and I told him this), I never knew there are many people who think so. I mean that beauty and faith are deeply interwoven into each other. For me, beauty is a very vivid concept, and I feel it is the most sensual, direct and transparent path to God. This very strong relationship between beauty and God, I thought, was personal to me and to a few spiritual people around the world maybe. Hahaha.
But! Learning that that wasn't true and that there is even much more to learn about this relationship between God and beauty took my breath away! That conversation brought tears to my eyes and made my heart dive deep into my chest. I felt now I am closer to God. I held the book of his professor in my arms and felt so calm.
I send so much love and gratitude to you, my loyal readers. Amongst the many things I am grateful for, which you are one of, I am so grateful for those unplanned surprising moments of deep beauty, and sensational spirituality that I am blessed with.
I just started recovering from a flu I caught on my arrival, and I was feeling much better. So, I decided to go to the seaside though it was cold. I always love to spend time by the sea, so it didn't matter.
On my way, I went into a museum for Azeri culture and arts (can't recall its name, there is plenty of them in Baku). I had such a great time learning about Azeri singers and musicians from the 20th century. I went on to the Carpet Museum, which I absolutely loved. I know one day I will have one of those colorful hand made rugs in my home.
Then, I walked to the old city. I love it. Oh, Baku Old City! I love you.
I love that it is 800 or 900 years old. I love its narrow pathways, the old bricks and stones, the old trees, and the warmth all of this has to offer to me.
As usual, it is easy (and beautiful) to get lost there. I came across a building from where I heard some loud (but pleasant) voices, so I went in. I was completely surprised as if I felt a vibe I was already familiar with. It turned out to be the Iceshehir Center for Traditional Arts, where a group of artists works. They are specialized in visiting old places in Azerbaijan to collect the designs they see (patterns in mosques, old houses, etc.). Then, they gather these designs in books and re-produce them in the forms of jewelry, paintings, and pottery.
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| I bought these gold plated earrings from the Center. They represent a shape commonly found in designs in the mosques of Azerbaijan |
I asked if I could have a session in pottery (since that was the only option) but they apologized when they knew that I had 3 days to the end of my trip. It was not enough time. Then, I offered to volunteer with them since I saw they had a lot of work to do. The head of the center was welcoming, but the employee seemed to be worried about her work that she didn't seem to be receiving help from inexperienced people like me. Hahahaha. So, I thanked them and left.
I kept walking in the old city, got lost again, only to find myself in front of the same center. There, I decided to go in. Again. "There must be something I can do. Maybe a painting?" I thought to myself. And so it was! After some back and forth attempts, they said "Sure! You can do a painting". That was a pleasant surprise. (Sometimes, I really love how persistent I am!)
That is how I spent the 3 most wonderful days of my vacation in Baku. I used to spend 5 or 6 hours at the center every day. I learned how to draw a geometric pattern, in several layers, and then paint it. Everything was wonderful. The vibe took my heart, but here is a very important moment that I'd never forget.
 |
| This is my work. Almost there =) |
On day 2, the head of the center, a Syrian/ British gentleman, gave me a little tour around. He explained their work and how it originated. I was deeply moved when I learned that he has been studying the geometric patterns in nature and in ancient drawings with his English professor. "If you look carefully at flowers, e.g., you will start to discover the hidden geometry of the universe", he said. He went on and on for an hour maybe.
You know what? (and I told him this), I never knew there are many people who think so. I mean that beauty and faith are deeply interwoven into each other. For me, beauty is a very vivid concept, and I feel it is the most sensual, direct and transparent path to God. This very strong relationship between beauty and God, I thought, was personal to me and to a few spiritual people around the world maybe. Hahaha.
But! Learning that that wasn't true and that there is even much more to learn about this relationship between God and beauty took my breath away! That conversation brought tears to my eyes and made my heart dive deep into my chest. I felt now I am closer to God. I held the book of his professor in my arms and felt so calm.
 |
| In front of the Center, I sat to read in the book that the head of the Center told me about. |
I send so much love and gratitude to you, my loyal readers. Amongst the many things I am grateful for, which you are one of, I am so grateful for those unplanned surprising moments of deep beauty, and sensational spirituality that I am blessed with.
Your writing was a short but sweet escape from my home quarantine. As you found beauty in the streets of Baku and it's authentic jewelry, may you find beauty in your mind and your words. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rawan. I am happy this gave you a little sweet escape. At such a time, I pray you always know how to retreat to yourself with kindness and love.
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