MASALLY, Azerbaijan - Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Union, has met with women engaged in traditional straw-weaving in the Musakuche village of Azerbaijan's Masally district.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, during the meeting, Leyla Aliyeva spoke with participants of the "Rooted Hands" project, one of the last communities preserving the traditional art of straw-weaving in Azerbaijan, and familiarized herself with their handcrafts and creative activities.
The women of Musakuche village collect natural reeds, dry them, and weave straw products by hand using traditional methods passed down through generations. This craft plays an important role in preserving the cultural heritage of the region, as well as supporting women's employment and economic sustainability in Azerbaijan.
During the meeting, the artisans demonstrated the straw-weaving process. Leyla Aliyeva joined them in weaving and took a close interest in the details of this ancient craft. A short film dedicated to the art of straw-weaving and the "Rooted Hands" project was also screened.
With the support of Leyla Aliyeva, a renovated space has been established for the women. This venue is designed for their work, organizing training sessions and masterclasses, as well as exhibiting and selling their handicrafts. The initiative is expected to contribute to the formation of a new cultural and tourism destination in Masally, while expanding financial opportunities for local women and keeping the traditional craft alive.
The "Rooted Hands" project has already gained international recognition. In 2025, the project was presented at Milan Fashion Week as part of sustainable fashion initiatives, showcasing a successful blend of natural materials collected from Azerbaijan's wetlands, the manual labor of women artisans, modern design, and traditional craftsmanship.
