Preserving the Art of Wood Carving in Ganja

Though he began as a painter and drawer, he eventually turned to wood – drawing. He has since met with great success, and had his works displayed in countries across the world, including Iran, Russia, Norway and Sweden.

“I spend about 2 – 3 hours a day working. Even though it can be tedious, I love this work.”
“I spend about 2 – 3 hours a day working. Even though it can be tedious, I love this work.”

Saleddin Maharramov was born in Ganja in 1954. From 1992, he has worked as a wood – carver cutting both traditional and more modern patterns into wood canvasses. Though he began as a painter and drawer, he eventually turned to wood – drawing. He has since met with great success, and had his works displayed in countries across the world, including Iran, Russia, Norway and Sweden.

Saleddin has taken on several students in the past few years and has encouraged them to pursue the art professionally. He does, however, regret that local Azerbaijanis seem to be less interested in the art than are foreigners, who often send him orders from abroad.

Saleddin’s workshop in Ganja
Saleddin’s workshop in Ganja
To turn out one piece, it takes him about 1 – 2 weeks
To turn out one piece, it takes him about 1 – 2 weeks
“I regret that our own people are less interested in my work than are foreigners…”
“I regret that our own people are less interested in my work than are foreigners…”
Tools Saleddin uses while carving on wood canvasses
Tools Saleddin uses while carving on wood canvasses

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