Leyla and Majnun

50×70

Mixed media on canvas

2021

The carpet composition Leyla and Majnun is dedicated to the epic “Leyla and Majnun” by the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi. In the very center (lake) of the carpet composition, within the depictions of “Sun and Moon” in Ying-Yang form, Nizami Ganjavi’s portrait and quill pen drawings were placed. This is symbolic of Nizami Ganjavi’s illumination of the story of Leyla and Majnun, first written by Nizami Ganjavi. The two candles symbolize the hope of two lovers. “Leyla” with designs on the right side of the candle figure, and the figure of “Majnun” with patterns on the left side. In addition, the depictions of animals in the epic are placed in the middle of the carpet in stylized patterns. The swords and shields in the corners symbolize the battle fought by Mecnun’s friend. While the sword, shield and the patterns around them are in plain colors, the patterns take on vivid colors as they approach the center. This means that no beauty can be achieved through war. In the small border of the carpet, flowers in the form of “chains” symbolize “loyalty”. In the central main border, there are stylized depictions of “camels” without ground. These camels move in the opposite direction and are depicted in contrasting colors. This is the “caravan” symbol used to show that Leyla and Majnun are from different tribes.