All sorts of ways of tying the Abkhaz bashlyk were demonstrated at a specialized exhibition in Sukhum.

Said Bargandzhia

The exhibition "Bashlyk: history, tradition, modernity" was held in Sukhum on Wednesday, December 26. Works of Abkhaz sculptors were taken as models for showing headdresses. These are sculptures of historical characters, famous actors and singers. The project was implemented in partnership with the first Abkhaz cellular company "Aquafon".

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One of the authors of the project, photographer Ibrahim Chkadua, showed the guests 12 ways of tying the bashlyk. He explained that the chosen method always depended on the occasion and the event on which it was necessary to look accordingly.

Elena Labakhua, co-author of the exhibition, founder of the "Unification bridge" foundation, has been studying the history of the Abkhaz national costume for more than 20 years. Communicating with journalists, she noted that the bashlyk is one of the main elements of the national costume.

"It carries a huge semantic load and not only demonstrates national identity, but also creates a very distinctive image. We wanted to show that the bashlyk can be relevant and modern," Labakhua said.

She explained that the project combined in different areas of art, while referring the audience to the traditions and history.

Another author of the project, the Abkhaz artist Batal Dzhapua, said that, putting on bashlyks, men were guided by the circumstances and at the same time declared their taste and originality.

The exhibition also featured photographs of Ibrahim Chkadua, which formed the basis of the annual calendar of the cellular company "Aquafon".

Astan Bartsits, head of the advertising and external communications department at "Aquafon", expressed confidence that the project "will live long", because it is addressed to all residents of the Republic and other Caucasian nations, and is associated with national traditions and culture.

The event aroused great interest of Sukhum residents and guests.

"It was very interesting to get acquainted with our culture through national clothes. I see that today the bashlyk has not lost its relevance, there are men who wear it. I saw 12 ways of tying the bashlyk," said Timur Mukba, an exhibition guest.

Bashlyk (in Abkhaz - ахҭарԥа) is one of the main elements of the national costume of many representatives of Caucasian nationalities, including Abkhaz and Abaza, which is quite popular today. Researchers of the traditions of the peoples of the Caucasus distinguish numerous types of tying the bashlyk. The method chosen depends on the occasion and on the taste of the wearer of the headdress.