Carpet Shushi (1900)
Name/Title
Carpet Shushi (1900)Description
This Armenian carpet from Shushi, Karabakh/Artsakh, dates to 1900 and bears the inscription ԹԱԹԷՈՍ ԹԱՄԻՐԵԱՆՑ 1900 ԹՈՒԻ ՄԱՐԻԱՄ 4. It was found in Kemaliye (Agn) and is associated with the wealthy philanthropist Tateos Tamirian, who dedicated much of his life and fortune to the welfare of Shushi. A major issue in the town at the time was the shortage of drinking water. The first aqueduct was constructed in 1871 through the efforts of Hayrapet Piryantsi and Agadsan Danielyants. In 1896, the water supply network was further improved when Tamirian financed the construction of a water pipe that brought water from 18 kilometers away. Numerous water storage facilities were built in both districts of Shushi, finally resolving the problem. By the end of the 19th century, the Armenian district also featured an intricate underground sewer system. Tamirian’s charitable work extended beyond infrastructure. An article in the “Ardzaganq” newspaper, published on June 16, 1887, highlights his contributions to Ghazanchetsots St. Amenaprkich Armenian Church in Shushi, noting that he personally financed the construction of the church’s dome. He was buried in the yard of the church. The article also mentions the Girls’ School of Shushi, which at the time did not have its own building. The spiritual authority or the school trustees paid an annual rent of 500 roubles for the house where the school operated, and the author suggested that Tamirian contribute funds to establish a proper school building. The carpet itself is named for, or was gifted to, Tateos Tamirian, perhaps commemorating his construction of the water supply system, which he financed at the expense of his own fortune. The spring that fed the system is located at N 39 45 26.6 E 46 44 12.9 which bears his name and includes the year 1900 which falls in line with the carpet’s date.Category
Carpets
Ethnography
Culture/Tribe
Armenian