But first some made in china tat.
In a remote location in the Girdimanchai River Gorge, Lahic is one of the oldest settlements in Azerbaijan and has been a centre renowned for its master craftsmen for over 500 years
There were many artisans who plied their trade here, weavers, carpet makers, jewellers and leather workers, now lost over the centuries what remains is the metal worker, the copper smith and the blacksmith.
A stop on the ancient Silk Route Lahic was renowned for its mastery in weapons, the skills it is said were learned in Iran, where Lahic’s families have their roots.
Many of the town's buildings stuck in time, resembling ancient traditional dwellings, the roads made of heavy cobbles, worn smooth and uneven due to centuries of use. camels, horses carts and now cars.
Modernity has arrived with satellite dishes pointing in the general direction of Russia
An open door, an invitation to see master craftsmen at work
One man gently tapping with time worn tools
Whilst another uses a modern engraver to chase out the pattern in the painted plate.
Now I guess mostly dependant upon the tourist trade for income; tourism took off in Lahic in the 1980's when, still part of the USSR, as a means to revive a failing artisanal sector in the economy the government established a cultural and heritage sector in and a round the village.
A little darker, a lot dustier the blacksmith goes about his business.
Well i think the influx into his smithy awoke him from his slumber
He set about stoking the fires and whilst we waited
and waited
I took great pleasure from wandering around his workplace the variety of old bits and bobs. There for effect? or genuine articles? we have all I am sure seen supposed antiques weather worn and made yesterday!!
Uncle Joe, recognisable anywhere
A rusty old propane gas tank fuelling the fire
Interesting to see hands at work devoid of gloves yet devoid of burn marks and no missing fingers!
Lahic to me was a sleepy, charming little village, a model village set up for visitors?
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