THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN SERICULTURE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

Abstract

In this article, throughout the first guarter of 20th century, role of Azerbaijani women in sericulture was discussed. Although a number of articles were written about sericulture which is one of the oldest farming areas, cares of women in this field was not mentioned. Therefore, article was devoted to indispensable services of our women. In this demonstrated paper, creation of sericulture in Azerbaijan, development of this field during various time periods, cultivation of silkworms as well as labor of women in this area were explored based on different archive documents, various literatures which also increase significance of the theme. It became obvious from the gained materials that sericulture considered one of the ancient farming areas of Azerbaijan. Practices that gained in this area are resulted with the development of sericulture. For a long time, lands that were exploited by Tsarist Russia and Soviet Russia, were turned over the sources of raw materials. They provided silk industry at the expense of Azerbaijan silkworm breeding. That’s why, here silkworm breeding was developed. Specially climate of Nukha, Shusha and Yelizavetpol regions was suitable for growth of this field. That’s why, Nukha, Samakhi are considered sericulture centers. Even during the first world war, Azerbaijan was the most significant country for the gaining silk in the region. In the quisition process of silk, women participated actively from beginning till the end. Even it can be said that only in the gathering of mulberry leafs, role of men came to the fore. Our women demonstrated exceptional services in the proper nutrition of silkworms, provision of healthy atmosphere for their growth and resuscitation process. Towards domestic Karabagh, Iravan, Khuba, Shirvan, Tatar silkworm species, foreign Italian, Japanese, Baghdad, Xorasan, Istanbul silkworms were also cultivated which was connected with their being more resistant. During these processes, silkworm breeder women realized a number of religious rituals in order to protect silkworms from evil eyes and sang a song for them. They believed that realized rituals prevent mass destruction of silkworms. In the article these kinds of beliefs are investigated as well.