پیامدهای اقتصادی قالی در معیشت و تجارت خارجی جنوب قفقاز در اواخر روسیه تزاری

Carpet weaving in the South Caucasus expanded in the late Tsarist period under the influence of several factors such as geographical and cultural diversity, access to cheap and high-quality raw materials, government support, and the development of the railway. This industry was not only linked to the traditions and social fabric of the region, but also played a decisive role in the household economy and foreign trade due to the high demand in Western countries for the quality, variety of designs, colors, and reasonable prices of woven carpets. The aim of this research is to examine the economic consequences of carpet weaving on the livelihoods and exports of the South Caucasus. The research was conducted using a qualitative method and a descriptive-analytical approach, based on historical data and content analysis of historical documents and reports. The main hypothesis is that carpet weaving, as a sustainable economic shield, was able to make a major contribution to meeting household expenses and overcoming crises. The findings show that carpet weaving in the eastern South Caucasus was able to cover between 30 and 100 percent of the living expenses of households, thereby increasing the diversity of income sources and helping to reduce their economic vulnerability. Furthermore, the strategic position of this industry in foreign trade made it one of the determining elements in the region's post-oil economy.