site.btaZaliznyche's Ethnographic Museum Head Demonstrates Carpet Weaving Process of Bulgarian Settlers in Ukraine

The Ethnographic Museum of Zaliznychne village in Ukraine's Bolhrad district has preserved a carpet loom of Bulgarian settlers, which was exclusively presented for Bulgarian News Agency by the Museum’s head Sergey Draganyuk. He demonstrated how Ukrainian Bulgarians' ancestors had woven carpets.

"Carpet weaving was one of the main crafts of our ancestors," Draganyuk said. Before showing the process itself, he talked about the basic tools used for weaving, among which are the weaving loom, reels, threads, masur and different types of rugs. The loom itself was a gift from a villager who found it in the attic of her home. 

"This loom is a testament to the skill and work of our ancestors. Now, thanks to it, we can restore and pass on the knowledge of this ancient art to future generations," Draganyuk added.

Many of the exhibits in the museum were collected thanks to the villagers. Local people have donated their family heirlooms, which are now preserved in the museum to be transmitted to future generations.

In addition to demonstrating the carpet weaving process, Draganyuk also showed how the wool was processed so that it could be used for weaving. He explained that this technique is also part of the cultural heritage of the Bulgarians from Zaliznyche.

The village of Zaliznychne, located in the Bolhrad district, Ukraine, was founded in 1861 by Bulgarian settlers from the Sliven district, the village of Kadakoy (today Sadievo).