Kamil Alqayev was born in the village of Gerekli, Balakan District. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Automated Control Systems from the Faculty of Automation of Production Processes at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy. Despite his academic background in engineering, his passion has always been rooted in the art of carving and craftsmanship.

“From childhood, I was drawn to drawing and the art of carving, though I initially viewed it as a hobby. Four years ago, in 2017, after moving to Balakan, my goal was to establish a fully professional woodworking workshop. I eventually achieved this ambition, and for the past five months, my workshop has been operational. I started by creating products for home decor,” Alqayev shared.

The realization of Alqayev’s dream was supported by “ABAD,” a collaborative initiative between UNDP and the European Union aimed at fostering the development of small family businesses in the Sheki-Zagatala economic zone. In 2017, through the Balakan Regional ABAD Center, Kamil participated in the project “Support for the Development of Small Family Businesses in the Sheki-Zagatala Economic Zone.” As a result, he became an “ABAD” craftsman, signing a contract and making his first sale through ABAD’s ethno-boutiques.

“My future plans in this field are ambitious, and ABAD holds a special place in them. I am confident in the potential for fruitful collaboration and believe that, with ABAD’s support, I will be able to reach larger markets,” Alqayev stated.