Baku — September 7, 2025
Once considered a marginal fashion, tattoos have become part of Azerbaijan’s mainstream culture. From small symbols to intricate full-body designs, body art today is worn by people across professions and age groups. But beyond aesthetics and self-expression, tattoos remain a subject of debate — raising questions about health risks and even mental well-being.
According to Media.Az, new research highlights two sides of the story. On the one hand, tattoos are an ancient cultural practice with deep historical roots; on the other, they are still associated by many with psychological vulnerability or social stigma.
Psychologist Ali Khalilov, a doctoral researcher at the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, told Media.Az that tattooing has long served as a means of identity and storytelling:
“In ancient times, each new design could mark a ritual, a sacrifice, or a victory. Over the centuries, however, religious traditions in Christianity and Islam discouraged tattoos, framing them as a violation of the purity of the body. Later, in the 19th and 20th centuries, tattoos became linked to criminal subcultures and the army, cementing a negative stereotype that persists today.”
Despite these attitudes, Khalilov emphasizes that there is no scientific basis for labeling tattoo enthusiasts as mentally unstable. “The reasons for getting a tattoo vary widely: fashion, memory of an event, artistic expression, or even covering scars. But when tattoos become excessive, especially with dark or violent themes, they may reflect deeper emotional struggles — a way to display pain or cope with trauma,” he explained.
He noted that some people turn to tattoos after personal loss, while others use them to hide scars from past injuries or self-harm. In these cases, tattoos can function as both art and therapy. For extroverted personalities, the design itself may become a conversation starter, a source of recognition, or even a form of self-promotion.
The generational divide remains stark. For older Azerbaijanis, tattoos are still associated with crime and rebellion, while younger generations see them as mainstream fashion or legitimate art. The 2000s and 2010s accelerated this shift, with athletes, singers, and influencers openly showcasing their body art and inspiring fans to follow.
Khalilov distinguishes between a single tattoo and full-body coverage: “One tattoo often symbolizes a memory or personal value. But when the majority of the body is inked, it signals a lifestyle or subcultural identity — sometimes even an addiction to the process itself.”
While debates continue, the psychologist insists that meaning outweighs stigma: “It is not the tattoo itself that matters, but the story behind it. Everyone has the right to self-expression, and tattoos are just one way of telling that story.”
