International Carpet Festival

The International Carpet Festival is an annual festival held in Baku, Azerbaijan, centered around the tradition of Azerbaijani carpet weaving.[1] The festival takes place in Icherisheher (Old City) and is organized by the Administration of the State Historical-Architectural Reserve "Icherisheher" and Azerkhalcha OJSC, with support from the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan[2][3] and the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO).[4][5][6]

History

The inaugural National Carpet Festival was held on May 4–5, 2024. The festival was expanded to an international level in 2025.[7][8]

Festival activities

The International Carpet Festival features various activities,[9] including:

  • Exhibitions: Showcasing ancient, modern, and designer carpets.[10]
  • Masterclasses: Sessions on carpet weaving techniques.[10][11]
  • Interactive Performances: Theatrical and musical presentations related to carpet culture.[10]
  • Educational Seminars: Discussions on the history and techniques of carpet weaving.[12]
  • International Forum: A platform for global experts to discuss the future of carpet weaving.[13]

The festival coincides with Carpet Weaver's Day,[14] established by a decree from President Ilham Aliyev on May 5, 2016, to honor Azerbaijani carpet artisans.[15]

Cultural significance

Azerbaijani carpet weaving is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity[16] by UNESCO.[17][18] The International Carpet Festival is an event focused on the exhibition of traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving, providing a venue for artisans to present their work[19] and for visitors to engage with aspects of the country's cultural heritage.[20][21]

References

  1. ↑ Upward, Lucy (2025-05-07). "Review of the International Carpet Festival Baku 2025 - COVER magazine". www.cover-magazine.com. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  2. ↑ Kanwal, Areeba (2025-05-05). "International Carpet Festival Opens in Azerbaijan". Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  3. ↑ Kanwal, Areeba (2025-05-05). "International Carpet Festival Opens in Azerbaijan". Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  4. ↑ "Baku to host International Carpet Festival". Azernews.Az. 2025-04-04. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  5. ↑ "Morocco's Princess Lalla Hasnaa visits Azerbaijan International Carpet Festival". The North Africa Post. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  6. ↑ "İçərişəhərdə naxışlara toxunan tarix: Bakıda ilk Beynəlxalq Xalça Festivalı fəaliyyətə başlayıb YENİLƏNİB". azerbaijan-news.az (in Azerbaijani). 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2025-07-15.
  7. ↑ "Grand opening of National Carpet Festival in heart of Old City". Azernews.Az. 2024-05-05. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  8. ↑ "Azerbaijan International Carpet Festival - COVER magazine". 2025-04-30. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  9. ↑ "İçərişəhərdə Milli Xalça Festivalı başa çatıb". Xalqqazeti.az (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 2025-07-15.
  10. 1 2 3 "International Carpet Festival". www.bakucarpetfest.az. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  11. ↑ Altuntepe, Dalya (2025-05-22). "A city woven with stories: Reflections on Baku and its International Carpet Festival". Travel Tomorrow. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  12. ↑ "The first National Carpet Festival to take place in Azerbaijan". azerbaijan.travel. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  13. ↑ "Icherisheher and Azerkhalcha to organise Azerbaijan's inaugural National Carpet Festival!". MTM. 2024-04-29. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  14. ↑ "İçərişəhərdə Milli Xalça Festivalının açılışı baş tutub - FOTO". 1news.az (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 2025-07-15.
  15. ↑ "International carpet festival". azerbaijan.travel. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  16. ↑ "İçərişəhərdə xalçaların sehrində - REPORTAJ". musavat.com. Retrieved 2025-07-15.
  17. ↑ Puymbroeck, Camille Van (2025-04-28). "Baku to showcase its UNESCO-protected carpet traditions to international visitors from 2 to 4 May". Travel Tomorrow. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  18. ↑ "Traditional art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving in the Republic of Azerbaijan - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage". ich.unesco.org. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  19. ↑ Ionescu, Stefano (2025-05-16). "Report from the International Carpet Festival in Baku". JOZAN. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  20. ↑ "Azerbaijan to host National Carpet Festival for first time - PHOTO". caliber.az. 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  21. ↑ "Int'l Carpet Festival showcases finest handmade creations [PHOTOS]". Azernews.Az. 2025-05-05. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
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