Baku, Azerbaijan – The vibrant traditions of carpet weaving came to life in the heart of Baku’s Old City during the International Carpet Festival, held at Gosha Gala Square. The event transformed the ancient streets of Icherisheher into a living tribute to centuries-old craftsmanship and global cultural exchange.
Organized by Azerkhalcha OJSC and the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve Administration—with the support of the Ministry of Economy and AZPROMO—the festival welcomed master weavers, designers, and cultural ambassadors from countries including Turkiye, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Tatarstan.
Rufat Mahmud, Chairman of the Icherisheher Reserve, opened the festival by highlighting the symbolic connection between the architecture of the Old City and the intricate patterns of carpets: “These streets and stones are as harmonious and meaningful as the designs of our carpets.”
This year marked the expansion of the festival into an international platform, following the success of last year’s national edition. “We are proud to hold this festival around Carpet Weaver’s Day, celebrated annually on May 5,” said Emin Mammadov, Chairman of Azerkhalcha and an Honored Artist. “Bringing together guests from around the world enriches this cultural celebration.”
The festival featured a powerful theatrical performance directed by Nigar Hasanzade and based on Mir Jalal Pashayev’s novel Manifesto of a Young Man. The piece, brought to life by renowned pantomime artist Parviz Mammadzayev, underscored the deep symbolic meaning of carpets in Azerbaijani family and cultural life.
Visitors enjoyed a dynamic program of concerts, artisan exhibitions, street performances, and screenings, alongside interactive weaving demonstrations. Twenty-eight skilled weavers from 14 Azerkhalcha workshops offered hands-on experiences, allowing guests to participate in traditional spinning, dyeing, and knotting techniques.
The event also marked two important anniversaries: the 25th year of Icherisheher’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the 15th year since Azerbaijani carpet weaving was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
As Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of AZPROMO, noted: “Azerbaijan’s carpets have long contributed to global culture. This festival reminds us of the enduring power of craftsmanship and tradition.”
The International Carpet Festival in Baku not only celebrated Azerbaijan’s national heritage but also affirmed its global relevance—proving once more that the threads of tradition, when woven together, form the strongest cultural fabric.
