A historic Hereke carpet, originally gifted during the Ottoman era, has been meticulously restored in Türkiye and is now set to return to the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. The palace, home to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), will display the carpet as a symbol of peace and diplomacy.
Measuring 161.5 square meters and weighing 700 kilograms, the carpet was transported to the Aksaray Museum in May 2022 as part of an agreement between the Carnegie Foundation, which manages the Peace Palace, and Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. After detailed assessments, it underwent restoration in Sultanhanı, a renowned center for traditional carpet restoration.
At a ceremony marking the completion of the restoration, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan emphasized the carpet’s symbolic significance. “Revived with care, it stands as the largest handwoven carpet outside Türkiye,” he said, highlighting the intricate restoration process involving natural dyes and the use of Turkish knot techniques.
Alpaslan detailed the meticulous restoration, noting that the carpet was digitally divided into 280 segments for damage analysis.
“Fifteen types of damage were identified, with the most significant caused by foot traffic and furniture. Thanks to natural methods, the original threads and colors have been restored, preserving the carpet’s historical essence.”
Dutch Ambassador to Türkiye Joep Wijnands celebrated the carpet as a testament to the shared history and friendship between the Netherlands and Türkiye. “Its return during this special friendship year symbolizes enduring cooperation and will continue inspiring those working for global peace and justice,” he said.
Aksaray Governor Mehmet Ali Kumbuzoğlu praised Sultanhanı’s expertise, which has restored carpets from prestigious institutions like Dolmabahçe Palace and the White House. “This project reflects our dedication to preserving heritage and fostering global connections,” he said.
A documentary capturing the carpet’s journey and restoration will be released, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this remarkable cultural artifact.
