Baku Carpet Museum

Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries worldwide in terms of the art of carpet weaving. In 2010, Azerbaijan’s traditional art of carpet weaving was included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Baku Carpet Museum, where unique samples of applied arts are exhibited, has been located in different places throughout its history. Under instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, the government decided to construct a separate building for the museum with the aim of expanding its capabilities and effectiveness of demonstrating carpets that represent unique pearls of Azerbaijan.

President Aliyev said, the Baku Carpet Museum was opened in Azerbaijan on the initiative of prominent scientist, professor and artist Latif Karimov in the late 1960s. However, the museum did not have a building of its own. On the initiative of great leader Heydar Aliyev, funds were allocated to replenish the funds of the museum and the first exhibition was held at the Juma Mosque in the Old City in 1972. In the years of independence, the Carpet Museum operated in the Museum Center.

Considerable attention was paid to the design works, and as a result of the works of Austrian architects, this project has been accomplished and it is quite unique.

He went on saying that Azerbaijan has very diverse and ancient architectural works protected by UNESCO. “The Old City, the Palace of the ShirvanShahs, the Maiden Tower – these are our national assets. At the same time, the examples of modern architecture created in Azerbaijan and Baku in recent years are also pleasing to the eyes. Ancient architectural monuments and modern monuments form harmony and a single ensemble in Baku.”

The recent years have seen the emergence of such modern landmarks of Azerbaijan as the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Flame Towers and the Flag Square. These architectural works demonstrate the power and development of modern Azerbaijan.

“I can say that the building of the Baku Carpet Museum is also one of them now. It is also unique, and I do hope that no one will want to replicate this piece of architecture in the future. The modern architectural works established in Azerbaijan are sometimes seen in other places. But this is already a product of Azerbaijan and I am very happy that this beautiful and majestic museum is opening today,” he added.

“There is a nice combination of interior decoration and samples of our carpets, our national heritage and unique architecture. And this all makes me very happy as it shows again how talented our people are” the president stressed.

Source: AzerNews