(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Laman Ismayilova read more Azerbaijani carpets have been exhibited for the first time in
the Latvian city of Liepaja, chosen as the European Capital of
Culture 2027.
The highly anticipated event was organized by the Azerbaijani
Embassy in Latvia, Azerkhalcha OJSC and the Liepaja City Museum
with the assistance of the city council to promote Azerbaijani
carpet weaving in Europe, Azernews reports.
Many public and cultural figures attended the opening ceremony
of the exhibition themed "Azerbaijani Carpets. Synergy of the Past
and Present".
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Liepaja City Mayor Gunars
Ansins emphasized the project's importance for the further
development of bilateral ties.
He underlined that Azerbaijan is the first foreign country and
partner to support the candidacy of the city as the European
Capital of Culture 2027.
The Azerbaijani Ambassador to Latvia Elnur Sultanov noted that
the exhibition provided a great opportunity for the local public to
get acquainted with Azerbaijan's ancient culture and carpet weaving
art and made a valuable contribution to bilateral cooperation.
Chairman of Azerkhalcha Board of Directors, Honored Art Worker
Emin Mammadov spoke about the history of Azerkhalcha OJSC.
The structure, which has been operating since the first half of
the 20th century, was reorganized in 2016 in accordance with the
presidential order.
Noting that Azerbaijani folk arts and crafts and carpet weaving
as one of its areas occupy a special place in the history of the
national culture, Emin Mammadov informed the ceremony participants
about the carpets demonstrated at the exhibition, as well as about
the Karabakh, Gazakh, Nakhchivan and Shirvan schools of carpet
weaving.
"The main goal of Azerkhalcha is to preserve the traditions of
carpet weaving and further develop this art. The carpet art is
constantly developing. Modern carpets with traditional elements are
produced in partnership with local and foreign artists and
designers. Along with the carpet production, Azerkhalcha also
undertakes important steps towards the preservation, development
and transfer of the carpet weaving art to future generations, as
well as attracting women weavers to this area, in particular in the
regions, thus solving employment issues. The exhibition highlights
the uniqueness of the presented carpets, the high value attached to
this tradition-based art and the need to preserve it. It
demonstrates how the Azerbaijani people value their national
heritage," Emin Mammadov said.
Director of the Liepaja City Museum Dace Karkla said that the
exhibition is an important event in the cultural life of the
country. Dace Karkla recalled that Azerbaijani carpet weaving is
included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and the
presented carpets will arouse great interest among the local
community and guests of the city.
The exhibition of carpets evoked great public interest. A photo
exhibition and videos dedicated to the Azerbaijani carpet weaving
were also presented as part of the event. The exhibition will be
open to visitors for a month.
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