Carpet weaving in Azerbaijan boasts a rich history, being one of the oldest forms of applied art in the region, a fact supported by numerous archaeological discoveries throughout the country. The visionary behind the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum was the talented carpet master and National Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR, Lyatif Kerimov. His passion and dedication led to the establishment of the first museum dedicated to the study and preservation of Azerbaijan’s ancient carpets. The collection efforts began in 1967, and by 1972, the museum opened its doors to the public, showcasing rare exhibits in a setting that harmoniously blended the ancient carpets with the interior of the historic Juma Mosque, located in the heart of Icheri Sheher.
From its inception, the museum has not only displayed carpets but also embraced a broader spectrum of Azerbaijani art. Today, the museum houses an impressive collection of over 14,000 exhibits, which include rare carpets, exquisite jewelry, traditional clothing, intricate embroidery, delicate glassworks, as well as wood and felt artifacts. The first floor features flat-weave carpets alongside various examples of applied arts, such as bags and horse saddles. The second floor is dedicated to pile carpets from different regions of Azerbaijan, showcasing the unique patterns and designs that define the country’s rich tapestry of weaving traditions. The third floor highlights modern designers, traces the history of the Carpet Museum, and includes a dedicated children’s room.
The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum illustrates diverse schools and techniques from across the nation, reflecting various historical periods and the evolution of carpet weaving. Among its notable exhibits are the stunning Tabriz rug known as Ovchulug and the Karabakh rug, famously referred to as the Dragon Carpet, both of which date back to the 17th century. Additionally, the Khila Afshan carpet, woven in the 18th century in the village of Khila, adds to the museum’s historical significance. Beyond merely displaying artifacts, the museum staff actively works to preserve and promote the ancient art of carpet weaving through discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and symposiums, often in collaboration with UNESCO.
In August 2014, the museum relocated to an opulent new building designed to resemble a rolled carpet, a striking architectural feat created by Austrian architects Franz Janz and Walter Mari. In addition to its vast carpet collection, the museum boasts a rich historical assemblage of folk art, featuring ceramics and bronze artifacts from the Bronze Age, 12th-century faience, 19th-century national clothing, jewelry, and various metal, wood, and glass items. The museum also houses an extensive collection of historical weaponry.
Artifacts from the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum have been exhibited in over 50 countries across nearly every continent, establishing the museum as a significant cultural institution. Today, it serves as a major scientific center that attracts researchers and art enthusiasts from around the globe.
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