The exhibition entitled "New discoveries: New patterns in the Azerbaijani carpet weaving" has been held with the organization of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Azerbaijani Embassy in France and the Permanent Representation under UNESCO in Paris at the UNESCO headquarters.

Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov, assistant to the UNESCO Secretary General for cultural affairs Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France Rahman Mustafayev, head of the Permanent Representation under UNESCO, ambassador Anar Karimov, the ambassadors accredited in France, the heads of the missions to UNESCO, representatives of the local public and the Azerbaijani Diaspora. Addressing the opening of the exhibition, executive director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov spoke about how the “New discoveries: New patterns in the Azerbaijani Carpet weaving” project emerged. He noted that 10 years ago, the Azerbaijani carpet art was put on the UNESCO list of Tangible Cultural Heritage, and the Palace of Shaki Khans was put on the UNESCO’s World Heritage list. In this regard the displaying of Shaki carpets at the UNESCO headquarters had a great importance. Anar Alakbarov expressed gratitude to Director General of the organization Audrey Azoulay for the support in the organization of the exhibition.  

Afterwards, assistant to the UNESCO Director General for cultural affairs Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France Rahman Mustafayev, head of the Permanent Representation under UNESCO , ambassador Anar Karimov also delivered a speech. They expressed gratitude to First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyev for organizing the exhibition.

It was emphasized that this exhibition creates an opportunity to discover the Azerbaijani culture and carpet weaving closer. Carpet weaving reflects Azerbaijan’s identity. It was noted that carpet weaving is passed from generation to generation. The rich cultural heritage and the masterpiece of the Azerbaijaniarchitecture the Palace of Shaki Khans were mentioned. It was highlighted that this art is an inalienable part of the Azerbaijani people.

It was underlined that preserving the cultural heritage and passing it from generation to generation are the missions of UNESCO. Gratitude was expressed to the Azerbaijani state representatives for showing support for the organization’s mission.

After the official part of the exhibition, the event participants viewed the displayed carpets and shared opinions about the patterns and colors.

It is noteworthy that Azerbaijani masters and painters inspired by the mysterious patterns and frescos of the Palace of Shaki Khans have created breathtaking works. The carpets showcased at the exhibition have been weaved by 30 weavers throughout 2 years.

The exhibition was first presented in 2019 within the framework of the Days of the Azerbaijani Culture held in Cannes, France, by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The exhibition is planned to be organized in a number of French cities throughout this year.

The exhibition will run until February 4.