By Roy Lie Atjam
The Hague, 21 May 2025 – The atrium of the city hall in The Hague provided an ideal setting for a world-renowned carpet exhibition. The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with Azerkhalcha OJSC, hosted the inauguration of the exhibition titled
“The Splendor of Azerbaijani Carpets: Learning Through Art”
The Atrium City Hall, where the exhibition took place, attracts approximately 4,000 visitors daily, offering a valuable opportunity to showcase Azerbaijani carpet art to a diverse audience over the course of one month. The Hague City Hall is recognized as one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador of Azerbaijan in the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Mammad Ahmadzada, welcomed the guests and stated that the exhibition is being held as part of a series of international events marking the 15th anniversary of Azerbaijani carpet weaving’s inclusion on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, by the patronage and with the support of the First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva.
The diplomat spoke about the historical significance of Azerbaijani carpet weaving – one of the most vivid expressions of the country’s rich cultural heritage – and the state’s efforts to preserve and develop this art form. He noted that the international renown of Azerbaijani carpets is evidenced in the works of prominent European painters, such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling, who incorporated Azerbaijani carpets into their compositions.
Ambassador Ahmadzada emphasized that the exhibition seeks to foster greater understanding of Azerbaijani culture and heritage through art and expressed his belief that this cultural initiative would contribute to strengthening people-to-people ties between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands. He extended his gratitude to The Hague Municipality for its support in hosting the exhibition in The Atrium City Hall.
Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Mr. Cur Icar, expressed the city’s satisfaction in hosting the exhibition and emphasized its importance in showcasing Azerbaijan’s rich and ancient cultural heritage. He highlighted the historical resonance of Azerbaijani carpets in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, where they have inspired numerous renowned artists. Given the central role of The Hague Municipality Building in the city’s social life, he noted that the exhibition would make a significant contribution to raising awareness of Azerbaijani cultural heritage among Dutch audiences.
Mr. Emin Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of “ Azerkhalcha” OJSC and Honored Worker of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, underlined the importance of this event in promoting cultural exchange betwe
en the two countries. Speaking on
the occasion of “Azerkhalcha”’s 100th anniversary, he highlighted the organization’s primary mission – to develop, promote, and preserve the art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. He provided information about the International Carpet Festival, held in Baku from May 2-4, which attracted global attention, and spoke about the carpets exhibited, which represent various Azerbaijani carpet schools. Mr. Mammadov emphasized that, in addition to preserving traditional forms, modern carpets are also being created in collaboration with both local and international artists and designers, ensuring the continual evolution of the craft. He also highlighted the organization’s initiatives aimed at safeguarding the carpet-weaving tradition, empowering women weavers, particularly in the regions, and providing them with employment opportunities.
After the official addresses, attendees were invited to view the exhibits. and enjoyed live performances of traditional Azerbaijani dances -“Naz Eləmə,” “Mirzəyi,” and “Uzun Dərə” – performed by the “Xarıbülbül” Dance Ensemble.
As part of the opening ceremony, a lecture and workshop were also held. These sessions introduced participants to the symbolism and historical context of Azerbaijani carpets. Attendees had the opportunity to learn traditional knotting techniques and engage in hands-on weaving experiences. At the end of the workshop, certificates of participation were presented to the attendees.
The exhibition, which will run until June 20, features a curated selection of 20 rare Azerbaijani carpets, representing different historical periods and regional styles. Its aim is to present Azerbaijani carpet art not only as a form of aesthetic expression but also as a living cultural phenomenon that preserves historical memory, unites generations, and reflects national identity.
Among the highlights are contemporary interpretations of compositions from the Qasımuşağı and Çələbi sub-schools of the Karabakh carpet tradition; 3D-textured carpets inspired by works of artist Samira Allahverdiyeva; and exclusive pieces by Jan Kath, a renowned German designer included in Architectural Digest’s 2024 list of the “Top 100 Designers in the World.”
The exhibition was attended by local authorities from The Hague, representatives of Dutch state institutions, members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, as well as individuals from cultural, academic, and business sectors, along with members of the Azerbaijani community.
