The official opening of the exhibition of Azerbaijani carpets took place at the National History Museum in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau.
The News informs that the event was attended by representatives of Moldovan state agencies, MPs, foreign diplomats, diaspora activists, as well as city residents.
In his speech, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Moldova Ulvi Bakhshaliyev said that Azerbaijani carpets are one of the greatest treasures of world culture. He noted that Azerbaijani carpet weaving is one of the oldest types of artistic craftsmanship, recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
“It is impossible to imagine the development of modern Azerbaijani carpet weaving without state support and a strategic approach to the protection of cultural heritage. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the First Vice-President, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, have a special role in this process. As a result of their attention and efforts, carpet weaving has risen to the level of a priority state policy in the field of culture, carpet centers have been created and modernized throughout the country, traditional schools have been revived, and the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum has been established,” the ambassador said.
Moldovan Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan noted that this exhibition is not just an artistic presentation, but an indicator of a sincere and promising dialogue between Moldova and Azerbaijan, as culture is the most durable bridge between peoples.
“The carpets exhibited today are not just decorative items; they are carefully crafted stories, echoes of traditions, collective memory, and Azerbaijani national identity. Every motif, every color, every fiber carries a deep meaning, a value passed down from generation to generation,” the minister emphasized.
Chairman of Azerkhalcha OJSC, Honored Artist Emin Mammadov, noted the importance of cultural exchange between the two countries, emphasizing that art knows no borders and unites people regardless of their affiliation. The chairman said that the greatest goal of Azerkhalcha OJSC throughout its history has been the development, promotion of the art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving.
In his speech, Mammadov also spoke about the International Carpet Festival, which took place in Baku on May 2-4 and made a splash around the world, and about the carpets belonging to all carpet weaving schools exhibited at the exhibition. He noted that in the creation of the carpets produced by the society, modern carpets are created with reference to traditional carpets in cooperation with local and foreign artists, as well as designers, and thus carpet art is constantly developing.
Then, the speakers – Director of the National History Museum of Moldova Eugen Sava, Deputy of the Moldovan Parliament, Chairman of the Friendship Group with Azerbaijan Vitalie Jacot – spoke about the importance of the exhibition.
Then, on behalf of the Azerbaijani state, two national carpets were presented to the National History Museum of Moldova.
The event ended with the presentation of Azerbaijani national music.
