Baku (TDI): The vibrant opening ceremony of the International Carpet Festival 2025 took place near the historic Gosha Gala Gates in Icherisheher (Old City) in Azerbaijan, marking the beginning of a prestigious celebration of carpet artistry, culture, and heritage.
The festival was live for May 3-4 and served as a platform to showcase the rich cultural legacy and the future potential of carpet weaving.
Organized by the Administration of the State Historical-Architectural Reserve “Icherisheher” and “Azerkhalcha” OJSC, with strong backing from the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and AZPROMO (Export and Investment Promotion Agency), the festival aimed to bring spotlight to the intricate tradition of Azerbaijani carpet weaving on the global stage.
The festival attracted renowned designers, producers, manufacturers, researchers, and artisans from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Tatarstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Iraq, and other countries, fostering a diverse and dynamic environment for cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration.
This year’s edition coincided with the 25th anniversary of Icherisheher’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the 15th anniversary of the inscription of Azerbaijani carpet weaving in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Throughout the festival, visitors had the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide range of engaging activities, including exclusive exhibitions, live masterclasses, interactive displays, and concert performances.
Additionally, special educational programs for children were also part of the two-day carpet festival. Such programs were included to nurture the new generation’s interest in the traditional art and craft of weaving.
By merging historical legacy with modern creativity, the International Carpet Festival hoped to promote Azerbaijan’s cultural treasures while encouraging global appreciation of the timeless art of carpet weaving.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
