First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva visited the Mirza Fatali Akhundzade Museum of Azerbaijani Culture in Tbilisi on April 6 to review the facility's extensive collection and ongoing cultural activities.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the First Lady was provided with detailed information regarding the museum's history and its role in preserving the heritage of the Azerbaijani people in Georgia.
The museum building was originally constructed with funds provided by the prominent Azerbaijani writer and philosopher Mirza Fatali Akhundzade, who lived in Tbilisi. Following an appeal by Azerbaijani intellectuals in Georgia, the building was converted into a house-museum in 1982. After National Leader Heydar Aliyev's official visit to Georgia in 1996, the facility underwent major renovations and has since functioned as a cultural center. By decree of the President of Georgia in 2007, the center was granted the status of the Museum of Azerbaijani Culture, and in 2013, it underwent comprehensive reconstruction with financial support from the Republic of Azerbaijan. The reopening ceremony in May 2013 was dedicated to the 90th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
The museum serves as a vital bridge for cultural diplomacy between Azerbaijan and Georgia. Currently, the center hosts various courses, including carpet weaving, music (specifically mugham), painting, and language studies. The museum's primary mission is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people in Georgia by researching and exhibiting artifacts from various Georgian museum funds. The facility features six exhibition halls showcasing national musical instruments, traditional costumes, folk art, and exhibits reflecting the life and work of M.F. Akhundzade.
The collection also includes traditional carpets woven by ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Georgia, some dating back centuries. A dedicated hall for Azerbaijan-Georgia friendship features works by sculptors from both nations and photographs of key landmarks, such as the Heydar Aliyev Park and the M.F. Akhundzade school in Tbilisi, as well as Tbilisi Avenue in Baku. Following the tour, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva signed the museum's guest book and was presented with small carpets woven by children at the center.
