Prime Minister of Lithuania Inga Ruginienė has visited the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum in Baku to familiarize herself with the country's rich cultural heritage and ancient weaving traditions.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the guest was provided with extensive information regarding the art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan is one of the world's leading nations in this field, with its traditional carpet weaving art being inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
The Prime Minister was informed that the museum's collection reflects the primary artistic directions of the Azerbaijani carpet weaving school, demonstrating a harmony of unique beauty, diverse materials, intricate weaving techniques, and profound artistic characteristics. The current museum building, located within the Seaside National Park, was constructed following a decree by President Ilham Aliyev. The foundation stone was laid on May 15, 2008, and the building's unique architectural style is designed to resemble a rolled-up carpet.
During the tour, it was highlighted that the inclusion of the national carpet art in the UNESCO list was made possible through the significant efforts of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, who serves as the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The museum's "golden fund" consists of pile carpets representing the seven major Azerbaijani schools: Guba, Baku, Shirvan, Ganja, Gazakh, Garabagh, and Tabriz.
Prime Minister Ruginienė also viewed the "Victory" carpet, dedicated to the historic triumph in the 44-day Patriotic War. Furthermore, she was briefed on traditional Azerbaijani national costumes and the ancient art of Kelaghayi (silk headscarves). The visit concluded with the Lithuanian Prime Minister viewing the Garabagh interior display and signing the museum's guest book.
The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, established in 1967, serves as a vital center for the preservation and study of the nation's applied arts. As the first specialized carpet museum in the world, it continues to play a crucial role in promoting Azerbaijan's cultural diplomacy and heritage on the international stage.
