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The International Carpet Festival, held on May 1–3, 2026, was successfully concluded. The festival was jointly organized by “Azerkhalcha” OJSC and the Administration of the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve, with the support of the Ministry of Economy and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency – AZPROMO.

On the first day of the event, May 1, the International Carpet Forum brought together local and international experts working in this field. Representatives from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Albania, Morocco, Mexico, Türkiye, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Belgium, and other countries participated in the forum. The event gathered art historians, master carpet weavers, students, and cultural figures, featuring extensive presentations on the history, aesthetic characteristics, and the role of Azerbaijani carpets in world cultural heritage. It was also emphasized that carpet weaving is not only a cultural heritage but also a creative industry with significant economic potential.

On May 2–3, the festival continued in a festive atmosphere across the historic streets and squares of Icherisheher. Ancient sites such as the Bukhara and Multani caravanserais, Gosha Gala Square, and other locations hosted carpet exhibitions, masterclasses, interactive theatre performances, and concert programs. Representatives from 19 countries participated in the festival, with national pavilions from 14 countries, including Azerbaijan, showcasing various carpet weaving schools, techniques, and traditions.

During the festival, the territory of Icherisheher was decorated with 500 authentic handmade carpets by “Azerkhalcha” OJSC. Over the course of two days, thousands of local and international visitors walked on these carpets, touched them, took photographs, and became part of history.

At the official opening ceremony held at Gosha Gala Square, Chairman of the Board of the Icherisheher Administration Rufat Mahmud, Chairman of the Board of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC and Honored Art Worker Emin Mammadov, Executive Director of AZPROMO Yusif Abdullayev, and Member of Parliament, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture Polad Bulbuloglu highlighted the cultural and economic significance of the festival. It was noted that such international events not only strengthen Azerbaijan’s tourism potential but also make an important contribution to promoting the country’s national heritage globally.

Among the distinguished guests were Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of IDEA Public Union Leyla Aliyeva, Head of Baku Media Center Arzu Aliyeva, Assistant to the President Anar Alakbarov, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov, as well as other officials, public figures, diplomats, and members of parliament. The guests closely ознакомились with the carpet collections, examples of national applied decorative arts, and international pavilions showcased at the festival.

In addition to the main organizers, nearly 20 organizations participated as partners in this year’s International Carpet Festival. Demonstrating the development of Azerbaijani carpet weaving from its ancient roots to the modern era, the festival played a significant role in promoting the country’s cultural heritage internationally. It also once again proved that large-scale events can be successfully organized within the unique historical environment of Icherisheher.