Organized in the historical framework of the ancient city of Icherisheher, the International Festival of Azerbaijan carpet highlights one of the most emblematic arts of Azerbaijani identity, namely the traditional art of weaving the carpet, inscribed in 2010 on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Upon his arrival, Sar Princess Lalla Hasnaa, guest of honor of the festival, was welcomed by Mr. Emin Mammadov, chairman of the board of directors of “Azerkhalcha” (establishment dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the weaving of Azerbaijani carpets), emeritus artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Mr. Rufat Mahmud, Mayor of the Ancient City “Icherisheher”, in the presence of the ambassador of Morocco to Azerbaijan, Mr. Mohamed Adil Embarch, and the director general of the Maison de l’Artisan, Mr. Tarik Sadik.
On this occasion, her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa visited the pavilions of countries participating in the festival, notably Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Tatarstan.
His Royal Highness also visited the Center for traditional Azerbaidjan arts which works in favor of the preservation and development of traditional Azerbaijan arts and crafts, by forming young talented and creative artists-artists in professions such as ceramics, Batik, jewelry and wood sculpture.
-At the same time, his Royal Highness attended the different stages of weaving and the treatment of Azerbaijan carpets, before also attending carpet weaving representing the various regions of this Western Asian country, which are distinguished by their great variety, their weaving mode and their composition, the geometric figures used, the subtle harmony in the play of colors, the richness of their ornamentation and singular and the finesse of the details of each copy.
Subsequently, her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa followed explanations, presented by designer Narjis Asgarova, on digital creation “Zaman” (time), intended for the promotion of Azerbaijanic culture in a modern style, while giving life to the architecture of the old Icherisheher and the rich ornamental patterns of the local carpets.
This digital exhibition, which invites the public to an infinite journey in time, is devoted to the 25th anniversary of the registration of the monuments of Icherisheher on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the 15th anniversary of the registration of the traditional art of weaving Azerbaijani carpets on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of the UNESCO humanity.
Through exhibitions, interactive experiences and educational programs, the International Festival of Azerbaijan Azerbaijan is a high-quality event which aims to pay tribute to the master craftsmen, true depositaries of a precious know-how transmitted from generation to generation. It also tends to perpetuate ancestral traditions which occupy a crucial place in the cultural and artistic landscape of Azerbaijan.
