Baku: The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum is the focus of AZERTAC's latest 'If I Were a Tourist' column, highlighting its role in preserving Azerbaijani cultural heritage through its extensive carpet collection. The museum stands out for its exhibits that reflect the country's rich history and the evolution of its carpet weaving artistry.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of Azerbaijani carpets, offering detailed insights into all stages of carpet weaving. Visitors can explore exhibits starting with hemp carpets and progressing through various types of pileless and pile carpets from the 17th to the 21st centuries. The 'Golden Fund' section showcases carpets in styles such as Guba-Shirvan, Ganja-Gazakh, Garabagh, and Tabriz, categorized by the system of Latif Karimov, a noted scientist and national artist. These displays illustrate the development of carpet art, highlighting changes in composition, ornamentation, and color.
In 2010, Azerbaijani carpet weaving was recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its global cultural significance. This recognition was supported by Mehriban Aliyeva, the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan.
The museum's architecture, designed to resemble an unrolling carpet, along with its modern exhibition halls and unique collection, makes it one of Baku's most intriguing cultural sites.