Carpet weaving has been an integral part of Azerbaijani culture for centuries. In order to celebrate ancient art and to put craftsmanship in the spotlight, Azerbaijan’s capital Baku will host the International Carpet Festival and the Carpet Forum from 2 until 4 May.
Azerbaijani master weavers have been passing on their knowledge for generations on end, making the country one of the leading carpet manufacturers in the world. Since 2010, the traditional art has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, showcasing its overall importance.
“Carpet weaving is closely connected with the daily life and customs of the communities involved, its role reflected in the meaning of the designs and their applications. Thus, girls seated on carpets tell fortunes and sing traditional songs at Novruz (the regional New Year). The carpet is widely used for home furniture and decoration, and special carpets are woven for medical treatment, for wedding ceremonies, the birth of a child, mourning rituals and prayer”, UNESCO writes.
In order to put Azerbaijani carpet art in the spotlights, the Azerkhala OJSC and the Icherisheher State Historal-Architectural Reserve are organising a dedicated Carpet Festival at the heart of Icherisheher, also known as Baku’s inner city, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2000. With support from the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency, the festival will take place from 2 until 4 May 2025.
Ready to dive into the rich tradition of Azerbaijani carpets? 🧵 Join the International Carpet Festival in Icherisheher, Baku, as we celebrate 25 years of Icherisheher's UNESCO World Heritage status and 15 years of Azerbaijani carpet weaving being recognized by UNESCO.
— Experience Azerbaijan (@ExperienceAZE) April 8, 2025
🎪 On May… pic.twitter.com/mQ7qpU82xf
The main aim of the festival will be to showcase the rich heritage and the contemporary innovation of Azerbaijani carpet weaving while gathering renowned artisans, designers, scholars, and cultural professionals from around the world.
Program of the International Carpet Forum and Festival
On 2 May, the International Carpet Forum will be held with panel discussions, B2B meetings and youth-focused formats bringing together leading experts from the carpet and textile industry. Some of the main subjects include:
- International Collaboration and Manufacturing Experiences
- Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Weaving Techniques
- Hand-carpet Weaving in the Modern Economy
- Innovative Approaches to Carpet Weaving
On 3 and 4 May, an open-air festival will take over Baku’s historical inner city. Its historic caravanserais and squares will host exhibitions, while visitors will be able to participate in live demonstrations, creative workshops, musical performances, and national pavilions showcasing carpet-weaving traditions from around the globe.
As places for the Forum are limited, registration beforehand is advised. Some of the activities will be visible through a live stream during the festival.
