Tirana: ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC, in collaboration with the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Albania and Tirana Art Gallery, unveiled an exhibition on November 18 showcasing Azerbaijani carpets in Europe. This event marks the 15th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s traditional carpet weaving art being listed in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a recognition achieved with the initiative and support of Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of Azerbaijan.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the exhibition titled ‘May your hands remain well!’ drew a diverse audience including Albanian state officials, parliament members, diplomats, media representatives, scholars, artists, and members of Azerbaijani, Turkish, and other communities in Albania. It features traditional carpets from the Karabakh, Guba, and Shirvan weaving schools, crafted by ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC, alongside works from special collections such as the ’44’ collection in collaboration with Rashad Alakbarov, and others with artists Aydan Salahova, Faig Ahmed, Samira Allahverdiyeva, Rufat Ismayil, and Albanian artist Xhevahir Kolgji.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Albania Anar Huseynov inaugurated the exhibition, emphasizing the historical significance of carpet weaving in Azerbaijani culture and the state’s commitment to its development. He noted the exhibition’s role in enhancing cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Albania. Emin Mammadov, Chairman of ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC, celebrated the occasion, highlighting the organization’s mission to preserve and advance Azerbaijani carpet weaving traditions.
The exhibition also included speeches by Edith Pula, Director of Tirana Art Gallery, and Besart Kadia, Ambassador Plenipotentiary of Albania to Azerbaijan. In a bid to promote Azerbaijani carpet art globally, ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC and ‘AFFFAIR’ donated ‘Qarabakh’ and ‘Nakhchivan’ carpets to Tirana Art Gallery, ensuring their inclusion in the gallery’s permanent collection, courtesy of PASHA Holding and PASHA Bank. Additionally, a ‘Nakhchivan’ carpet was gifted to the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Visitors had the opportunity to witness live carpet weaving demonstrations and participate in master classes, receiving certificates of involvement from ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC. The exhibition will remain open to the public until January 20, 2026.