Azerbaijan's pavilion shines at International Islamic Arts Fair in Türkiye, captivating visitors PHOTO

Azerbaijan’s pavilion at the ongoing International Islamic Arts Fair in Ankara has become a focal point for both local residents and visitors, drawing significant attention to the country's rich cultural heritage.

The exhibition, held at the ATO Congresium Centre, is organised by the Azerbaijan Cultural Centre at the Azerbaijan Embassy in Ankara with the support of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Over a span of four days, the exhibition is showcasing a diverse range of Azerbaijani handicrafts, including exquisite wooden items, traditional scarves (kelaghayi), intricate souvenirs, hand-crafted dolls, and authentic carpets. Notable Azerbaijani designers and artisans, including Elnara Rasulova, a member of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan, designer Parvana Mammadova, carpet-making expert Ruqiyye Suleymanova, and master woodworker Shahin Rasulov, are present at the exhibition to provide visitors with insights into Azerbaijan’s rich artistic traditions.

Rasulova, who is displaying 15 carpets from her personal collection, shared that some of the pieces are named "One Nation, Two States," "Azerbaijan-Türkiye" and "Seven Beauties."

Among her exhibits are carpets from the Karabakh carpet school, dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries, including the renowned "Gasimushaghi " carpet, which was gifted to Emine Erdoğan, wife of Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Rasulova expressed her pride in presenting Azerbaijan’s centuries-old carpet-making tradition to Turkish audiences, stating that the exhibition offers an opportunity for people in Türkiye to appreciate the deep cultural ties between the two nations. 

For Parvana Mammadova, a master of applied arts, this exhibition marks her second visit to Ankara. "In November of last year, during the anniversary of the historic victory in the 44-day second Karabakh war, I had the privilege of introducing my works to Turkish art lovers and conducting a master class. It’s an honour to contribute to the promotion of our culture," Mammadova said. 

She also emphasised the significance of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture’s ongoing initiatives to promote the country’s cultural heritage internationally, noting that her works had previously been exhibited in places such as Bursa and Budapest.

Mammadova also shared her deep connection to her craft, saying that she has been making dolls in Azerbaijan for over ten years, creating them in a national style inspired by historical miniatures. Ruqiyye Suleymanova, an expert in carpet-making, highlighted the shared cultural bond between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. 

"It’s heartening to see that the brotherhood and friendship of our peoples are reflected in the arts, especially through carpets. One of the key exhibits at the exhibition in Ankara is a carpet adorned with the flags of Azerbaijan and Türkiye," Suleymanova remarked. 

She emphasised the importance of fostering cultural exchanges, particularly for the younger generation, noting, "Culture has a universal language, and it’s the best way to promote the experience, richness, and heritage of a country." Woodwork master Shahin Rasulov, who has been working in his craft for over 30 years, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm shown by visitors. 

"The reaction and interest from the public is the greatest reward for any artisan," Rasulov said.

The Azerbaijan Pavilion at the International Islamic Arts Fair remains open to the public until May 11.

By Naila Huseynova