Exhibition of Azerbaijani carpets opens in Ukraine's Irpin PHOTO

An exhibition featuring masterpieces from leading schools of Azerbaijani carpet weaving has opened in the Ukrainian city of Irpin, highlighting the cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

Titled "The Magic of Azerbaijani Carpets," the exhibition showcases items from the private collection of Seymur Abushov and is being hosted at the Irpin Museum of History and Local Lore. The event was organised jointly by Irpin City Hall and the United Congress of Ukrainian Azerbaijanis with the support of Azerbaijan's Embassy in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The opening ceremony was attended by diplomats, members of the Ukrainian parliament and representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora.

Irpin's acting mayor, Angela Makeeva, said the exhibition would help strengthen intercultural dialogue and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

"Today is a very important event for the city of Irpin, because this is not just an exhibition of Azerbaijani culture and history. This is a significant occasion we must talk about and pass on to our generations and children. For years, Azerbaijan has helped Irpin and our country not only in terms of restoration and support, but has also shown itself to be a brother and friend in cultural and historical matters," she said.

Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Ukraine, Seymur Mardaliyev, described the exhibition as a symbol of friendship, mutual support and a shared commitment to peace and development between the two countries.

"Due to its uniqueness, Azerbaijani carpet art has been included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The holding of this remarkable exhibition in Irpin – a city of resilience, courage, and revival – is no coincidence. Today, Irpin demonstrates the strength of the human spirit, and cultural events held here signify the power of art and creativity to triumph over destruction," the ambassador said.

The event also featured speeches by Refat Chubarov, Chairman of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, Rovshan Taghiyev, Chairman of the United Congress of Ukrainian Azerbaijanis, and collector Seymur Abushov, who spoke about the history of Azerbaijani carpet weaving and the role of cultural exchanges in fostering dialogue.

At the conclusion of the event, the Irpin City Council presented Certificates of Appreciation to diaspora activists for their contribution to promoting intercultural dialogue.

By Sabina Mammadli