In every country there is definitely an institution that preserves the heritage of the history and culture of the people. There is such a “temple of the muse” in Azerbaijan, and his name is the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum.
Despite the fact that Azerbaijan today gives the impression of a rich and developed country, its people treat the national culture and customs of their ancestors with love and trepidation. These people not only preserved ancient traditions, but also develop what was created over the centuries.
One of the varieties of arts and crafts in Azerbaijan, without a doubt, is carpet weaving. For those who once visited the National Carpet Museum in Baku, Azerbaijan opens up from a completely different, unexpected side.
Walking along Primorsky Boulevard on the shores of the Caspian Sea, it is easy to stumble upon a magnificent structure that resembles a rolled carpet in its appearance. It was erected under the guidance of the famous Austrian architect Franz Jasn. It was here that the exposition of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum was located in 2014.
Entering the building, you can see all the same modernity: a shop, a cafe, office space and storage rooms on the ground floor. For the convenience of visitors, relaxation areas with sofas are equipped, as well as elevators and escalators.
But as soon as you find yourself in the exhibition halls located above the floor, time seems to turn back. Looking at these unique examples of carpet art with national ornament, you feel like Ivan Vasilyevich in the film of the same name. As if you are in the Middle Ages and now old man Hottabych will certainly jump out of somewhere. The impressions are enhanced by the works of art of the antiquity exhibited here: artistic sewing, national clothes, earthenware, weapons, as well as glass, wood and jewelry. All this splendor was presented to the museum by other cities of Azerbaijan.
For visitors interested in carpet weaving, visiting the exhibition will turn into an invaluable experience. But ordinary tourists will certainly find something to see.
Carpet art originated in antiquity. The museum was created in 1967 on the initiative of the great scientist and weaver Latif Kerimov. At the time of its foundation, it was the only one in the world. For half a century, the location of the exposition has changed several times. Now the museum houses more than 14 thousand magnificent exhibits. Exhibitions are regularly held in different countries of the world. And on its territory there is a cultural, educational and research center.
The people of Azerbaijan are justly proud of their national art of carpet weaving. It is part of their cultural heritage. And in 2004, a law "on the protection and development of the national carpet" was adopted on the territory of the country.
