President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and members of his delegation visited the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum during an official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan. Dr. Shirin Malikova, Museum Director welcomed him and delivered detailed information about the history and activities of the museum, and the traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving art, our richest national heritage.

She noted that the museum is engaged not only in storing, accumulating, and studying its collections, but also is a scientific, informational, educational, and handicraft center. Currently, the museum is carrying out a range of educational programs based on studying the collection, reviving forgotten weaving techniques, and implement inclusive programs within the museum space; moreover, preparing catalogs on the museum’s collections and exhibitions. Dr. Melikova also highlighted that in 2010, the Azerbaijani carpet was included within the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage showing the importance and value of our national culture in a global context. “This important event took place with the support of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, whose merits in popularizing and promoting the culture and art of Azerbaijan cannot be overestimated,” she said.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was impressed by the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum’s new building, which meets all modern requirements, its unusual design, and innovative display.

At the end of the tour, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov presented the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum a Turkmen carpet. The Museum gifted an Azerbaijani carpet to the President.