25 December 2024
From Karabakh to Istanbul: Carpet Exhibition and Talk Program
As the Turkey Youth and Education Service Foundation (TÜRGEV), we organized the "From Karabakh to Istanbul: Carpet Exhibition and Talk Program" to promote Azerbaijani civilization and to once again share the significance of the Karabakh Victory with the world. This meaningful event, held in cooperation with the Harı Bülbül Azerbaijan Vision Theatre Association, took place at the Factory of Fine Works (GİF) Safveti Paşa Campus, one of Istanbul’s most touristic locations.
Meaningful Messages from Our Chairwoman Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz
In her opening speech, TÜRGEV Chairwoman Av. Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz emphasized that Karabakh is not just a piece of land, but also symbolizes the determination, patience, and unity of a nation.
She stated: “The atrocities in Khojaly and the decades-long occupation of Karabakh deeply wounded us all. However, in this process, the support we gave for Azerbaijan’s rightful cause with the motto ‘one nation, two states’ has further strengthened our bonds. Today, we are here to commemorate Azerbaijan’s rich culture and the Karabakh Victory through art.”
A Deep Look into Karabakh’s History and Art
As part of the event, the talks titled "The History of Karabakh: From the Art of Weaving to Today’s Art Scene" introduced participants to Karabakh’s rich cultural heritage. Member of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan and Carpet Artist Elnara Rasulova shared the stories behind the carpets on display and the intricate details of the weaving art. Traditional Fabric Collector Fuad Cebrayılov gave an in-depth presentation on the history and philosophy of Azerbaijani traditional women’s clothing, specifically focusing on Karabakh. Founder of the Harı Bülbül Azerbaijan Vision Theatre Association Kemale Cabbarova also shared insights into the region’s culture, art, and history.
The exhibition featured ancient Karabakh carpets, special carpets designed for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, antique kelaghays, and kalamkari covers, among many unique works. These special pieces, reflecting the traces of Karabakh’s war of independence through art, brought the richness of Azerbaijani culture to art lovers. Our Chairwoman stated: "This exhibition brings Azerbaijan’s cultural richness to Istanbul while strengthening the unity of our two brother nations."
Art Strengthening the Azerbaijan-Turkey Ties
During the opening program, local delicacies from Azerbaijani and Turkish cuisine were offered to guests. At the end of the event, our Chairwoman presented plaques to participants. Carpet Artist Elnara Rasulova gifted a Karabakh carpet symbolizing the brotherhood between the two nations to our Chairwoman.
From Karabakh to Istanbul: Carpet Exhibition will continue to bring art lovers together with Karabakh’s rich cultural heritage until January 1. We invite everyone wishing to visit to our GİF Safveti Paşa campus in Sirkeci between 10:00–17:00.
