Budapest, July 18, 2026 – The Europe Today: Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, attended the presentation of the exhibition “Azerbaijani Carpets – From Tradition to Contemporary Art” at the Museum of Ethnography in Budapest, Hungary, highlighting Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage and centuries-old carpet weaving traditions.
Organized at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, the exhibition features a remarkable collection of rare Azerbaijani carpets dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries, alongside traditional textiles, national costumes, jewellery, carpet sketches and contemporary artworks.
Opened to the public on June 25, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore the distinctive floral and geometric motifs of carpets from Garabagh, Shirvan, Baku and other historical regions, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship that has made Azerbaijani carpet weaving internationally renowned.
Among the highlights are carpet sketches and artworks by People’s Artists Latif Karimov and Eldar Mikayilzade, as well as contemporary creations by artist CHINGIZ and multidisciplinary artist Madina Gasimova, whose works blend traditional artistic heritage with modern visual expression.
The exhibition’s central theme explores the transformation of traditional ornamental designs into contemporary artistic language, demonstrating the enduring relevance, aesthetic appeal and cultural significance of Azerbaijan’s textile traditions.
By presenting historical carpets alongside modern artworks, the exhibition illustrates the continuing influence of Azerbaijan’s centuries-old carpet weaving heritage on contemporary art while offering visitors a comprehensive insight into one of the country’s most treasured cultural traditions.
The exhibition has been jointly organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Hungary, the Hungarian Museum of Ethnography and the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum.
The cultural showcase will remain open to the public in Budapest until July 26, promoting greater international appreciation of Azerbaijan’s artistic heritage and strengthening cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Hungary.
