An evening celebrating the traditional Azerbaijani art of kelaghayi – handwoven silk headscarves recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage – was held at the Katzen Arts Center of the American University in Washington, D.C.
The event was organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United States, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, marking the 34th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence.
The exhibition presented ten historical and contemporary examples of kelaghayi from the Carpet Museum’s collection, along with traditional stencil boards, silk threads, and natural dyes used in their production. Guests also viewed a short documentary film and a newly published edition dedicated to the craft.
In the official part of the evening, Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim, Dr. Amina Malikova, Director of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, and Dr. Paul Taylor, an American scholar, spoke about the cultural and historical importance of kelaghayi as a symbol of Azerbaijani identity and artistry.
The artistic program featured a solo concert by Nargiz Aliyarova, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, who performed works by Uzeyir Hajibeyli (“Jangi”), a fantasia by Lala Jafarova on themes from the musical comedy “If Not That One, Then This One”, excerpts from Gara Garayev’s ballets “The Seven Beauties” and “The Path of Thunder”, Faik Sujaddinov’s ballad “Motherland”, and the beloved folk song “Sari Gelin.”
The evening underscored Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to promote its cultural heritage abroad, using art and tradition as a bridge between nations.
