BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 29. An exhibition of Azerbaijani carpets dedicated to Judaism, Christianity and Islam was opened at the Holy See on September 29 as part of the “Heavenly Religions” project.
Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Alyona Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony.
President of the Governorate of Vatican City State Sister Raffaella Petrini said at the ceremony that culture and memory are among the foundations of peace. She noted that the exhibition creates an opportunity for dialogue between different religions, peoples, cultures, languages and traditions, while also paying tribute to Azerbaijan, where carpet weaving is deeply rooted in national traditions.
Petrini described the exhibited carpets as valuable works created by skilled artisans and said they represent both identity and humanity. She also highlighted their role in promoting interfaith dialogue and said the exhibition further demonstrates the strong bilateral character of relations between Azerbaijan and the Vatican.
Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the Holy See Ilgar Mukhtarov said carpets have historically served as a bridge between East and West. He noted that Azerbaijan was an important part of the historic Silk Road and became one of the region’s major centres of silk production and carpet weaving.
According to Mukhtarov, the three carpets presented at the exhibition form a unique artistic triptych dedicated to universal human values. He said the eight-year project achieved an artistic synthesis of faith, dialogue and tolerance while respecting the traditions of all three religions.
Director of the Vatican Museums Barbara Jatta said the carpets are being displayed at the Anima Mundi Museum, one of the most prominent sections of the Vatican Museums. She noted that the museum brings together cultural traditions from four continents and that cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation aims to create connections between different cultures.
Director of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum Amina Malikova said the project represents a new stage in Azerbaijani carpet-making. She noted that 28 women worked for eight years to realize the “Heavenly Religions” concept.
The three carpets symbolize Judaism, Christianity and Islam and express common human values such as peace, compassion and justice. The project presents elements of Azerbaijani cultural heritage within a broader framework of cultural dialogue and diplomacy.
