An exhibition titled 'Our History Living in Stitches' has opened at the Azerbaijan National Art Museum, dedicated to the Goycha and Garagoyunlu regions of Western Azerbaijan. The show features carpets woven by Azerbaijani women from those areas, preserved as treasured belongings during deportations between 1987 and 1991 and brought to Azerbaijan. The opening ceremony included speeches by museum director Shirin Malikova, community leaders, and a member of parliament, alongside musical performances by the 'Khazri' dance ensemble.
The exhibition matters because it highlights carpet weaving as a vital form of cultural heritage that preserves the historical memory, identity, and traditions of Western Azerbaijan. The carpets, primarily from the Iravan school but also reflecting Ganja, Gazakh, and Nakhchivan traditions, serve as living examples of national identity and women's creativity. By showcasing these artifacts, the museum plays a key role in protecting Azerbaijani cultural traces and passing them to future generations, offering visitors a meaningful connection between past and present.