Washington, D.C. – The American University Katzen Arts Center hosted “The Silk Soul of Azerbaijan” on October 16, an exhibition dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence. Organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, the event brought together diplomats, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts for an evening of art, history, and music.
The exhibition featured rare and contemporary kelaghayis, traditional Azerbaijani silk headscarves, alongside printing blocks, raw silk materials, and threads used in their creation. Some pieces dated back to the late eighteenth century, reflecting the heritage of renowned silk production centers such as Basgal, Sheki, and Ganja. Recognized by UNESCO in 2014, the kelaghayi embodies Azerbaijani craftsmanship and identity, linking centuries of artistry with modern appreciation.
H.E. Khazar Ibrahim, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the United States opened the evening, framing the kelaghayi within the broader context of Azerbaijan’s independence and cultural legacy. “Both our independence and the kelaghayi, as well as all the resources we possess, are interconnected. Over time, we will value them more, appreciate them more deeply, and learn more about them. I believe we are very fortunate to be able to showcase the beauty of Azerbaijan. Thirty years ago, when we restored our independence, not many people knew about Azerbaijan. Today, however, Azerbaijan is at the center of several global processes,” he said, emphasizing how heritage and progress intertwine in the nation’s story.
Building on this reflection, Amina Malikova, Director of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, highlighted the historical depth of the kelaghayi and its enduring role in Azerbaijani culture. “For the first time, the collection of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum is being exhibited in Washington, DC. On display are very rare traditional kelaghayis dating back to the late 18th century and the early 19th and 20th centuries. Kelaghayi is not just a beautiful item in the wardrobes of our women, nor is it merely a piece of applied art. Kelaghayi embodies a deep philosophy unique to our people. It is an item passed down from generation to generation, a keeper of memory,” she said, connecting the artistry on display to the living traditions it represents.
Adding an international perspective, Dr. Paul Taylor Curator of European, Middle Eastern, and Asian Ethnology of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History spoke about the kelaghayi’s recognition and interpretation beyond Azerbaijan. “The kelaghayi holds great significance for Azerbaijan and its national identity. Since 1991, it has become even more important. The symbols and motifs of the kelaghayi are explored in various ways in contemporary artworks. However, in the English-speaking world, there is very little awareness or writing about it. That is why I wrote an article about kelaghayi for HALI magazine, because I believe more people should know about it,” he said, reinforcing the global importance of sharing Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.
A short clip capturing Dr. Nargiz Aliyarova’s piano performance, the display of Azerbaijani kelaghayi and craft materials, and the exhibition space featuring traditional Azerbaijani cuisine at The Silk Soul of Azerbaijan in Washington, D.C. @AzerbaijanMFA @azembassyus… pic.twitter.com/A8O3p4cN7J
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) October 19, 2025
The evening continued with a piano recital by Dr. Nargiz Aliyarova, Honored Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan, whose program included works by Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Lala Jafarova, Gara Garayev, Faik Sudjaddinov, and an arrangement of the folk song Sarı Gelin by R. Khalilov. Her performance brought musical resonance to the exhibition, linking sound with silk and echoing the themes of history and cultural identity introduced by the speakers.
Speaking with Diplomatic Watch, Zumrud Ibrahim, the spouse of the Ambassador, reflected on the exhibition’s significance. “This event is dedicated to the restoration day of Azerbaijan’s independence. October 18 is the thirty-fourth anniversary of our independence. This particular event is devoted to the kelaghayi. Kelaghayi is a silk headscarf from Azerbaijan, traditionally made for centuries in our country. It is very unique to our region and precious for us. The patterns and colors have their own meanings, and they accompany us throughout all stages of life,” she said. She also stressed the tribute to composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli. “Today, we had the pleasure of listening to one of our musicians, Dr. Nargiz Aliyarova, who performed pieces by Uzeyir Hajibeyli and other works dedicated to him. We are very proud to present his works to an international audience,” she added.
A short exchange with Mrs. Zumrud Ibrahim, wife of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the U.S., and Ms. Amina Malikova, Director of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, at The Silk Soul of Azerbaijan exhibition in Washington, D.C. They spoke about the kelaghayi-a symbol of grace,… pic.twitter.com/Odl4VpmSmf
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) October 19, 2025
In a brief chat with Amina Malikova, she further offered her reflections, emphasizing the exhibition’s role in connecting cultures. “We are very happy to be here today at the Katzen Arts Center. This event is especially meaningful because, for the first time ever, we are bringing kelaghayis from the collection of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum to the United States to be presented to American visitors. Kelaghayi connects generations in Azerbaijan, serving as a keeper of memory and information,” she said.
Dr. Nargiz Aliyarova also spoke about her performance, linking music to heritage. “I am the President of the National Music & Global Culture Society. Our society works to promote Azerbaijani music and culture internationally. I was very happy to perform works by both established and emerging Azerbaijani composers today. It is wonderful to share this music in a setting surrounded by the art of kelaghayi- Azerbaijan’s national silk headscarf. Music is also a fundamental part of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage,” she said.
A brief conversation with Dr. Nargiz Aliyarova, pianist, at The Silk Soul of Azerbaijan exhibition in Washington, D.C. She spoke about sharing Azerbaijani music with an international audience and how her performance connects with the kelaghayi to reflect the country’s cultural… pic.twitter.com/QyXuTNtUCY
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) October 19, 2025
Among the distinguished guests were the Ambassadors of Malta, Guyana, Northern Cyprus, and Haiti; the spouses of the Ambassadors of Turkey and Uzbekistan; and other members of the diplomatic corps, along with business and cultural leaders from the Washington area. Guests toured the exhibition and sampled traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, completing an evening that united heritage, artistry, and national pride. The kelaghayi served as a lens through which Azerbaijan’s story unfolded, weaving history, culture, and independence into a single shared experience.
