The Heydar Aliyev Foundation and bp today presented the English version of the book ‘Azerbaijani Carpets, the Dance of Loops’. The presentation event took place as part of the Cultural Heritage Forum currently held in Baku. The forum is organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan to commemorate the 100th birthday of national leader Heydar Aliyev.
The book features Azerbaijani carpet art - one of the symbols of Azerbaijan’s national culture. For centuries, carpet artifacts have represented Azerbaijan as part of its national identity and one of its national values.
“As Azerbaijan’s long-term and reliable partner, bp has always supported initiatives and activities to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage and national values. We have a long-standing commitment to Azerbaijan and will continue to be closely engaged in the country economically, socially and culturally. We believe this marvellous publication presents a unique artistic treasure which is an invaluable contribution to the world’s cultural legacy. We would like to thank the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for the opportunity to join this amazing project.”
The Azerbaijani version of the book and an exhibition featuring the same carpet artifacts collection as included in the book were presented in the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in 2022.
bp supported the production and publication of the English language version of the book. bp joined this wonderful book publication project as part of its commitment to promoting Azerbaijan’s rich and ancient history, its enduring traditional and moral values, fascinating cultural heritage and magnificent artistic treasury.
The picture of each carpet included in the book is accompanied by in-depth information about its distinctive features. In addition, the book includes information about the project, the history, the main trends and techniques of carpet making in Azerbaijan, as well as the architectural and cultural wonders which have inspired this marvellous project.
The carpets included in the book have been designed by six artists and handmade by 14 weavers. The carpets were made as part of the project developed by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and it took eight years to weave them from silk and wool coloured with natural dyes.
Notes to editors
bp has been present in Azerbaijan for 31 years safely, efficiently and reliably operating major oil and gas exploration, development and transportation projects. To date, together with its co-venturers, bp has invested around $84 billion into projects it operates in the country. In Azerbaijan, we are committed to supporting sustainability efforts focusing on the areas where we believe we can make the most difference.
bp’s extensive social investment activities and capacity-building efforts in the country have had a positive impact and brought tangible benefits to people, improving their lives and making a difference.
The company’s social investments target such areas as building local capabilities, education, development of communities, local enterprises, the environment, sporting potential as well as research into and promotion of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Overall, since the start, bp itself and together with its co-venturers in the joint ventures that bp operates in Azerbaijan, has spent about $109 million on social investment projects in this country.
In Azerbaijan, bp directly employs around 2,395 Azerbaijani citizens who make over 90 per cent of the company’s professional staff. For more information about bp and its co-venturers’ social investment projects please visit the bp Azerbaijan site at www.bp.com/azerbaijan.
Further information
Tamam Bayatly at bp’s press office in Baku.
Telephone: (+994 12) 525 58 95