Carpet Museum to open in Nagorno-Karabakh city of Shushi

Nagorno-Karabakh’s city of Shoushi is hosting today the presentation of a Museum of Carpets, reports the country’s Ministry of Culture.

The museum was founded upon the private initiative of Vardan Astsatrian, currently an advisor to the Nagorno-Karabakh president.

Its collection comprises over 250 carpets and rugs dating from the 17th-19th centuries.

The aim of opening the museum is to save the traditional carpets of Karabakh (Artsakh) from oblivion and destruction and to prevent Azerbaijan’s cultural appropriation attempts by putting the valuable pieces of art on a permanent display.

The Center of Arts of Shoushi (initially “Sargsyants” gallery) was founded by Armenian benefactor Karo Sargsyan, who now resides on Moscow.

Realizing the importance of preserving and protecting the cultural heritage, of Nagorno-Karabakh Ministry of Culture has expressed readiness to assist the museum in future.