The Peace Palace, which serves as the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, was built by Sultan II. The approximately 1905 square meter Hereke carpet, which was given as a gift in 162 upon the decree of Abdulhamid, is being restored in the Sultanhanı district of Aksaray.
Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan said at the press conference held at the carpet repair workshop in Aksaray that he was happy to be in Sultanhanı Caravanserai, which has an important place in the history of Turkey.
Nadir Alpaslan reminded that more than 40 countries provided aid when the Peace Palace was built and continued as follows:
“During the reign of Sultan Abdülhamit, the Ottoman Empire gifted the Hereke carpet to the Peace Palace, the restoration of which will begin shortly. This carpet is a very special carpet, woven in knots and decorated with the cultural elements of our country. During the restoration process, each stitch will be renewed according to the technical specifications of the period in which it was made and will be sent back to its home. The Hereke carpet has been witnessing history in the Japanese Hall of the Peace Palace for more than 100 years. “Our carpet will continue to witness history when this work is completed and it returns home a year later.”
Alpaslan stated that this unique carpet is one of the important examples reflecting the cultural richness of Turkey.
Pointing out that it is important for the restoration to be carried out in Turkey, Alpaslan said, “The carpet is a concrete indicator of the relations between the Netherlands and Turkey, which exceeds 400 years. The restoration of our carpet will be carried out using an expert team and traditional techniques, and great care will be taken at every stage to preserve the original texture and aesthetics of the carpet. "This project represents the preservation of a cultural heritage beyond the restoration of the carpet." he said.
Alpaslan emphasized that the restoration of the carpet also contributed to the world cultural heritage.
Explaining that there is a need for peace and justice in the world we live in, Alpaslan wished for peace and justice to come to the whole world.
“Hereke Carpet is the Highest Quality and Best Carpet in the World”
Dutch Ambassador to Ankara Joep Wijnands said that after a century, the carpet came from the Netherlands to Turkey for restoration.
Stating that the story of the carpet is a symbol of the strong ties between Turkey and the Netherlands, Wijnands continued his words as follows:
“Hereke carpet is the highest quality and best carpet in the world. Another good thing is that it is long lasting and has historical importance. The relations between our two countries and the friendship between us are as solid and strong as the stitches on the carpet. The friendship between the two countries goes back many years. Next year we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the friendship agreement. Diplomatic relations also go back about 400 years. There are even more beauties between our two countries than this carpet. It is known that the Turks brought the tulip, which is the international symbol of the Netherlands.”
Wijnands also emphasized that Turkey helped the Netherlands for its independence 500 years ago.
After the speeches, Deputy Minister Alpaslan and his entourage examined the carpet.