The Azerbaijani Embassy in Israel recently hosted a moving tribute to carpet artist and ethnographic researcher Albert (Arya) Rafiyev, celebrating his 60th birthday and his work preserving the heritage of the Central Asian country’s Mountain Jews. The evening featured the international premiere of the film The Eternal Road, directed by Rohat Asadov, documenting Rafiyev’s unique artistic and cultural contributions.

Born in Krasnaya Sloboda in northeastern Azerbaijan, Rafiyev studied classical art in Baku before pursuing a career as a designer in Moscow. His signature technique translates oil paintings on canvas into “knot maps” for hand-woven carpets, using natural dyes to depict the “circle of life” and Mountain Jewish traditions. Rafiyev also maintains a collection of over 2,500 rare ethnographic items, which inform his work.

Ambassador Mukhtar Mammadov praised Rafiyev’s innovative approach on Thursday, calling his carpets a “story of Judaism told through threads.” Speaking of Israel-Azerbaijan ties, he said political relations are strong, but “the real connection is built through art, shared viewing and learning,” adding that he hopes Rafiyev’s works will be widely exhibited in Israel to convey a message of friendship and tolerance.