One of the world’s most remarkable historical carpets, the iconic Hereke carpet gifted by the Ottoman Empire to the Peace Palace in The Hague in 1911, will soon undergo a comprehensive restoration in Türkiye under a newly signed cooperation protocol between the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Carnegie Foundation.
The monumental handwoven carpet, measuring approximately 161.5 square meters and weighing more than 700 kilograms, has decorated the Japanese Room of the Peace Palace for over 110 years. Throughout its long history, the carpet has witnessed numerous international peace negotiations, diplomatic meetings, and legal proceedings at one of the world’s most important institutions for international justice.
The restoration project officially began with a ceremonial removal of the carpet from the Peace Palace. The ceremony was attended by representatives of both Türkiye and the Netherlands, including Turkish Ambassador to The Hague Selçuk Ünal, officials from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and executives from the Carnegie Foundation.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ambassador Ünal described the Hereke carpet as more than a historic textile masterpiece, emphasizing that it has served as a lasting symbol of friendship between Türkiye and the Netherlands while silently witnessing more than a century of international diplomacy and peace-building efforts.
The restoration work will be carried out in Istanbul by Turkish conservation specialists with extensive expertise in preserving historic carpets and textiles. According to the Carnegie Foundation, once the restoration has been completed, the carpet will be returned to its original location inside the Peace Palace.
Officials also confirmed that the entire restoration process will be carefully documented through a joint initiative involving the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ankara.
A Masterpiece of Hereke Carpet Weaving
Hereke carpets represent one of the highest achievements of Ottoman carpet craftsmanship. Produced for imperial palaces and diplomatic gifts, these carpets are internationally recognized for their exceptional knot density, fine silk and wool materials, intricate floral motifs, and extraordinary weaving quality.
The Peace Palace carpet remains one of the largest and most historically significant Hereke carpets ever produced. Its restoration not only aims to preserve an outstanding example of Ottoman textile heritage but also reinforces the cultural value of traditional Turkish carpet weaving on the international stage.
As interest in preserving historic textiles continues to grow worldwide, the restoration of this remarkable Hereke masterpiece highlights the enduring importance of traditional craftsmanship, cultural diplomacy, and the role of carpets as ambassadors of history and artistic excellence.
