In Washington, peace is often spoken of in moral terms-an aspiration to be pursued when conditions allow. But in today’s fractured world, peace is not a luxury. It is a strategic imperative. From Eastern Europe to the Middle East, and across the South Caucasus and Central Asia, instability is reshaping global trade, energy security, and […]
I am deeply honored to receive the Peace Ambassador Award. Yet this recognition is not merely a moment of pride—it is a reminder of responsibility. Peace is not simply the absence of conflict; it is the presence of understanding, dialogue, and human connection. In an increasingly divided world, cultural diplomacy offers a powerful path forward.
On March 6, 2026, the Cultural Diplomacy and Development Foundation (CDDF) proudly kicked off its third major event, “Fostering Cultural Bridges: Women and the Art of Diplomacy,” organized in partnership with the U.S.–Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) in Washington, D.C. The event brought together over 75 diplomats, international experts, academics, policymakers, artists, and members of
Due to capacity limitations, registration for this event is now closed. We invite you to a distinguished event devoted to women’s voices and their role in fostering cultural bridges through art and dialogue. This gathering will bring together diplomats, cultural leaders, academics, and members of civil society to explore how cultural expression serves as a
Washington, D.C. – The American University Katzen Arts Center hosted “The Silk Soul of Azerbaijan” on October 16, an exhibition dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence. Organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Azerbaijan National Carpet
Conversation with Dr. Paul Michael Taylor, Curator, Researcher, and Program Director · Smithsonian Institution When we think of “cultural preservation,” we’re often talking about the preservation of historic artifacts, artworks, and past and contemporary built forms such as historic architecture and archeological sites. Each of these areas requiring preservation faces challenges worldwide, but specific concerns
Abstract The Azerbaijani “kelaghayi” (woman’s silk headscarf) has long been one of the most popular elements of traditional Azerbaijani clothing, and an important icon of Azerbaijani national identity. In 2014 it was included on the UNESCO list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Yet very little information is available in English about these textiles,
Abstract This paper introduces the collection assembled by geologist and anthropologist O.W. (“Bud”) Hampton (1928-2017) among the Dani of the Baliem Valley in western New Guinea, recently donated by his widow, Fleur Hampton, to the Tracing Patterns Foundation (“TPF”) of Berkeley, California. The collection includes about 1,000 items of material culture and 20,000 slides of
Abstract “Beginnings of Friendship: Revisiting the Smithsonian Collections from Commodore Matthew Perry’s Japan Expedition, 1853-1854 [ArcGIS Story map]” is an ArcGIS Story map written and published in 2023, by Paul Michael Taylor and Robert Pontsioen, as part of our partnership with Meiji University, funded by a grant from the U.S. Embassy Tokyo. This publication was
