Simultaneously, a joint virtual exhibition dedicated to the common forms of decorative art in Iran and Tajikistan was launched at the Golestan Palace, a World Heritage site in Tehran, and at the National Museum of Tajikistan.
The exhibition, titled 'One Heritage, Two Lands,' features about twenty digital images of Kundal works from Tajikistan, as well as ten images of tilework from the Qajar era from the eastern and southern parts of the Golestan Palace complex.
Imam Ali Emami, Director of the Golestan Palace, stated during the opening ceremony on Tuesday that the National Museum of Tajikistan provided high-quality digital images of Tajik Kundal works along with relevant information. These images are displayed alongside digital photographs of the Golestan Palace's tilework.
Kundal is a traditional decorative art in Tajik architecture, with roots dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. As Emami explained, the technique uses floral, arabesque, and geometric motifs on plaster and wood, applied to decorate walls and ceilings, which is comparable to the decorative function of tiles in Iranian architecture.
Alisher Zarifi, First Deputy Director of the National Museum of Tajikistan, who spoke at the online ceremony, noted that the exhibition provided an opportunity to present the shared historical and cultural heritage of the two countries to an international audience. He added that the National Museum of Tajikistan has organized 22 exhibition halls to showcase the history and culture of the country, including artifacts, works of art, and images of the customs, traditions, and rituals of the Tajik people.
According to Zarifi, the museum aims to present the history of Tajikistan from ancient times and the formation of states to the modern era, while simultaneously introducing visitors to various aspects of Tajik culture and civilization. He emphasized that the joint virtual exhibition is part of the museum's international cooperation program and is being held ahead of the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan's state independence. The exhibition focuses on Tajik Kundal art and Iranian tilework.
Zarifi concluded that this initiative will allow both sides to present their historical and cultural collections to the world public, highlighting the long-standing historical and cultural ties between the peoples of Iran and Tajikistan.