Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan, is taking center stage this February as it plays host to two remarkable cultural initiatives that delve into the complex legacies of history and celebrate the diversity of European heritage. On February 19, 2026, the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) unveiled a groundbreaking virtual museum dedicated to colonialism, while the city’s National Carpet Museum opened its doors to an exhibition of European national costumes and ornaments, running from February 18 to 21 as part of the sixth ‘FantazEU’ Cultural Heritage Festival.
The launch of the virtual museum marks a significant step in digital education and public engagement with the often-contentious topic of colonialism. According to Caliber.Az, Abbas Abbasov, the Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group, presented the initiative, emphasizing its dual role as both a scholarly resource and a platform for public learning. “The museum is a valuable tool for historians, political scientists, and researchers,” Abbasov stated at the unveiling. “It also provides a reliable and comprehensive resource for specialists in international law.”
This digital platform is not just another website; it offers a rich tapestry of archival documents, historical and legal records, as well as video and photographic materials that illustrate the profound impact and enduring legacy of colonial systems. What sets it apart is its accessibility: the museum operates in both English and French, ensuring that its content reaches a truly global audience. By lowering language barriers, the Baku Initiative Group hopes to foster a deeper and more nuanced understanding of colonial history and its ongoing effects on societies around the world.
Abbasov’s vision for the museum is ambitious, seeking to combine scholarly rigor with broad public engagement. The platform is designed to invite not only academics but also the general public to explore, question, and reflect on the historical realities of colonialism. “It is our hope,” Abbasov explained, “that this museum will serve as a bridge between academic research and public awareness, helping to illuminate the ways in which colonialism continues to shape our world.”
While the virtual museum encourages visitors to grapple with the shadows of the past, across town at the National Carpet Museum, another celebration of history is underway—one that highlights the beauty and diversity of European traditions. From February 18 to 21, the exhibition ‘Flowers in the Garden’ showcases 16 national costumes from Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. This vibrant display forms the centerpiece of the sixth ‘FantazEU’ Cultural Heritage Festival, organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan with the support of the Embassies of EU Member States in the country.
The exhibition is more than just a display of colorful garments; it is a living testament to the rich tapestry of European culture and heritage. Each costume tells a story, reflecting centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and regional identity. The event is hosted at the National Carpet Museum, located at 28 Mikayil Useynov Street, a fitting venue given Azerbaijan’s own deep-rooted tradition of textile artistry.
The ‘FantazEU’ Cultural Heritage Festival, now in its sixth edition, has become a fixture on Baku’s cultural calendar, fostering dialogue and mutual appreciation between Azerbaijan and the nations of the European Union. According to the organizers, the festival serves as an important platform for cultural diplomacy, bringing together artists, scholars, and the public in a celebration of shared values and creative expression.
The European Union’s Delegation to Azerbaijan, in partnership with the embassies of its member states, has worked diligently to ensure that the exhibition reflects the diversity and vibrancy of European culture. By including costumes from eight different countries, the exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the similarities and differences that define Europe’s cultural landscape. From the intricate embroidery of Bulgarian folk dress to the elegant lines of Latvian national attire, each costume is a window into a world shaped by history, geography, and community.
Behind the scenes, the EU-funded Regional Communication Programme for the Eastern Neighbourhood, known as ‘EU NEIGHBOURS east,’ plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting these cultural initiatives. Managed by a GOPA PACE-led consortium, the program complements the communication efforts of the European Union’s delegations in its Eastern partner countries, working under the guidance of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood, as well as the European External Action Service. Their aim is to strengthen ties and foster understanding between the EU and its neighbors through cultural exchange and public diplomacy.
For visitors to Baku, the timing of these two initiatives is serendipitous. The city, already known for its blend of East and West, tradition and modernity, is offering a rare opportunity to engage with both the darker chapters of global history and the enduring beauty of cultural heritage. The virtual museum invites reflection on the long-term consequences of colonialism and the importance of historical accountability, while the ‘Flowers in the Garden’ exhibition celebrates the resilience and creativity of communities across Europe.
Both projects underscore the power of culture and history to bring people together, even when the subjects are difficult or complex. By providing platforms for both critical inquiry and joyful celebration, Baku is positioning itself as a hub for dialogue and discovery at the crossroads of continents.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, initiatives like these remind us of the importance of understanding our shared past and appreciating the rich diversity of human experience. Whether through a digital exploration of colonial legacies or a stroll through the vibrant costumes of Europe, Baku’s latest cultural offerings invite locals and visitors alike to see history—and each other—with fresh eyes.
In a city where ancient walls meet futuristic skylines, the past is never far from view. This February, Baku’s museums—both virtual and physical—are ensuring that history is not just remembered, but actively engaged with, discussed, and celebrated in all its complexity.