From the Silk Road to Stavern

From the Silk Road to Stavern

The day opened with an engaging panel conversation on sustainability and timeless design, featuring fashion designer Eline Dragesund, Aftur Nerdrum, composer Martin Romberg, and CAN Chairwoman Shervin Najafpour. Together, they explored the intersection of art, heritage, and environmentally conscious fashion — with a special focus on the Nerdrum Family’s fashion collection, designed by Dragesund and rooted in classical aesthetics and craftsmanship.

Visitors were then invited to step into the rich cultural tapestry of Azerbaijan through an evocative display of traditional costumes and contemporary carpet art.

National costumes were presented by Associate Professor Gulzada Abdulova from the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan and Alaca National Costume brand — worn with pride by local girls from Stavern and introduced to the audience by renowned journalist Nigar Ibrahimova.

Throughout the day, guests explored a personal carpet collection curated by Ms. Elnara Rasulova, a member of the Union of Azerbaijani Artists. Elnara Rasulova’s collection brought the spirit of Karabakh to Norway through intricate, handwoven carpets that speak of heritage, memory, and timeless artistry.

The event concluded with a magical concert by Norwegian–Azerbaijani artist Marie Sahba and her trio, blending East and West in a soulful musical journey — ending with an emotional performance of “Azeri Baby”, dedicated to her late father and cultural roots.

Earth & East Festival in collaboration with:

Collaboration partners from Azerbaijan:

A Conversation on Sustainable Fashion & Timeless Design

At the East and Earth Festival, the audience was invited into a rare and thoughtful conversation on fashion, sustainability, and aesthetics.

The panel featured fashion designer Eline Dragesund, alongside Aftur Nerdrum, composer Martin Romberg, and Shervin Najafpour. Together, they explored the values behind the newly launched Kitsch collection — a vision rooted in craft, longevity, and artistic integrity.

Eline Dragesund, the Nerdrum family’s personal tailor, shared her deep commitment to classical menswear, inspired by ancient Greece and the Kitsch philosophy. She designs with natural materials, rejecting modern trends in favor of timeless silhouettes and slow, intentional design.

Photo credit: © Arve Kern

Threads of Identity & Heritage

Threads of Identity & Heritage

During the East and Earth Festival, guests were treated to a rare and meaningful presentation of Authentic Azerbaijani National Costumes — curated by Associate Professor Gulzade Abdulova a leading expert in the field of Azerbaijani cultural heritage.

Gulzade Abdulova presented a special collection of Authentic Azerbaijani National Costumes from the regions of Karabakh, Irevan Khanate, Tebriz, Urmu, Ardabil, Sheki, Zaqatala and Baku. Each costume reflected the deep roots, symbolism, and regional identity of Azerbaijan’s rich textile heritage. Worn by local girls from Stavern and introduced by renowned journalist Nigar Ibrahimova, the collection brought cultural history to life in a beautiful, cross-cultural setting.

Photo credit: © Arve Kern

Project in collaboration with:

From Karabakh to Norway

The carpets of Karabakh are among the most treasured expressions of Azerbaijani cultural heritage. Handwoven in the mountainous regions of southwestern Azerbaijan, these textiles are celebrated for their vibrant colors, intricate motifs, and deep symbolic language rooted in centuries of tradition.

Historically traded along the Silk Road, Karabakh carpets have long adorned homes, palaces, and cultural institutions across the world. Today, they remain powerful symbols of resilience, artistry, and national pride.

At the East and Earth Festival, celebrated Azerbaijani artist, carpet collector, and member of the Union of Azerbaijani Artists, known for her dedication to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Karabakh carpet weaving Elnara Rasulova brought this legacy to life in Norway. Her personal collection showcased the rich visual language and emotional depth of Azerbaijani carpet-making — each piece a testament to cultural memory.

Among the highlights was the double-sided masterpiece “Father’s Will – Son’s Victory” — a silk and wool work woven over more than two years. The carpet pays homage to the legacy of President Heydar Aliyev and the enduring leadership of his son, Ilham Aliyev, capturing a poignant moment of vision and triumph through traditional craftsmanship.

From Karabakh to Norway, Elnara Rasulova’s collection offered a moving tribute to heritage, identity, and the enduring art of storytelling through thread.

Photo credit: © CAN

Project in collaboration with:

A Billion Years Too Soon

A Billion Years Too Soon

Norwegian-Azerbaijani artist Marie Sahba blends tradition and modernity in a sound that is uniquely her own. With deep roots in her Azerbaijani heritage and a forward-leaning artistic vision, she invites listeners into a world where ancient melodies meet electronic textures, and personal stories resonate across borders.

At the East and Earth Festival, Marie performed alongside Nawar Alnaddaf (oud, vocals, flute) and Martin Vinje (keys, electronics) — two extraordinary musicians whose talents helped bring new dimensions to her music. Together, this trio created a soundscape that was both intimate and expansive, weaving together elements of Middle Eastern and Western musical traditions.

The performance concluded with the deeply emotional song “Azeri Baby”, a heartfelt tribute to Marie’s late father and her cultural roots. With lyrics in both English and Azerbaijani, the song captured the longing, love, and resilience that shape her identity.

AzGranata Wines & Naturella Smoothies

As part of the cultural experience at the East and Earth Festival, guests were invited to enjoy a curated selection of refreshments showcasing the flavors of Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

AzGranata, one of the country’s most esteemed wine producers, presented a collection of wines that reflect Azerbaijan’s rich winemaking heritage. From the lush vineyards nestled at the foothills of the Caucasus, each glass offered a taste of the land’s natural abundance and timeless tradition. Bold reds and crisp whites flowed throughout the evening, complementing the atmosphere of art, music, and cultural exchange.

Adding a refreshing note to the day’s program, Naturella offered their delicious and nutrient-rich smoothies made from locally sourced fruits and vegetables. As a beloved Turkish brand committed to healthy living and natural ingredients, Naturella brought a vibrant and wholesome flavor to the festival experience.

Together, AzGranata and Naturella brought the essence of Azerbaijani and Turkish hospitality to Norway — nourishing both body and spirit.

Refreshment sponsors: