site.btaNorthern Bulgarian Village to Host World’s Largest Kilim Exhibition with Over 950 Kilims

August 1 through 3, the northern village of Iglika near Gabrovo will host Iglika Kilim Fest featuring nearly 900 authentic Bulgarian handwoven kilims from the 18th, 19th and 20th century. Speaking to BTA, curator Jacob van Beelen described it as “the largest kilim exhibition in history worldwide”.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Iglika – widely known as “Stone Nest” - the festival will showcase the antique kilims outdoors on a 1-ha site, alongside around 100 more displayed within the village’s unique Revival architecture, the organizers say in a post for the event on Facebook.

The kilims belong to Jacob van Beelen, a Dutch collector and passionate advocate for preserving Bulgarian intangible cultural heritage, who lives and works in Bulgaria.

The festival will offer visitors a rare chance to admire masterpieces from all major Bulgarian kilim schools, including the UNESCO-recognized Chiprovtsi tradition, as well as kilims from Kotel/Sliven, Pirot, Deliorman/Ludogorie, and more.

Beyond the exhibition, “Iglika Kilim Fest” features educational tours, workshops on dyeing and weaving techniques, folklore and fusion concerts, a photo contest with prizes, and family-friendly programs.

Organized by Nevena Kokanova 2011 Community Center with support from the Gabrovo Municipality’s 2025 Culture Fund, the event is part of Gabrovo’s bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2032. Partners include the Etar Open-Air Museum, the Public Donation Fund Foundation – Sliven, and the Community Support Foundation for Addicts.