The International Conference on Oriental Carpets (ICOC) is a series of academic and cultural events that focus on the study, appreciation, and preservation of antique carpets and textiles from the Middle East, Central Asia, and other regions commonly known as the “Orient.”
The first ICOC was held in London in 1976, and it has since been held in various locations around the world. The conference typically features lectures, exhibitions, and workshops that cover a wide range of topics related to Oriental carpets, such as their history, production techniques, design, and cultural significance.
The International Conference on Oriental Carpets has been held in London 1976, Munich 1978, Washington DC 1980, London 1983, Vienna & Budapest 1986, San Francisco 1990, Hamburg & Berlin 1993, Philadelphia 1996, Milan 1999, Washington DC 2003, Istanbul 2007, Stockholm 2011, Washington DC 2014, Washington DC 2018 and Istanbul 2024.
The ICOC provides a forum for collectors, scholars, dealers, and enthusiasts to come together and share their knowledge, experiences, and interests in Oriental carpets. It is also an opportunity for those in the field to network, exchange ideas, and promote the appreciation and preservation of these valuable cultural objects.
The conference is usually held over several days and attracts a diverse range of participants from different countries and backgrounds. It is a highly respected and well-established event in the world of carpet and textile studies and has contributed significantly to the advancement of knowledge and scholarship in this field.
Regional conferences has been held in Sidney in 2004 and ICOC has also been involved in the ‘5th International Symposium on Azerbaijani Carpets’ in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2017 and in tours to Vienna and Budapest in 2014 and Andalusia 2005.
The highlight of all ICOC Conferences is probably the ‘Eleventh International Conference on Oriental Carpets‘ in Istanbul in 2007.
The planned conference in Istanbul 2020 was cancelled because of Covid but took place in Istanbul in 2024 in collaboration with Istanbul Carpet Exporter Association.
Articles: ICOC Conferences