NEWS

Azerbaijani feature film "The Island Within" will be screened at Sarajevo Film Festival to be held in Bosnia and Herzegovina on August 14-21. 

Directed by Rufat Hasanov, the film became the first full-length Azerbaijani feature film included in the main competition program. 

The film tells about Seymur Tahirbayov who is one of the world’s leading chess grandmasters. A few weeks before the most important game of his career, he secretly travels to an island inhabited by a just one resident in order to rediscover himself.

"The Island Within" was shot by order of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture by Azerbaijanfilm and Debüt film studios, together with Arizona Productions, Coyote Cinema and Mandarin Agency. 

The cast includes People's Artists of Azerbaijan Vidadi Hasanov, Gurban Ismayilov, Rafig Azimov, actors Orkhan Ata and Elvin Adigozal. 

Director of photography of the film is Orkhan Abbasoff, production designer – Elturan Mammadov, composers – Katya Yonder and Farhad Farzali, sound editor – Teymur Karimov, first assistant director – Kamran Agabalayev, executive producer is Nadir Aliyev.   

The Sarajevo Film Festival is the premier and largest film festival in Southeast Europe, and is one of the largest film festivals in Europe. 

Founded in 1995, the film festival brings international and local celebrities to Sarajevo every year. The event is held in August and showcases an extensive variety of feature and short films from around the world. The current director of the festival is Mirsad Purivatra, former CEO of the Bosnian branch of McCann Erickson.

This year, the festival's jury will be represented by French film director Michel Hazanavicius. He will be joined by Berlinale artistic director Carlo Chatrian; Croatian actress Jadranka Đokić; Serbian director Srdan Golubović; and Morelia film festival head of industry and training projects Andrea Stavenhagen. 

Medeniyyet TV has launched its next patriotic project "I am a soldier too" aimed at raising patriotic spirit among young people.

The project is open for everyone, including talented composers, musicians, sculptors, artists, actors and directors.

Speaking about the project, director of Medeniyyet TV Ramil Qasimov noted the cross-border clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“As you know, the events that have taken place in recent days on the contact line, especially in the direction of Tovuz, once again showed the whole world the determination of our people to fight. The project is open for young talents. All creative people have a chance to call young people for patriotism through art...," he said.

After the completion of the project, the participants will take part in the television festival, organized by Medeniyyet TV. More details are provided on official website.

Medeniyyet TV is a cultural television channel, operating under the Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint-Stock Company (AzTV). The channel started broadcasting on February 14, 2011.

The main goal of the Medeniyyet TV channel is to promote Azerbaijani rich cultural heritage on a global scale.  Medeniyyet TV has the exclusive right to broadcast all projects related to cultural events organized in the country.

Famous national dancer Farid Kazakov has presented a patriotic video "My Azerbaijan".

In his video, the dancer performs in a military uniform with the Azerbaijani flag in his hands. As the dancer himself says, he decided to release this video after the latest events on the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border.

"I am a very emotional person and everything that happens cannot leave me indifferent. Despite the fact that we - Azerbaijani art figures have been on a forced vacation since March, the country needs our support. In 2017, I was invited to represent Azerbaijan with a patriotic number at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Sochi. I performed in front of 25,000 spectators and festival guests from all over the world. Especially for this event, I staged the number "My Azerbaijan" to the music of Muslim Magomayev. After this dance, the festival organizers noted that it was one of the strongest dance performances in the entire history of the festival. I was the only artist who represented Azerbaijan at this festival. Excitement and responsibility did not leave me during the festival. And now, at such a  difficult time for all of us, I decided to recreate this dance performance and release a music video to honor the memory of martyrs, national heroes and support our people," Kazakov told Azernews.

"Since the early age, I have been representing Azerbaijan on the international arena. I have done my best to raise our flag, among many others at  international competitions and events. I am very proud that for many years I have represented Azerbaijan all over the world. First of all, I am an Azerbaijani artist and I am proud that I studied with the famous Azerbaijani teachers. Rest in peace, our martyrs and national heroes! May God give good health and strength to all our Azerbaijani people!," he added.

Farid Kazakov also expressed his gratitude to the director of the video director Samira Khalafova. 

"New International competitions await me! I will continue to represent Azerbaijan at the highest level", the dancer concluded.

Notably, Farid Kazakov is a multiple winner of prestigious prizes. 

In 2019,  the dancer successfully performed at International Kremlin Stars Competition, Solo Star All-Russian Theater Festival and Art Star International Competition and Festival.

He was also named "The Most Successful Dancer" according to "Trend of the Year 2019" Awards. The winners were determined by voting on social networks and media monitoring.

Moreover, the dancer also surprised the audience at YARAT with a one-man show "Enuement" staged with the participation of Russian director Louise Eyre.

Farid Kazakov also shares his skills and knowledge with young people. Farid has been training future gymnasts since 2012. Presently, he is a head coach of the Zabradance Baku School of Gymnastics and Dance. 

He is also actively involved in charity work. In February, he presented his new charity project "For Kids of Azerbaijan" at Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Down Syndrome.

Famous dancer also held charity project in several organizations such as Ders Evi Education Center and Yaradan Creative Union.

Throughout his life, Nadir Abdurrahmanov created masterpieces that resonate with many people. In his art, the Honored Artist of Azerbaijan brilliantly expressed Azerbaijani nature in all its beauty.

Since childhood, Nadir Abdurrahmanov had traveled to the mountainous regions near Lachin with his father.

The artist spent many years admiring the country's most beautiful parts and observing people living there.

The scenes of this peaceful life in the bosom of nature inspired Abdurrahmanov to create series of magnificent canvases.

The artist's paintings expressed the hard work of local people, grace and beauty of women.

His fascinating canvases have entered Azerbaijan art history as valuable works of art.

Nadir Abdurrahmanov painted large-format subject-themed paintings at an early stage of his work: "The View of Baku" (1954), "Industrial Landscape" (1954), "In the Highlands" (1957).

His other popular art works included such paintings as "The Arrest of 26 Baku Commissars", "Lenin's Word" (1953), "Mournful News" (1958) , "Industrial Landscape" (1954), "In the Highlands" (1957), "Morning in the Mountains" (1957).

Nadir Abdurrahmanov also went on trips to France, Italy, Norway, Bulgaria, North Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries.

His paintings "New Korea" (1959), "Burgas Port" (1961), "Mountains. Yugoslavia" (1964), "Venice. Bridge" (1966), "Bergen. Norway" (1966), "Baghdad" (1972), "Street in Mosul" (1972), "Afghanistan" (1971), "Afghans" (1972) inspired by his trips were successfully demonstrated at various exhibitions.

A large role in the artist’s work was played by a trip to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 1958.

During his trip, the artist was impressed by the country's stunningly beautiful views, lifestyle of local people which, in turn, inspired him to dedicate a series of his art works to the Land of the Morning Calm.

The best paintings and sketches from this series, including such paintings as "Fishermen", "Morning on the bridge", "On the crossing", "New Korea", "In the agricultural cartel", "In Keson", "East Sea" were showcased at his personal exhibitions in Baku and Moscow.

In the early 60s, Nadir Abdurrahmanov made a trip to Lankaran and began work on the painting "Planting Rice".

The search for the courageously harsh, monumental language in painting was reflected in such paintings as "Constructions of the seven-year plan", "Builders of Ali-Bayramli State District Power Station" and others.

"Twilight in the Mountains", "Talysh Girl" (1970), "Spring in the Mountains"(1970), " Firuza's world", "People of our Mountains", "Talysh"(1967), "Lachin", "Lerik. Spring" (1964), "Lake in the Mountains", "Shusha", etc. are among his other famous art works.

His series of paintings dedicated to Iraq and Afghanistan inspired by his trip opened a new page in the artist's art life.

Characterized by deep emotional and aesthetic expressiveness, the painting "Twilight" is considered one of the best work in this series.

The harmony of lines and colors is expressed in such works as "Orange Grove", "Mosul", "Street in Baghdad", "Sunny Day", "Girl with Donkeys", "Ghazni", "Street in Kabul", "Students from Kabul", "Afghans",  "Seller of pottery", "Portrait of the Artist Farad", etc.

Nadir Abdurrahmanov also actively participated in the country's public life.

He was elected a Deputy of the Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan, held the post of Chairman of the Union of Artists. The artist headed the creative laboratory at the Academy of Fine Arts.

For ten years, Abdurrahmanov headed the Union of Azerbaijani Artists and raised a generation of talented artists.

In the same years he was elected as a deputy of the Supreme Council of the Republic from the Lachin region.

Between 1960 and 1964, he was awarded with the titles of Honored Art Worker of the Azerbaijan SSR and People's Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR.

His 90th Anniversary Exhibition was successfully held in Baku in 2015.

Most of his masterpieces are now on display at Azerbaijan National Art Museum as well as other museums and galleries.

Throughout his life, Nadir Abdurrahmanov created masterpieces that resonate with many people. In his art, the Honored Artist of Azerbaijan brilliantly expressed Azerbaijani nature in all its beauty.

Since childhood, Nadir Abdurrahmanov had traveled to the mountainous regions near Lachin with his father.

The artist spent many years admiring the country's most beautiful parts and observing people living there.

The scenes of this peaceful life in the bosom of nature inspired Abdurrahmanov to create series of magnificent canvases.

The artist's paintings expressed the hard work of local people, grace and beauty of women.

His fascinating canvases have entered Azerbaijan art history as valuable works of art.

Nadir Abdurrahmanov painted large-format subject-themed paintings at an early stage of his work: "The View of Baku" (1954), "Industrial Landscape" (1954), "In the Highlands" (1957).

His other popular art works included such paintings as "The Arrest of 26 Baku Commissars", "Lenin's Word" (1953), "Mournful News" (1958) , "Industrial Landscape" (1954), "In the Highlands" (1957), "Morning in the Mountains" (1957).

Nadir Abdurrahmanov also went on trips to France, Italy, Norway, Bulgaria, North Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries.

His paintings "New Korea" (1959), "Burgas Port" (1961), "Mountains. Yugoslavia" (1964), "Venice. Bridge" (1966), "Bergen. Norway" (1966), "Baghdad" (1972), "Street in Mosul" (1972), "Afghanistan" (1971), "Afghans" (1972) inspired by his trips were successfully demonstrated at various exhibitions.

A large role in the artist’s work was played by a trip to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 1958.

During his trip, the artist was impressed by the country's stunningly beautiful views, lifestyle of local people which, in turn, inspired him to dedicate a series of his art works to the Land of the Morning Calm.

The best paintings and sketches from this series, including such paintings as "Fishermen", "Morning on the bridge", "On the crossing", "New Korea", "In the agricultural cartel", "In Keson", "East Sea" were showcased at his personal exhibitions in Baku and Moscow.

In the early 60s, Nadir Abdurrahmanov made a trip to Lankaran and began work on the painting "Planting Rice".

The search for the courageously harsh, monumental language in painting was reflected in such paintings as "Constructions of the seven-year plan", "Builders of Ali-Bayramli State District Power Station" and others.

"Twilight in the Mountains", "Talysh Girl" (1970), "Spring in the Mountains"(1970), " Firuza's world", "People of our Mountains", "Talysh"(1967), "Lachin", "Lerik. Spring" (1964), "Lake in the Mountains", "Shusha", etc. are among his other famous art works.

His series of paintings dedicated to Iraq and Afghanistan inspired by his trip opened a new page in the artist's art life.

Characterized by deep emotional and aesthetic expressiveness, the painting "Twilight" is considered one of the best work in this series.

The harmony of lines and colors is expressed in such works as "Orange Grove", "Mosul", "Street in Baghdad", "Sunny Day", "Girl with Donkeys", "Ghazni", "Street in Kabul", "Students from Kabul", "Afghans",  "Seller of pottery", "Portrait of the Artist Farad", etc.

Nadir Abdurrahmanov also actively participated in the country's public life.

He was elected a Deputy of the Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan, held the post of Chairman of the Union of Artists. The artist headed the creative laboratory at the Academy of Fine Arts.

For ten years, Abdurrahmanov headed the Union of Azerbaijani Artists and raised a generation of talented artists.

In the same years he was elected as a deputy of the Supreme Council of the Republic from the Lachin region.

Between 1960 and 1964, he was awarded with the titles of Honored Art Worker of the Azerbaijan SSR and People's Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR.

His 90th Anniversary Exhibition was successfully held in Baku in 2015.

Most of his masterpieces are now on display at Azerbaijan National Art Museum as well as other museums and galleries.

A park named after founder of the Azerbaijan national press Hasan bey Zardabi has been solemnly opened in Guba.

Representatives of Guba Executive Power, mass media attended the opening ceremony, APA reported.

A monument to Hasan Zardabi, designed by sculptor Shikhali Takhmazov was set a the park as well. 

The construction of a new school for 850 pupils has also begun in the village of Zardabi. The construction of the three-story school building is scheduled to be completed by the next academic year. 

On June 30, 2020, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree "On holding the 145th anniversary of the Azerbaijani national press." 

The story of the press in Azerbaijan began with "Akinchi" (The Ploughman) newspaper, published for the first time in 1875 on July 22.

The newspaper covered a wide range of scientific, educational and cultural topics and harshly criticized superstition and backwardness.

The first Azerbaijani-language newspaper played a major role in the formation and development of Azerbaijani National Press.

Despite its closing in 1884, "Akinchi" paved the way to other national publications.

In the following years, newspapers like Shergi-Rus (1903-1905), Hayat (1905-1906), Molla Nasreddin (1906-1931), Fuyuzat (1906-1907), Shalale (1913-1914), Igbal (1912-1915), Dirilik (1914-1916), Achiq Soz (1915-1918) continued the noble goal of the "Akinchi" newspaper.

Since gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijani press has been actively working on providing information about the unfolding of events .

Azerbaijan Press Council is in charge of media self-regulation. Founded in 2003, the Press Council aims at enforcing public oversight of the profession, ensuring freedom of the press and strengthening the relationship between  government and media.

Baku Main Cultural Department has launched a new educational portal (musiqi.edu.az).

The main goal is to simplify the admission of schoolchildren to children's music schools and art centers as well as to promote virtual learning system by using the latest modern technologies.

Here parents can register by choosing the nearest children's music school and art school in Baku, where they teach the specialties they are interested in. After the successful completion of registration, the system determines a code for each student. 

The database system which includes children's music schools and art schools in Baku will be also provided in near future.

Social network users have a chance to get acquainted with a huge database of tutorials, features of musical instruments and the schedule of lessons.

It will also be possible to learn about the successes achieved by schools in the academic year, latest news and get information about republican local and international music contest. 

World-famous Azerbaijani singer Sami Yusuf has supported Azerbaijan amid Armenian provocation on the border that resulted in the killing of Azerbaijani servicemen and a civilian.

The musician shared a series of posts with hashtags "Karabakh is Azerbaijan", "Let's pray for Azerbaijan", etc. on his social networks. 

The singer joined all those calling for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of Armenian aggression toward Azerbaijan.

The cross-border clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia started on July 12 noon after Armenian troops fired artillery at Azerbaijani military post in Tovuz region. Three Azerbaijani servicemen died while thwarting the Armenian attack.

Azerbaijani armed forces retaliated destroying a stronghold, bombshells, vehicles and servicemen on the territory of the Armenia’s military unit by using artillery, mortars and tanks and by downing three Armenian UAVs.  

Azerbaijan lost 12 servicemen, including an army general, during cross-border clashes from July 12 till July 16.

Armenian forces have also been shelling civilians in villages in Tovuz. An Azerbaijani civilian in Tovuz’s Aghdam village was killed as a result of artillery shelling by the Armenian armed forces on July 14.

The British musician of Azerbaijani origin believes that all traditions in the world are expressions of the same essential spiritual truth and it is no surprise that the singer turns to traditional music as a means of conveying this message.

The positive message of his lyrics gives voice to a collective yearning for peace and harmony, and his use of global rhythms and melodies united by spiritual vision captivates listeners worldwide.

Sami Yusuf uses his fame to help people through his humanitarian activities such as the World Food Program. In 2014, The United Nations appointed Sami Yusuf the Global Ambassador against Hunger. In 2015 Sami Yusuf promoted the world’s first interfaith anthem, a song called “The Gift of Love”, to mark the World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Through this effort, Sami Yusuf hopes to help people from different traditions recognize that the common values they hold far outweigh their differences and that this understanding can be the starting point for the journey toward a lasting peace.

Ismayilli is worldwide known for its stunning landscapes, turquoise waters and multiple historical monuments.

Here you easily spend your vacation admiring highly picturesque valleys and medieval ruins.

The region, which was once a part of Caucasian Albania, will definitely make you marvel at its majestic beauty. 

If you are looking for a place that encompasses a medieval feel in the modern world, look no further than  Maiden Tower in Ismayilli.

This defensive fortress was erected on the right bank of the Ah-Oh river on top of a mountain surrounded by steep cliffs. In different sources, the construction date varies from VII to XI-XII century. There was an underground tunnel in the tower which led to Javanshir Fortress. Over time, the tunnel collapsed, but some of its parts have survived to this day.

Another famous tourist sight, Javanshir Fortress consists of the outer and inner parts (Ichgala). The width of the southern wall of the main part reaches 2 meters, height 10 meters. Ichgala is built on the very top of the mountain.

The fortress is linked with the name of the famous Albanian commander and the eminent ruler Javanshir Mehranid (642-681). The Girdiman principality, founded by the Mehranids dynasty, was located on the territory of the modern Ismayilli region. Further, they extended their power to the whole of Albania.

There is a majestic waterfall on the territory of the fortress surrounded by a dense forest.

Many different nations and ethnic groups live in Ismayilli. Among them are Lezgis, Russians (malakans), Jews, lahyıch and hapyts, the descendants of ancient Albans.

One of the biggest Molokan villages in Azerbaijan is located in Ismayilli. The village, known as Ivanovka was founded in 1847 by the "Molokan" Russians who sought refuge in Azerbaijan after being ousted from Czarist Russia in the mid-19th century due to protesting Orthodox traditions. They have since lived in peace side by side with Azerbaijanis ever since. The village is famous for its fresh dairy products, tasty fruits and vegetables.

The village of Glachyg is another must see place in Ismayilli. The iconic episode from the Azerbaijani film "Stepmother" was shot there. The exposition during the filming was real. Glachyg is the only village in Ismayilli, where chestnuts grow.

The Basgal village of Ismayilli was widely known here as a center of handicrafts and sericulture in the middle ages. To this day, the traditional female headscarf  kelaghayi has been manufactured in this village.

With 2,000-year history, this elegant garment  has entered the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List.

The most valuable 6 or 7 kelaghayis are produced in Basgal until now.

Nothing can be compared to the beauty of Lahij. Located not too far from the city center Ismayilli, it is a historical and architectural reserve with no hint of modern times.

Here you can enjoy mosques, beautiful towers, ancient constructions and much more.

The historical sources report that first settlements in Lahij date back to the 3rd-4th centuries. It is interesting that the village's water and sewerage system is more than 1500 years old.

The village is also developed as an ancient craft center. The village was one of the main centers of manufacture of copper dishes and weapons in the 18th – 19th centuries.

There were more than 200 craftsmen workshops in Lahij in the middle of the 19th century.

Young sculptor Tabriz Soltanli has created a bust of Major General Polad Hashimov who was killed in armed clashes on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border. 

The work on the bust in clay lasted four days. The artist will transfer it to plaster in a few days.

"I was most struck by the fact that an officer of such high rank, a general, was fighting on the front line, repelling enemy's aggression together with other soldiers. Polad Hashimov is a true Azerbaijani commander and warrior. He was only 45 years old ... He also participated in Karabakh's April War and was one of the heroes of these battles against the Armenian invaders. He was awarded with the Order 'For Service to the Fatherland' and received an apartment from the state. However, while living in a rented apartment, he presented this apartment to the martyr's family. He came to Baku in an official car, handed it over to the ministry, and used public transport. His nobility, education, bravery and care for the soldiers should serve as an example for everyone. That is why I decided to create this bust. May the memory of our heroes and be a blessing ", the artist told Trend Life.

"When I graduated from the Azim Azimzade Art School, my diploma work dedicated to the National Hero of Azerbaijan Mubariz Ibrahimov. I was only 16 years old back then. Over the years, besides other art works, I also created several busts of our poets Mikayil Mushfig and Ahmad Javad as well as actor Samandar Rzayev. After graduation, I am planning to continue my work in this direction. I will try my best for the development of national culture and art," he added. 

The cross-border clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia started on July 12 noon after Armenian troops fired artillery at Azerbaijani military post in Tovuz region. Three Azerbaijani servicemen died while thwarting the Armenian attack.

Azerbaijani armed forces retaliated destroying a stronghold, bombshells, vehicles and servicemen on the territory of the Armenia’s military unit by using artillery, mortars and tanks during the night leading to July 13. Azerbaijan has also downed three Armenian UAVs.  

Azerbaijan lost 12 servicemen, including an army general, during cross-border clashes from July 12 till July 16.

Armenian forces have also been shelling civilians in villages in Tovuz. An Azerbaijani civilian in Tovuz’s Aghdam village was killed as a result of artillery shelling by the Armenian armed forces on July 14.