NEWS

Famous photojournalist Reza Deghati has made a post on his Facebook account highlighting the bust of great Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi destroyed by Armenians in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.

“During the occupation of Karabakh the Armenian forces have defaced the bust of one of the greatest poets and philosophers of all times, Nizami Ganjavi.

2021 marks the 880th year of his birth in Ganja, Azerbaijan. It is celebrated all across the country.

Back in the 17th century, French orientalist Barthélemy d'Herbelot de Molainville has informed Europe that Nizami Ganjavi in an unusually beautiful poetic and widely accessible form, proclaimed the following phrase in the 12th century: on earth, in society, between people and nature, should reign harmony and consent, otherwise humanity will destroy itself,” the photojournalist said.

The 13th Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival has solemnly opened in Baku. 

Since September 18, 1995, Uzeyir Hajibayli's birthday has been celebrated in Azerbaijan as the Day of the National Music.

Many cultural events, including gala concerts and festivals, are being held across the country as part of the celebration.

The 13th Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival brought together talented musicians from Azerbaijan, the U.S. and Poland.

Spectacular opening ceremony 

The festival's opening ceremony was held at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Culture Minister Anar Karimov stressed the importance of the festival.

He pointed out that the tradition of celebrating the great composer's birthday as a celebration of music was initiated by national leader Heydar Aliyev who signed a decree in 1995 on the occasion of Hajibayli's 110th anniversary.

The minister emphasized that Uzeyir Hajibayli has forever inscribed his name in Azerbaijani music history. 

"We have always dreamed of holding this festival in the composer's hometown, Shusha. We are very glad that today our dear Karabakh, our Shusha are free. Under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, our army has brought us this joy. Today we also celebrate this festival in Shusha. The Kharibulbul Music Festival and the Vagif Poetry Days have already been held in Shusha, our cultural capital. Starting next year, we will also host most of the Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival in Shusha," he added.

Speaking about the originality of this festival, the culture minister noted that  many young people are taking part in the festival. 

For young talents, a new program "Youth echoes of the art of Uzeyir" will be presented as part of the festival.

The opening ceremony was followed by the performance of the State Symphony Orchestra, director of the State Philharmonic Hall, People's Artist Murad Adigozalzade under the baton of People's Artist Rauf Abdullayev.

The musicians performed overtures from Uzeyir Hajibayli's "Koroghlu" opera, Fikrat Amirov's symphonic mugham "Shur" and Arif Malikov's Concert for Piano and Orchestra. 

Marvelous concert in Shusha 

The festival's first concert was held in Shusha, known as Azerbaijan's cultural capital. 

The Azerbaijani State Song and Dance Ensemble performed at the concert under the baton of People's Artist Agaverdi Pashayev. 

The spectacular concert featured works of Uzeyir Hajibayli, Vasif Adigozalov, Suleyman Alasgarov.

People's Artist Mansur Ibrahimov, Honored Artists Gochag Asgarov, Anar Shushali, Nargiz Karimova, Arzu Aliyeva and others performed fascinating music pieces, unique examples of Azerbaijan's national music.

Public figures also visited the house of People's Artist Bulbul and Natavan spring, and laid flowers in front of the statues of poetess Natavan, Uzeyir Hajibayli and singer Bulbul.

For almost three decades, Azerbaijan's historical and cultural monuments were destroyed and looted as a result of Armenian vandalism. 

Among them are busts of Uzeyir Hajibayli, Khurshidbanu Natavan and Bulbul in Shusha.

After the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, the cultural and historical monuments, including statues of the outstanding figures are being restored on the territories liberated from the Armenian occupation.

In 1985, a statue of  Uzeyir Hajibayli was erected in Shusha to mark his 100th anniversary. The monument, designed by sculptor Ahmad Salikov, was completely destroyed in 1992 during the First Karabakh War by Armenia.

A new statue of the composer has been made on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's instruction.

The bronze statue was erected in Shusha through the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's support. The monument was designed by sculptors Aslan Rustamov, Teymur Rustamov and Mahmud Rustamov.

The festival, which is celebrated every year on the birthday of the great composer, has been also held in Shusha,  in the park where his statue was erected.

In their remarks, President's Special Representative for Shusha Aydin Karimov, First Deputy Culture Minister Vagif Aliyev and  Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia, People's Artist Polad Bulbuloglu said that life has returned to Shusha.

“Today's event is of special importance. The National Music Festival is held today in front of the statue of Uzeyir Hajibayli which was destroyed by Armenian vandals and unveiled on August 29 this year with President Ilham Aliyev's participation.  Another interesting point is that the Fikrat Amirov Song and Dance Ensemble was created exactly 85 years ago by a great composer," said Aydin Karimov.

The speakers pointed out that Heydar Aliyev Foundation successfully restores historical and cultural monuments on the liberated territories. 

The 13th Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival will be held across the country until September 24. 

A number of cultural events are also planned to be held in Baku, Ganja and Aghdam as part of the festival.

Entry to the events will be possible only by special invitations and with a COVID-19 passport.

Anna Kashina and "Jazz du Soleil" have successfully performed at Baku Jazz Festival that brought together talented musicians.

Anna Kashina is a singer with a special charm who combines French bohemia with Soviet classics. She lived for 7 years in France and soaked up the atmosphere this country.

The music project "Jazz du Soleil" was created after her return to Russia.

Its repertoire includes French chanson, classical jazz standards, Latin American rhythms, as well as classical melodies of Soviet pop composers. 

The concert immersed the Baku audience in the bohemian atmosphere of old Montmartre, at times made them recall the Manhattan in the 70s,  cheerful rhythms of the Stalin era and the golden times of Leonid Utyosov and his ensemble. 

Saxophonist Dmitry Mospan  and drummer Ali Nasib also impressed the audience with their virtuosity.

Next, the jazz lovers enjoyed a concert of the Hungarian musicians. 

Hungarian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Viktor Szederkenyi addressed the event.

In his speech, he touched upon the prospects for cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and Hungary. 

Furthermore, V4 music band  mesmerized the Baku audience with their performances. The music band includes talented Tamas Zsari (saxophone), Marian Sevcik (drums), Kuba Stankiewicz (piano), Jan Greifoner (double bass). 

Musicians remembered Baku for its colorful show and hospitality, as well as beaiitful musical traditions.

The wonderful atmosphere of a magical musical evening ended with thunderous applause and an encore performance. 

For more than 15 years, the Baku Jazz Festival has become an essential part of the country's musical life.

The musical event has been initiated  by acclaimed saxophonist Rain Sultanov to showcase Azerbaijan's long-running attachment to jazz. 

The first ever Baku Jazz Festival was held in 2005 since then it has grown to be widely recognized as one of the country's leading festivals.

Baku Jazz Festival and related advertisements are broadcasted in Euronews TV channel.

In 2006, it was included in the list of the top biggest jazz festivals worldwide. Since 2017, the festival joins the Europe Jazz Network.  The jazz festival is also a member of UNESCO International Jazz Day Celebration.

Baku Jazz Festival 2021 was held in a club format gathering musicians from Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Turkey, Russia, Israel and Luxembourg.

Quality publications marking the contributions of the Communist Party of China (CPC) during its 100-year history are exhibited at the 28th Beijing International Book Fair that kicked off Tuesday, Xinhua reports.

The book fair has attracted roughly 2,200 exhibitors from 105 countries and regions, including 57 along the Belt and Road, said the organizer, adding that over 300,000 books are on display.

Several high-end conferences and forums will be held at the book fair to promote cultural exchanges between Chinese and foreign publishers, the organizer added.

With Pakistan as the guest country of honor, this is the first major international book fair held online and offline amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The book fair is scheduled until Sept. 18.

Baku Jazz Festival 2021 is underway in Baku. Every day, jazz fans can choose and enjoy jazz music for all tastes.

Another concert has been solemnly held as part of the festival. The evening was filled with a magical atmosphere of classical jazz.

Diana Hajiyeva and Afgan Rasulov shared the same stage, captivating the audinece with a wonderful music. 

The concert was followed by the performance of Ghristof Lauer Trio (Germany). The audience did not want to let the musicians leave the stage.

For more than 15 years, the Baku Jazz Festival has become an essential part of the country's musical life.

The musical event is organized by acclaimed saxophonist Rain Sultanov to showcase Azerbaijan's long-running attachment to jazz. 

The first ever Baku Jazz Festival was held in 2005 since then it has grown to be widely recognized as one of the country's leading festivals.

Baku Jazz Festival and related advertisements are broadcasted in Euronews TV channel. In 2006, it was included in the list of the top biggest jazz festivals worldwide.

Since 2017, the festival joins the Europe Jazz Network. Baku Jazz Festival is also a member of UNESCO International Jazz Day Celebration.

Baku Jazz Festival 2021 will last until September 18 in a club format. 

Culture Minister Anar Karimov has said that Azerbaijan continues to pursue a peaceful policy despite Armenia’s 30-year aggression and ethnic cleansing, Azertag has reported.

Karimov made the remarks in an address to the session of the Forum on Interreligious Dialogue "Education and Religious Diversity" organized within the G20 summit in Bologna, Italy.

Despite the fact that our country has been subjected to military aggression, occupation of territories and ethnic cleansing for almost 30 years, Azerbaijan continues to pursue a peaceful policy and put forward initiatives and calls for peace in this direction, the minister said.

He added that the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia for nearly 30 years were liberated in 2020. Karimov stressed that after the war Azerbaijan started to restore all religious and cultural monuments destroyed during the Armenian occupation without any discrimination on religious grounds.

The minister underlined that peace is a prerequisite for the development of culture.

War and vandalism target culture, and to prevent it once and for all around the world, the Culture Ministry launched the campaign Create4Peace, he said.

The minister also touched upon the Peace4Culture campaign aimed at informing the world community about the situation in the Azerbaijani lands liberated from the Armenian occupation, including destroyed infrastructure and cultural genocide.

He noted that Azerbaijan is committed to centuries-old traditions of multiculturalism, as well as the values ​​promoted by UNESCO conventions, and implements a number of projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage not only in Azerbaijan but in various parts of the world.

Karimov underlined efforts by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to restore hundreds of monuments not only in Azerbaijan but in foreign countries as well.

The foundation restored the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Church of St. Marcellino and Petro in the Vatican, the Palace and Tower of Prapezitsa in Bulgaria, the Church of Notre Dame in Strasbourg and other monuments, he said.

Karimov praised the projects implemented by the forum, adding that Azerbaijan attaches importance to cooperation and joint activities that are aimed at strengthening friendly relations.

"Religion plays an important and positive role in the development of general intercultural dialogue skills. Religious leaders have the potential to play a key role in conflict prevention and dialogue. They have a deep influence, especially among young people, to strengthen and promote this dialogue," he said.

The minister added that for centuries, representatives of different nations and religions have lived in Azerbaijan in a friendly, peaceful and harmonious environment. That is why Azerbaijan is known as a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional and civilized country.

He noted that President Ilham Aliyev initiated the Baku Process on intercultural dialogue in 2008. 

Baku has been also hosting the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue since 2011. It is no coincidence that the reports of the UN Secretary-General to the General Assembly in 2017, 2018 and 2019 stressed the importance of the Baku Process and the World Forum for Intercultural Dialogue.

In his speech, Karimov stressed the importance of promoting cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding between people, societies and peoples for the future of the modern world.

The event was attended by High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Miguel Ángel Moratinos, ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed al-Malik, Italian Education Minister Patrizio Bianchi, Albanian Education, Sports and Youth Evis Kushi and others.

Director of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, Chairman of the ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee Shirin Melikova has taken part in the 5th International Congress "Cultural heritage of Uzbekistan - the foundation of a new Renaissance. 

The international congress was held in Tashkent as part of the Week of Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan. More than 350 representatives from 46 countries took part in the event. Among them were scientists, philosophers, historians, orientalists, linguists, art historians, anthropologists, specialists in manuscripts and miniatures.

Speaking at the event, Shirin Melikova stressed that Uzbekistan not only preserves and develops its ancient cultural traditions, but also pays great attention to their study, promotion and integration into the modern  cultural space.

Shirin Melikova spoke on the topic "The experience of the National Museum in the preservation and popularization of the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan."

She informed the participants of the event about the museum's collection, work aimed at enriching it, the activities of the traditional technologies department, inclusive programs, etc.

Next, 50 illustrated book-albums from the series "Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan in the World Collections" were presented as part of the event.

For active participation in the work of the congress, Shirin Melikova was awarded a gift certificate for books.

Meanwhile, the Carpet Museum stores over 14,000 exhibits of the finest Azerbaijani carpets.

The museum hosts multiple events, including international symposiums, conferences and various exhibitions.

In 2019, the museum received national status for its significant contribution to the popularization and promotion of the Azerbaijani Carpet Weaving Art.

In 2020, the Carpet Museum enriched its collection with beautiful pile carpets purchased by the Culture Ministry at the Sartirana Textile Show in Italy.

The 19th century Guba carpet Ugakh was donated to the Carpet Museum, while Karabakh carpet Chelebi enriched the collection of the museum's Shusha branch.

The Carpet Museum also focuses on cooperation with world-leading museum organizations.

Moreover, the Carpet Museum won Travelers' Choice Awards for the fourth time in a row last year.  

Elvin Adigozal`s film Bilasuvar will be screened at Kinoshock Open Film Festival to be held from September 25 to October 2.

The film  tells about the life Bilasuvar residents, essential human qualities and relationships that reflect the inner essence of people.

The project was implemented by the production centers Karakteres, Memuar Films and Adari Films.

The cast includes actors Kamran Aghabalayev, Gunel Zulfugarli, Ilgar Dadash, Tofig Aslanov, Lachin Aslanova, Niyameddin Amanov, Gunel Mirzali, Jahangir Melik, Mammad Hajiyev, Ruslan Ismayilov, Teymur Guliyev and others.

Previously, the film was successfully presented at film festivals in South Korea, France and Russia.

"Kinoshock" has been held in Anapa since 1992.

Founded by actress Irina Shevchuk, playwright Viktor Merezhko, and journalist and film critic Sergei Novozhilov, it  is one of the largest Russian film festivals. 

The festival focuses on supporting  talented filmmakers working in all genres of art cinema.

Azerbaijan`s carper weaving art has been successfully promoted at  Heimtextil Russia, an international trade fair of interior fabrics, home textiles and decorating materials. 

The national carpets are being presented at a unique national stand in Moscow for the first time.

The opening ceremony of the national pavilion took place on September 14. Azerbaijan Trade Representative to the Russian Federation Ruslan Aliyev, and the creative team of Azerkhalcha headed by Chairman of the Board Emin Mammadov attended the ceremony.

Made in Azerbaijan stand features carpet weaving, and yarn production. Alongside traditional (classic) Azerbaijani carpets, the exhibition also showcases modern carpets, which have recently been introduced to local and global markets by Azerkhalcha. Karabakh carpets aroused great public attention.

Heimtextil is a platform for meeting with major Russian and foreign manufacturers of home textiles, fabrics, and materials for decoration.

The trade fair gathered around 17,000 experts at Central Exhibition Center in Moscow. 

Heimtextil 2021 showcases home textiles, furnishings, wallpapers, paints, decorative lighting, smart home systems and much more. 

During the exhibition, designers and specialists give lectures in decorating, textile design and interior décor while focusing on the latest trends and innovations.

Leading decorators, designers and architects from Europe and Russia share their experiences and the most notable projects in the lecture hall.

Particular attention is being paid not only to the interiors of houses or flats but also to the furnishing of restaurants, clubs, bars and other catering facilities, office and industrial buildings.

The international exhibition will last until September 16.

Baku Jazz Festival continues to surprise music lovers with spectacular shows.

Honored Artists Ruslan Huseynov, Isfar Sarabski and Elvin Bashirov captivated music lovers who gathered that night in Beer Hall & Music club.

Sophisticated music, an atmosphere of unity was enthusiastically embraced by the audience.

Their performance made the audience excited and euphoric.

The concert was followed by a jam session with Honored Artist Rain Sultanov, which also left no one indifferent.

The evening has turned into one of the most remarkable events held as part of the Baku Jazz Festival 2021. The host for the concert was Tofig Hasansoy.

For more than 15 years, the Baku Jazz Festival has become an essential part of the country's musical life.

The musical event is organized by acclaimed saxophonist Rain Sultanov to showcase Azerbaijan's long-running attachment to jazz. 

The first ever Baku Jazz Festival was held in 2005 since then it has grown to be widely recognized as one of the country's leading festivals.

Baku Jazz Festival and related advertisements are broadcasted in Euronews TV channel. In 2006, it was included in the list of the top biggest jazz festivals worldwide.

Since 2017, the festival joins the Europe Jazz Network. Baku Jazz Festival is also a member of UNESCO International Jazz Day Celebration.