NEWS

The Culture Minister Anar Karimov has received the Iraqi Minister of Communications Arkan Shihab Ahmad Al Shaibani, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan. 

Welcoming the guest, Anar Karimov stressed that the bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Iraq are based on history, culture and religion.

The Culture Minister stressed the importance of mutual visits in the partnership between Azerbaijan and Iraq.

He added that the current visit of the Iraqi Minister of Communications to Azerbaijan opens a number of opportunities for fruitful discussions.

Speaking about the Memorandum of Understanding on cultural cooperation signed between the Culture Ministries in 2011, Anar Karimov stressed the importance of further developing cooperation in this area.

Expressing gratitude for Iraq's constant support of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, Anar Karimov informed the guest about Armenia's vandalism against Azerbaijan's cultural heritage during three decades of occupation.

Recalling that the Iraqi ambassador to Azerbaijan also visited Azerbaijan's liberated territories, the Minister pointed out that the cultural infrastructure, as well as cemeteries, mosques, Christian monuments and other places in these territories were purposefully destroyed by the Armenian side. 

Anar Karimov noted that the Azerbaijani state is currently carrying out extensive reconstruction and restoration work in the liberated lands, including the city of Shusha, known as Azerbaijan's cultural capital as well as all religious monuments. 

Speaking about the global campaign "Peace4Culture", launched by the Culture Ministry together with international partners, Anar Karimov noted that the campaign focuses on informing world community about Armenia's vandalism against Azerbaijan's cultural heritage as well as reviving cultural life in the liberated territories through peace. 

Anar Karimov also touched upon the invitation of the Iraqi Culture Ministry to sign a cultural agreement, He also spoke about the historical and cultural ties between the Turkmen people living in Iraq and the restoration of Fuzuli's monument in Karbala.

The poet is considered one of the greatest contributors to the divan tradition (collected poems) in the Azerbaijani literature.

The Iraqi Minister of Communications expressed satisfaction with the current level of development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Arkan Shihab Ahmad Al Shaibani recalled the protocol signed within the second meeting of the joint commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.

Notably, the joint commission was established in accordance with the ‘Agreement between Governments of Azerbaijan and Iraq on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation’ signed on November 10, 2010. The first meeting of the commission was held on December 4, 2013 in Baku.

The Iraqi Minister of Communications shared his views on further expanding cooperation. 

In his speech, Arkan Shihab Ahmad Al-Shaibani noted that like in Azerbaijan, Iraq's  historical and cultural monuments were also destroyed or looted as a results of many wars.

The sides also exchanged views on a number of other issues of mutual interest.

Earlier, the Culture Minister Anar Karimov met with the head of the Yunus Emre Institute Sheref Atesh.

The meeting focused on the development of cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey.

The sides discussed the production of joint films dedicated to the Karabakh region, known for its rich and ancient history.

They also agreed on the protection of common cultural heritage, mutual long-term training and research of historical monuments.

The issues of preparing a joint action plan for the implementation of other projects were discussed as well. 

Azerbaijan Guild of Producers has appointed Honored Cultural Worker Nariman Mammadov as its chairman.

Earlier, Mushfig Khatamov took the same position. Now he is the Chairman of Space TV.

The Producers Guild of Azerbaijan calls on the entire cinematographic community in order to provide filmmakers with all necessary conditions for the creative and professional activities.

More detailed information about the Guild's activities for 2021- 2022 will be available in near future. 

The Azerbaijan Producers Guild is a public association created to support the development of national cinematography.

Founded in 2012 by 15 state and non-governmental organizations, the Guild of Producers aims at supporting domestic cinema, providing it with the latest technologies, training specialists in this field, establishing cooperation with television, radio, promoting and selling national films abroad and much more.

The Azerbaijan Culture Minister Anar Karimov has received a delegation led by the head of the Yunus Emre Institute Sheref Atesh.

During the meeting, Anar Karimov expressed his condolences over deadly wildfires in Turkey. 

The head of the Yunus Emre Institute thanked Azerbaijan for supporting Turkey in the fight against the wildfires that have swept across the country.

The meeting focused on the development of cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey. The sides discussed the production of joint films dedicated to the Karabakh region, known for its rich and ancient history.

Anar Karimov and Sheref Atesh agreed on the protection of common cultural heritage, mutual long-term training and research of historical monuments. The issues of preparing a joint action plan for the implementation of other projects were discussed as well. 

The head of the Yunus Emre Institute expressed his readiness to continue partnership with the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry

The sides also exchanged views on a number of other issues of mutual interest.

Earlier, the Yunus Emre Institute and the International Mugham Center have signed a memorandum of cooperation. 

The sides agreed on expanding activities and a joint action plan between the International Mugham Center and cultural centers and music schools operating in Turkey.

President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Gunay Afandiyeva has met with Secretary General of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Rovshan Muradov to discuss prospects of cooperation.

During the meeting, Gunay Afandiyeva provided insight into the Foundation's  activities, including conferences, round tables and book publishing aimed at promoting Turkic culture worldwide.

President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation praised the initiative to announce the Year of Nizami Ganjavi in Azerbaijan by the order of the President Ilham Aliyev in 2021. She said that it

Gunay Afandiyeva said that within the framework of the "Year of Nizami Ganjavi" the Foundation held a number of events, projects and published books dedicated to the great poet.

Speaking about Nizami Ganjavi Center's activities, she noted the videoconference "South Caucasus: Prospects for Regional Development and Cooperation" held on May 20 with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev 

In his remarks, Rovshan Muradov said that Nizami Ganjavi International Center  brings together former heads of state and government and influential international experts to hold global events for peaceful coexistence and justice, as well as to preserve the rich heritage of Nizami Ganjavi.

Rovshan Muradov stressed that the International Foundation for Turkish Culture and Heritage has done a lot to study and protect the material and cultural heritage of Turkic-speaking peoples.

He stressed the importance of holding a number of joint projects in partnership with the International Foundation for Turkish Culture and Heritage aimed at promoting Nizami's legacy.

The meeting continued with an exchange of views and the parties presented books to each other.

One of the most prominent figures of medieval Azerbaijani philosophical poetry takes a special place in the country's literature. His five poems, collectively known as the Khamsa (Quintet), are considered the treasury of Azerbaijani poetry.

The works of Nizami Ganjavi were translated into many languages. The rare manuscript copies of his works are kept and preserved like precious pearls in famous libraries, museums and literary foundations in cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Baku, Tashkent, Tabriz, Tehran, Cairo, Istanbul, Delhi, London, Paris and others.

For many years, the poet's legacy has been actively promoted by the center named after him.

Nizami Ganjavi International Center is a cultural, non-profit, non-political organization that includes a number of highly respected and recognized international figures.

The Center was founded in 2012 under the decree of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The main goal of the Center is to provide the reader of Global Policy Analysis with a new, well constructed, informative, and educational magazine.

Nizami Ganjavi International Center share the views and opinions of distinguished world leaders, experts, and thinkers to address a wide range of challenges and will be debating those with internationally renowned experts from all fields of research, including politics, science, sociology, economy, culture, humanities, and ethics.

International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation focuses on the preservation of Turkic heritage in member countries as well as conducting projects in collaboration with partners in third countries.

The organization provides assistance in the protection, study and promotion of Turkic culture and heritage through supporting and funding various activities, projects and programs. It carries out its activities in cooperation with TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy.

In 2019, at the 7th Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States (Turkic Council), Uzbekistan became a member of the organization, and Hungary received the status of an observer country.

In February 2021, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the Lithuanian embassy in Azerbaijan.

The Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theater has successfully staged Azerbaijani composer Fikrat Amirov's "One Thousand and One Nights" as part of its tour.

"One Thousand and One Nights" is a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age.

Known in English as the "Arabian Nights", the work is about Scheherazade, a Sassanid Queen, who tells a series of stories to her husband, King Shahryar in order to delay her execution.

The exciting story of Scheherazade left no one indifferent. The ballet received a storm of applause. 

The ballet staged by the Russian Honored Art Worker, eminent choreographer Eldar Aliyev will be once again presented in Russia until August 15.

The theater's programme also includes ballets "Le Corsaire", "Sleeping Beauty" and "Giselle".

The performances will be accompanied by the Mariinsky Theater Orchestra under the direction of the Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev and the conductor of the Primorsky Stage Anton Torbeev.

The ballet was first staged in at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater in 1979. In 1980, the ballet was awarded with the USSR State Prize.

"One Thousand and One Nights" was staged for the first time at the Buryat Opera and Ballet Theater in 1992. 

The ballet's new version was premiered as part of the 5th Mariinsky International Far East Festival.

More than 300 costumes with hand embroidery were made for the ballet show directed by Honored Art Worker of Russia Eldar Aliyev.

Some of them were made at the workshop, while most were by experienced craftsmen in St. Petersburg.

Azerbaijan's traditional music instruments - tar and naghara were presented to the theater on behalf of the national musicians.

The long-necked music instrument featured in the score of Fikrat Amirov. The eminent composer started his musical journey as a tar performer.

The idea to add tar performance came from Eldar Aliyev. Ramin Azimov, the soloist of the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater, performed on tar during the premiere.

Baku Photography House has opened a photo exhibion "Defocused" inspired by environmental agenda. 

The project is supported by Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve and supervised by F3.7 Association of Photographers, Trend Life reported. 

The exposition features works by Emin Mathers, Lala Aliyeva, Leyla Musaeva, Chichyak Bayramly, Sharaf Naghiyeva, Zaur Mirzayev, Nurlan Babazade, Tati Sattar, Orkhan Huseynov and Kamil Abbaszade.

Through exhibition, the photographers share various environmental situations through the prism of their lens, thereby attracting the attention of society to environmental issues. 

"Each photograph reflects reality that we refer as a situation, not an issue. We chose the works of photographers in accordance with a given theme on the social network. After all, one of the main goals of F3.7 Union is taking a new generation of photographers beyond social media. Nowadays, the photographer's work is considered done after posting the photo on social networks. However, F3.7 Union encourages photographers to go further and exhibit their works," said curator Emin Mathers.

"The photographs are up for sale, as we provide an opportunity for photographers to get money for their works.

At the end of the exhibition, we will hold an auction of the photographs. After sale, the initial amount indicated for the photograph will be transferred to the author of the work, while additional funds will be allocated to resolve environmental issues. Through exhibition, we are contributing to art development and helping nature at the same time," said curator Sharaf Naghiyeva.

The project focuses on promoting photographs as an item that can be bought or donated.

"At the moment, the photograph is not viewed as an object that can be bought. We want to make it a new trend through the sale within the framework of the exhibition," the curators said. 

Note that Sharaf Naghiyeva and Emin Mathers also presented their photographs at the exhibition.

According to Lala Aliyeva, one of the participants in the exhibition, photography is a hobby for her, and the offer to participate in the exhibition came as a surprise.

"I am more a director than a photographer. My works presented at the exhibition have been recently taken in the liberated Zangilan region. I made a visit there as part of a delegation that included foreign journalists," Lala Aliyeva said.

One of her photographs, taken in Zangilan, shows an old, already rusted teapot through which flowers are sprouting. This kettle belonged to a family who lived in Zangilan before Armenian occupation.

Famous dancer Farid Kazakov has shared his latest achievements aimed at promoting Azerbaijan's dance art worldwide.

In his interview with Azerbaijani Youth Organization of Russia (AMOR), the dancer spoke about his difficult childhood and path to success. He also provided insight into his partnership with the outstanding choreographers and how he represented the country at the international arena. 

This year Farid Kazakov successfully graduated from the Moscow State Institute of Culture, having received a higher pedagogical choreographic education.

"These half a year were difficult for me. After a year's break and health problems, I had to urgently recover to pass the state exams in Moscow. Many people supported me at that difficult time. As a result, I have successfully passed my exams," said Kazakov.

I would like to express my gratitude to the head of the classical dance department of the Moscow State Institute of Culture, my supervisor and teacher, People's Artist of the RSFSR Kirillov Vladimir Petrovich, as well as the dean of the choreographic faculty, Honored Artist of Russia  Pivorovich Igor Vladimirovich, and all my teachers at the Moscow State Institute of Culture for the knowledge they gave me and for their support in everything! I am very proud that now I have the honor to represent Azerbaijan already as a certified professional in the field of choreography. Now I am planning to continue my education and to delight the Azerbaijani audience with new projects. My fourth video will be released very soon, which will definitely leave a mark in the heart of everyone!, " he added. 

Kazakov is a two-time winner of the prize "Most professional young dancer in Azerbaijan". Moreover, the dancer's name has recently entered the book dedicated to Azerbaijan's prominent public and cultural figures. 

Earlier, Farid Kazakov presented the patriotic project "My Azerbaijan" to the music of (Azerbaijani and Russian opera and pop singer) Muslim Magomayev, which received a huge number of positive reviews and was recognized as "Best patriotic performance" at Solo Star Russia 2020".

In 2021, the dancer won the prize "Turkiye Zirve Odulleri" in Turkey. He got the title the "Most Talented Dancer of Turkey 2021".

Over this time, Farid Kazakov has participated in many large-scale projects.

Kazakov won the Grand Prix of the St. Petersburg Open Word National Award 2020 in performing arts. 

The dancer also thrilled the audience with a one-man show "Enuement" premiered at the YARAT Contemporary Art Space this year.

The one-man show, staged by Russian director Louise Eyre, is considered the first solo choreographic performance in Azerbaijan.

In April, Farid Kazakov was appointed as European Cultural Association Ambassador.

The dancer became the first official representative of Azerbaijan and Turkey within the European Cultural Association. 

Young opera singer Mahir Taghizadeh has successfully performed at the 12th Gabala Music Festival.

As part of the festival, the opera singer took part in a chamber music concert.

In his interview with Azernews, Mahir Taghizadeh shared his impressions from the festival which marks the 100th anniversary of the Baku Music Academy. 

"The chamber music concert brought together the most talented students and graduates of the Baku Music Academy. During the concert, I performed Vusal Namazli's romance "Anjag" composed to the words of Nasimi. In 2019, the composition won first place at a music contest dedicated to Nasimi," said Taghizade. 

Speaking about the festival, Mahir Taghizade expressed special gratitude to the festival's artistic director, People's Artist of the USSR Farhad Badalbeyli and executive director Sabina Asadova for the invitation to the 12th Gabala Music Festival. He stressed the importance of the festival as it marks the 100th anniversary of the Baku Music Academy.

"Unfortunately, foreign musicians could not take part in the 12th Gabala Music Festival amid the coronavirus pandemic. Despite all challenges, the festival is being held at the highest level," he said.

Speaking about the festival, the opera singer praised the performances of the Azerbaijan Military Band Service and Baku Chamber Orchestra.

The opera singer also noted Arslan Novrasli (tar), Aynur Iskandarli (vocal), Kanan Gadimov (vocal), Gulnar Gudratli (mugham singer), Namig Gurbanov (zurna, balaban), Anar Huseynov (naghara) and a concert featuring Honoured Artist Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev.

Gabala International Music Festival is an annual open-air festival of classical music held every summer since 2009 in Gabala.

Talented musicians from all over the world, world-known symphonic and philharmonic orchestras take part in the festival.

The festival initially positioned itself as a classical music festival. However, the festival's repertoire has eventually expanded. Now you can hear music of different genres, including jazz and mugham.

The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum has been successfully represented at the 4th Divi Juliji International Art Festival in Latvia on July 30-31.

The festival was dedicated to the memory of two famous artists born in this city - Julius Straume and Julius Madernieks.​

The museum's director, Chairman of the ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee Shirin Melikova addressed the event.

She delivered the lecture "Azerbaijani Carpet Culture: Tradition and Modernity" and informed the participants about​ the main directions of the carpet weaving development in Azerbaijan. Shirin Melikova also paid special attention to the protection of carpet weaving traditions and their interpretation in the works of the modern artists.​

The conference welcomed experts from Latvia, Turkey, Denmark, and Iran, who made presentations on various topics.

The Carpet Museum publications were presented​ in the Gulbene Municipality History and Art Museum.

Earlier, Shirin Melikova took part in the 21st conference of the World Association of Turkmen Carpet Connoisseurs and  the international conference "Turkmen Carpet is an example of beauty". She made a presentation at the event on the theme "The beauty of Karabakh carpets".

The museum's director informed the conference participants about Azerbaijani carpet weaving art, including Karabakh carpets, massively exported to Europe in the 15th-16th centuries, and now adorning world-famous museums and private collections.

She also provided insight into the semantic meaning of carpet symbols and ornaments,  the work done within the framework of the State Program for the Preservation and Development of Carpet Art in Azerbaijan for 2018-2022 and much more.

She also spoke about Azerbaijani carpets returned back with the support of the country's leadership and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

She stressed that one of the most valuable exhibits in the collection of the National Carpet Museum is the 17th century Karabakh carpet "Khatai", donated to the museum by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in 2018.

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.

The Kazan Kremlin Historic-Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve has  recently displayed majestic Azerbaijani carpets stored at the Carpet Museum. 

The large-scale exposition "Carpet Art. Evolution of Meanings​" showcases modern rugs as well as traditional masterpieces of carpet weaving art of the 19th and 20th centuries woven across Azerbaijan. Every single one of these carpets embodies a particular regional tradition based on their ornamental features, colors, and technical solutions.​

The art lovers also have a great chance to author works by Chingiz Babayev, who presents traditional carpet weaving art in a completely new way.

The exhibition allows art lovers to trace the history of Azerbaijan's carpet weaving art and analyze the role of decorative and applied art in modern times.

Another part of the exhibition presents a documentary film, where CHINGIZ shares the secrets of the creative process and speaks about the philosophy of the traditional carpet and its contemporary perception.​

Mugham evening has been solemnly held as part of the Gabala Music Festival. 

People's Artists, including mugham singer Mansum Ibrahimov,  Elchin Gashimov (tar), Honored Artists, mugham singers Tayyar Bayramov and Elnur Ahmadov (kamancha), as well as Gulzar Farajova, Gunay Imamverdiyeva, Kananhavun Bayramliy, Kanan Gashimov perfomed at the open-air concert.

Soloist of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater Fatima Khalafova and the Honored Artist Samir Samadov thrilled the audience with beautiful choreogorahy "Mugham" directed by People's Artists Rafiga Akhundova and Magsud Mammadov.

The choreographic number was accomponied by Nazim Aliverdibayov`s "Mugham" composition. 

Gabala International Music Festival is an annual open-air festival of classical music held every summer since 2009 in Gabala.

Talented musicians from all over the world, world-known symphonic and philharmonic orchestras take part in the festival.

The festival initially positioned itself as a classical music festival. However, the festival's repertoire has eventually expanded. Now you can hear music of different genres, including jazz and mugham.