NEWS

The International Mugham Center has premiered a documentary "Portrait 3293" dedicated to the memory of the National Hero, Major General Polad Hashimov. 

Polad Hashimov heroically died on July 14, 2020, while suppressing Armenian provocations on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in the direction of Tovuz region.

The documentary tells about the life of the general, his personal qualities.

The presentation was attended by prominent public figures, representatives of culture and science, youth organizations, family members of General Polad Hashimov.

The memory of the Azerbaijani martyrs was honored with a minute of silence. 

The author of the project Nurana Babayeva, who will also draw the hero's portrait said that she was deeply shocked by the death of Major General Polad Hashimov.

"I am not a professional artist, I just work with a teacher of fine arts. The portrait of Polad Hashimov was my first work in this genre. I worked on the portrait for a year, I promised myself that I would finish the work under any circumstances," she told Trend Life. 

Speaking about the documentary, Babayeva added that the number 3293 is the name of the post, and the height of the place where the events took place (3293 meters above sea level).

"The officers and soldiers called this place Polad's post. I shot the film, taking into account the recommendations of the family members of Polad Hashimov," said Nurana Babayeva.

In their remarks, MPs Ganira Pashayeva and Jeyhun Mammadov praised the courage of Polad Hashimov, his boundless love for Azerbaijan. 

After watching the film, the mother of Major General Polad Hashimov Samaya Hashimova expressed her gratitude to everyone for the bright memory of her son.

Produced by the Chelebi Media Group, the film shooting took place in various locations, including the Military History Museum of Azerbaijan, the Alley of Honor, Heydar Aliyev Higher Military Academy as well as the house of Polad Hashimov in Sumgayit. 

Polad Hashimov was born in Gabala's Vandam village. He was a Chief of Staff of the 3rd Army Corps of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces.

Hashimov fought in the Karabakh War and hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh in April 2016. During the years of service, he was also awarded 12 medals. He was also the twice holder of the Order "For Service to the Fatherland" (2014, 2016).

He is the first and only general of independent Azerbaijan who died directly during the hostilities. He was buried in the Alley of Honor in Baku.

One of the central streets in Gabala and a street in Baku's Khatai district are named after him. A park named after Polad Hashimov was opened in Osman gazi municipality in Turkey's Bursa province.

Azerbaijani film "Alagoz" has reached the final of the 16th competitive selection of film projects held by the State Film Agency of Ukraine. Only 6 works out of 16 scripts has been selected for the final.

The film by Maria Ibrahimova tells the story of a Karabakh refugee who is looking for his beloved horse. 

The expert commission of the State Cinema Committee of Ukraine voted for the script, noting its originality.

The jury praised the dramatic story about a man and his beloved horse. They noted the choice of style for describing the main characters, the artistic veracity of conflicts and their resolution, as well as the clarity of the structure and flowery storylines that reveal the essence of the characters.

The project will be presented in Kiev by producer and director Maria Ibrahimova. Along with the Turkish film company Zeyno-Film and producer Zeynep Atakan, the Ukrainian side is represented by Evos Film and producer Olga Matat.

Speaking about the film, Olga Matat said that the project is interesting to the Ukrainian audience.

"The history of Azerbaijan resonates with the reality of Ukraine. We genuinely feel and understand Azerbaijan. The victory of Azerbaijan and the liberation of its territories  give us hope for the future," she said. 

In case of winning the competition in Ukraine, "Alagoz" project will be partially funded by the State Film Agency of Ukraine. Moreover, Ukrainian film specialists will participate in the film production.

It should be noted that it is not the first time when the project joins  international competitions and platforms.

So, the project has already won a victory in Portugal at the FEST New Directors / New Films festival. It was presented at a pitching at the International Film Festival in Odessa, and was chosen to participate in the Berlin Film Festival in the Co-Production Market in the Talents section.

In addition, the script of the feature film has recently won first place at the national script competition organized by the Culture Ministry. 

The competition focused on scripts that reflect the National Army's heroic struggle for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. 

The jury members selected scripts in the following nominations: "Best script for a feature film", "Best script for a documentary film", "Best script for a short film", "Best Screenplay for an Animated Film". The winners were awarded cash prizes.

A documentary "Creators" has won a special jury prize at Vesuvius International Film Festival 2021.

The film festival was held in the twin city of Baku - Naples. The results of the competition were announced online in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The film "Creators" tells about the life and work of famous Azerbaijani architects Mikail Huseynov and Sadig Dadashev and how the communist ideology affected their work and Azerbaijan's cultural heritage in the 20th century.

During the repressions of 1937, the overwhelming majority of the intelligentsia, including the relatives of Mikail Huseynov and Sadig Dadashev had to spend part of their lives in fear and moral suffering. 

The film was shot by order of the Culture Ministry at  Salnama film studio in 2020

The film director is Shamil Aliyev, scriptwriter - Natig Rasulzade, idea author - Elbay Gasimzade, photographer - Rufat Suleymanov, artist - Lala Huseynzade, composer - Azer Asgarov, producer - Nazim Huseynov.

Vesuvius International Film Festival is being held once a month with annual screening. The films of the official selection and the winners are selected each month. Every year, all the winners of the main categories are presented to the public.

Azerbaijan Composers' Union has released another batch of brochures dedicated to Azerbaijani composers and musicologists".

Launched in 2014, the project aims at promoting the work of eminent composers and musicologists among a wide audience, Trend Life reported.

About 100 brochures about prominent composers and musicologists have been already published as part of the project initiated by the chairman of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, People's Artist Frangiz Alizadeh and the editor-in-chief, the secretary of the Union, Honored Art Worker Zemfira Gafarova, Trend Life reported.

The brochures published by "Renessans-A" include seven monographs and portraits of artists who have left a noticeable mark on the Azerbaijani musical culture, including People's Artist Ogtay Zulfugarov,  Honored Art Workers Hasanagha Adigozalzadeh, Rashid Shafag, representative of the Nakhichevan branch of the Composers' Union Shamsaddin Gasimov as well as well-known composer, percussionist Hasan Rzayev.

Two editions are dedicated to well-known musicologists, professors who spent many years teaching at the Azerbaijan State Conservator - Lyudmila Garagicheva nd Khanlar Melikov.

The brochures will be spread among various organizations and educational institutions.

Founded in 934, as a department of the USSR Composers Union, Azerbaijan Composers' Union included 17 composers from the USSR countries such as Afrasiyab Badalbayli, Zulfugar Hajibeyov and Niyazi. 

The Union carries out activities aimed at promoting Azerbaijan`s rich musical legacy. The organization actively holds music festivals, concerts, art contests, conferences and oint projecrs with international partners. 

In 2019, Azerbaijan Composers' Union celebrated its 85th anniversary. As part of the festival, a series of marvelous concerts were solemnly held in the Philharmonic Hall, Azerbaijani Composers' Union, Baku Music Academy, the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater and the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater. The festival's closing ceremony took place in Heydar Aliyev Palace.

Along with concert programs, a scientific conference titled "Achievements of Azerbaijani musical culture in recent years and prospects" was also held as part of the festival.

Azerkhalcha OJSC and Azeripek LLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation.  

The directors of both agencies and other representatives attended the meeting.

Emin Mammadov, the Chairman of the Board of Azerkhalcha OJSC, opened the meeting. In his speech, Emin Mammadov spoke about the art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving, the state's attention and care in this area, fundamental changes, and plans for the near term. He explained that due to the great attention and care that carpet weaving receives internationally, President Ilham Aliyev approved the "State Program for the Protection and Development of Carpet Art in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2018-2022" by the relevant decree. The successful implementation of the state program indicates that there will be more outstanding achievements in this area. One of the State Program’s main tasks is to export our carpets to the world market as a national brand.

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, who plays a vital role in developing our national culture, has also made valuable contributions to the revival of carpet weaving.

Emin Mammadov emphasized that the Ministry of Economy and Azerkhalcha OJSC have been instructed to create, develop, and promote the "Azerbaijani carpet" brand in foreign markets. The "Azerbaijani carpet" brand is established. Our national patterned carpets exported to the world market are sold under this brand name. Now, diverse local and foreign young carpet weavers will make and introduce to the global market modern and classic carpets with national patterns that address the needs of today’s audiences. It is time to regain our place in the world market. Therefore, the development path will go through various successful partnerships.

Later, Zaur Yagubov, the director of Azeripek LLC, informed participants about the organization and his work so far. He further shared his positive views for future successful cooperation.

Both companies agree that the Memorandum aims to establish dynamic relationships in developing local silkworm breeding and build successful, beneficial, and bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. 

The Memorandum specifies that Azerkhalcha OJSC will purchase silk yarn for carpet weaving from Azeripek LLC, cooperate in supporting the sale of products, and exchange experience the production process of wool and silk yarn.

Notably, "Azerkhalcha" OJSC has not produced silk carpets until now. Now, it will use the silk it obtains from Azeripek LLC to weave new and experimental carpets. The company will export all types of woven carpets to the world market as soon as possible.

At the end of the meeting, Emin Mammadov, the chairman of Azerkhalcha OJSC, and Zaur Yagubov, the director of Azeripek LLC, signed the document.

World-famous photographer Reza Deghati continues a series of exhibitions across France.

Another exposition titled "Renaissance" was presented on the streets of the Pierrefitte-sur-Seine.

The exhibition features portraits of war victims from Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Sudan and other countries. 

In his speech, he shared his impressions of the photographs that he took with tears in his eyes. He spoke about the events of the first and second Karabakh wars, Armenian vandalism in Shusha, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Aghdam and other regions, as well as about mined territories and civilian casualties.

During his last visit to Azerbaijan's liberated territories, the photographer was nearly blown up by a mine. 

The exposition also features shots of wildlife and monuments of world architecture, including the old part of Baku - Icherisheher, which with the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower - is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Another exhibition "Origins of worlds" has opened in the city of Chateau-Ville-Vieille. 

One of the most prestigious international exhibitions in France, organized by La Maison Laurentine, showcases works by renowned artists from 22 countries.

More than 100 photographers shot by Reza Deghati were showcased in two sections "The Modern Odyssey of Reza" (l'Odyssey contemporaine de Raza) and "Depth of Silence" (Epaisseur du silence). 

The exhibition features the photos captured during the events of the first and second Karabakh wars as well as the Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Reserve.

"I will stay in France for 12 days to take part in the three expositions and two conferences. Through such exhibitions I will tell the world about the realities of Karabakh. Then I will return to Azerbaijan and stay in the country until the end of the year, visiting Karabakh and capturing every step on my photographs. As a result, a large photo book will be released. A special exhibition and conference dedicated to Karabakh will be held as well. I will exhibit my photographs reflecting the Karabakh realities and the book in large cities of the world. I am also planning to hold a series of conferences," said Reza Deghati 

The exhibition will run until September 12.

The Kazan Kremlin Historic-Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve has displayed majestic Azerbaijani carpets.

The large-scale exposition "Carpet Art. Evolution of Meanings​" is organized in partnership with the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum.

In their remarks, the Tatarstan Culture Minister Irada Ayupova, project curator, director of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum Shirin Melikova, director of the Peoples' Friendship House of Tatarstan Irek Sharipov, chairman of the Regional Public Union of Azerbaijanis of Tatarstan Bahram Mustafayev, deputy director of the Kazan Kremlin Museum-Reserve Svetlana Konovalova stressed the importance of the exhibition.

The Carpet Museum director Shirin Malikova provided insight traditional carpets woven in Guba, Gazakh and Karabakh regions displayed at the exhibition. 

The 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 new completely new way.

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

Babayev interprets them and creates contemporary art avoiding the distortion of Azerbaijani carpet weaving art traditions.​ This is the way the traditional masterpieces oppose the author’s new carpets, start a dialogue, overcoming distance and time.​

The installation​ "Blank History​" presented at the exhibition can be considered as a key to the artist's creativity.​ A carpet without an ornament, monochromatic, in a shade of natural wool, is the starting point,​ tabula rasa, an appeal to eternity: many symbols of different epochs fall off it over the past centuries.

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.​

The​ exhibition​ will run until September 5, 2021.

The Mirza Fatali Akhundov House-Museum has displayed miniatures and paintings inspired by Nizami Ganjavi's legacy.

The art works were presented by talented artists from Azerbaijan and Georgia. 

The exhibition timed to the poet's 880th anniversary was attended by the Azerbaijan Culture Minister Anar Karimov, cultural and public figures as well as representatives of culture and diplomatic missions.

Speaking at the event, Anar Karimov stressed the importance of the Year of Nizami Ganjavi announced in Azerbaijan by the President Ilham Aliyev. He noted that such decisions are a clear example of state care for those who have contributed to the development of science, culture and art in Azerbaijan.

He said the holding of such exhibitions in Georgia contributes to strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.

The Georgian First Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports Kakha Sikharulidze praised the opening of the exhibition dedicated to Azerbaijani poet and philosopher Nizami Ganjavi.

In his speech, Kakha Sikharulidze noted the great interest in Ganjavi's works in Georgia as well. His beautiful poems and philosophical ideas will serve as a source of knowledge for future generations.

Furthermore, the winners of the drawing competition announced by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Georgia and distinguished young artists were presented diplomas and gifts.

The Culture Anar Karimov then met with Azerbaijani people living in Georgia.

The meeting was attended by the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Georgia Faig Guliyev, General Director of SOCAR Energy Georgia Mahir Mammadov and many others. 

The Ambassador Faig Guliyev informed about the purpose of Minister Anar Karimov's visit to Tbilisi.

He said that the Azerbaijani state has always paid attention and care to the compatriots living in this country. This policy continues today. Regular visits of Azerbaijani state and government officials to Georgia, including the visit of Minister Anar Karimov, and the issues discussed at the meetings are a clear proof of this.

The Ambassador also noted the support of the Azerbaijanis living in Georgia to the state during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. 

He stressed that veterans and martyrs were awarded high prizes by decrees and orders of the President Ilham Aliyev.

The Culture Minister Anar Karimov praised Azerbaijanis living in Georgie for their contribution to the Azerbaijani-Georgian ties.

The director of the Mirza Fatali Akhundov House-Museum Leyla Aliyeva and representatives of the intelligentsia Fatma Aliyeva, Jeyran Gurbanova, Mahmud Kamaloglu, Shahismayil Mammadov, Chingizkhan Yagubov and others thanked the event organizers.

The sides exchanged views on the integration, care and issues of Azerbaijanis living in Georgia.

The Culture Minister also took part in the opening ceremony of Kamandar Efendiyev House-Museum, a prominent representative of ashug art.

Speaking at the event, Minister Anar Karimov stressed that the opening of Kamandar Efendiyev House-Museum will further strenthen bilateral ties. 

Next, Anar Karimov visited the Ethno-Museum in the Bolnisi district of the Kvemo Kartli-Borchali region, where Azerbaijanis live.

Director of the Georgian State Museum David Lordkipanidze briefed the Minister on the museum's history and samples of Azerbaijani culture  kept in the museum.

During his visit to Georgia, Anar Karimov also met with the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.

The Georgian Prime Minister praised successful partnership between Georgia and Azerbaijan in various fields. 

Anar Karimov pointed out on partnership in in the cultural and humanitarian spheres.

The sides discussed a number of important issues.

Thomas Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy, a popular painting that left Britain a century ago to a public outpouring of anger and sadness, is to return temporarily to the National Gallery in London, Report informs.

It was announced on Wednesday that the artwork would come home 100 years to the day since it was last seen in the UK. It is a crowd pleaser, described by newspapers at the time as “the world’s most beautiful picture”.

Once owned by the Duke of Westminster, it was purchased by the American railway magnate Henry E Huntington a century ago for a then world record price of $728,000.

Since then, it has been a star exhibit at the Huntington Art Gallery in San Marino, California, never loaned and never likely to be loaned again.

The painting first appeared in public at the Royal Academy in 1770, the year it was painted, when it was titled A Portrait of a Young Gentleman. By 1798 it was being called The Blue Boy, a nickname that stuck.

The Blue Boy will hang in room 46 from 25 January until 15 May 2022.

Another cultural sight of Azerbaijan, the historic center of Sheki with the Khans' Palace, has been awarded with a certificate of inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage List.

This became the third object of cultural heritage of Azerbaijan listed on the World Heritage List, after Icherisheher and Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency Fuad Nagiyev stressed that Sheki is one of the most unique historical places frequently visited by tourists.

The issues of protection and development of the historical part of the city are always in the center of attention of the state.

In his speech, Nagiyev noted that active and comprehensive work is being carried out on the territory of the reserves subordinated to the State Tourism Agency, aimed at attracting attention of visitors, while preserving the cultural and historical heritage. The cooperation with UNESCO experts is underway as well.

In addition to Sheki, the Khinalig reserve was included in the preliminary list of objects - candidates for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In turn, the head of the Sheki Executive Power Elkhan Usubov said that the decision taken two years ago is of exceptional importance for the city and will make a great contribution to its socio-economic development.

He noted that this event is a logical consequence of purposeful efforts to preserve the cultural and historical heritage, as well as to promote Azerbaijan at the international level. He proposed declaring July 7 as Sheki City Day.

Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Business (SME) emphasized that Sheki's great tourism potential creates additional benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the region, as well as potential entrepreneurs.

He pointed out that the promotion of entrepreneurship in the field of tourism is one of the activities of the agency.

Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Culture Vasif Eyvazzadeh said that Sheki was included in the World Heritage List as a result of long and hard work.

Elnur Sultanov presented Fuad Nagiyev and Elkhan Usubov with a UNESCO certificate on the inclusion of Sheki in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Furthermore, a group of persons were awarded for merits in preserving the historical and cultural heritage of Sheki, active participation in cultural events and the development of folk art.

The majestic architectural monument, Sheki Khans' Palace, takes a special place among the country's historical and architectural attractions.

At the 43rd Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, ongoing in Baku, the report of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) recalled that the 41st session held in 2017 in the Polish city of Krakow discussed the nomination "Historic Center of Sheki with the Khans' Palace".

For six years, the nomination was evaluated by local and international experts. Serious work has been done on issues arising from ICOMOS recommendations. A new management structure was formed and a number of decisions were taken.

After discussions, the historic center of Sheki with the Khans' Palace was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Later in the day, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva congratulated Azerbaijan with such a historical event.

Khans' Palace located in Sheki is a historical and architectural monument of world importance. The building of the palace, built in the 18th century, is located in the northeastern part of the city, in an area surrounded by fortress walls. The area of ​​the two-story building, whose length is 30 meters, is 300 square meters.

The palace consists of six rooms, four corridors and two mirror balconies. The building of the palace, reflecting the peculiarities of popular residential buildings, is considered one of the finest examples of palace architecture of the Caucasus of the 18th century, as well as the pearls of the Islamic East. Together with the historic center of the city, the palace covers an area of ​​120 hectares.

The palace was built in 1797 by Muhammad Hasan Khan. The palace amazes with its magnificent interior and exterior.

Measuring thirty-two meters by eight and a half meters on the exterior, the unique beauty two-storied building is elongated on the north-south axis and covered with a wooden hipped roof with long eaves.

The basic material for the palace construction was raw bricks, river stones, plane trees and oaks.

The palace's mosaic of colored glass (shebeke) set in a wooden latticework was assembled without nails or glue.

All the windows and doors of the palace were skillfully assembled from pieces of wood and colored Venetian glass. So the light getting inside the palace plays with all colors of the rainbow.

The interior walls of the palace are covered entirely with frescoes painted at different times during the 18th century.

Many of them feature flowers in vases, while a series of paintings on the first floor halls depict hunting and battle scenes. Signatures on frescoes list the names of artists Ali Gulu, Gurban Gulu and Mirza Jafar from Shamakhi, Usta Gambar from Shusha, and Abbas Gulu.

The rooms of the first floor were intended for ordinary visitors - they show the riches and power of Sheki khans. On the walls and ceilings there are trees, flowers, animals and birds - the symbols of fertility and noble origin.

The second floor is divided into two parts - female and male. The female half is painted with flowers and oriental ornaments. The male part was intended for visitors' reception. It is the richest room of the palace.

The miniatures on the walls show the military power of the Sheki khanate, its attitude to friends and enemies. The room's ceiling is painted with images of the khans' coat of arms and various symbols.

The Sheki Khans' Palace has been previously restored and today it is open for tourists in all its majesty and beauty.

The gem of Azerbaijani history and culture – Icherisheher (Old City) with Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000, while since 2007 the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve has been also listed among these heritages.

The World Heritage Committee includes representatives of 21 states parties to the World Heritage Convention who meet annually. The Committee is in charge of implementing the Convention.