NEWS

Talented artists are invited to join a watercolor workshop organized by the International Watercolor Society (IWS).

The event will take place in Khatai Arts Center's  Watercolor Gallery on June 19. 

The main goal of the project is to share creative communication, experience and knowledge as well as to provide insight into different watercolor techniques.

Founded in 2012, the International Watercolor Society has successfully integrated more than 100 branches worldwide. 

Through its activities centred on watercolour promotion, the society aims to promote brotherhood and peace.It also focuses on helping IWS branches develop affordable strategies for promoting art and watercolour in their own countries.

In April, International Watercolor Society (IWS) announced the winners of an art contest dedicated to Azerbaijan. 

The project was co-organized by the State Art Gallery, IWS Azerbaijan and the Khatai Arts Centre with the support of the Culture Ministry and the Azerbaijani Artists' Union. 

The project is aimed at increasing the interest in graphic works and watercolour paintings. 

Graphic and watercolour painters were invited to show their patriotic artworks inspired by the bravery of the National Army. The artworks of young artists left no one indifferent.

The winners in the watercolour competition included Hafiz Karimov, Fatma Kilich and Feyzi Mammadov. Meanwhile, Elmir Mammadov, Gunel Guliyeva and Abulfaz Farajoglu showed their best in graphic art. 

All the winners were awarded cash prizes.

The special awards went to Khanlar Asadullayev, Gulshan Bakhshaliyeva, Naiba Valiyeva, Zeynab Yagubova and Leyla Vazehi.

The winning works are kept in the fund of the Khatai Arts Centre. 

Azerbaijan and Croatia have agreed on cooperation in culture. The decision was made during the meeting between the Culture Minister Anar Karimov and the Croatian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Branko Zebic. 

In his remarks,  Anar Kerimov noted that friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Croatia have laid an excellent foundation for establishing fruitful cooperation in many areas.

He also touched upon the issue of further strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.

Anar Karimov stressed the importance of using the experience of Croatia in restoring cultural heritage and exchanging experience in library science and museum field. 

The Croatian Ambassador expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations between the countries. He stressed the importance of such meetings for the implementation of joint cultural projects. Branko Zebic expressed his hope for further expansion of cultural ties.

Earlier, the Culture Minister Anar Karimov had met a delegation led by the head of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum  (ICYF) Taha Ayhan. The parties discussed further cooperation in the framework of the Islamic Cultural Heritage.

The Culture Minister also touched upon the visit of the ICESCO delegation to Azerbaijan in January, when the head of the organization proposed to declare Shusha the "Capital of Islamic Culture".

Speaking about TURKSOY's proposal to declare Shusha the "Capital of Culture of the Turkic World" in 2023, Anar Karimov stressed that this decision proves a great attention of the Turkic-Islamic world to the cultural richness of Azerbaijan's ancient city.

Heydar Aliyev Foundation has presented the "Cultural Heritage of Karabakh" book.

The collection includes separate publications covering various art fields from literature and music to Azerbaijan's carpet weaving art and architecture. 

The book has been recently presented to the guests of the event organized in Shusha. 

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and Turkish President  Recep Tayyip Erdogan, First Lady Emine Erdogan attended the event.

Notably, Heydar Aliyev Foundation  is actively working on the restoration of religious and cultural monuments in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation.

As a result of Armenian vandalism, hundreds of cultural institutions were destroyed on Azerbaijan'soccupied territories. 

Over 700 historical and cultural monuments registered by the state before the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were looted, including the 11 and 15-span Khudaferin bridges in Jabrayil, Ganjasar and Khudavend sanctuaries in Kalbajar, the mausoleum in Aghdam's Khachin Turbetli village, Azykh cave in Fuzuli as well as Shusha state historical and architectural reserve.

Local and foreign experts are working on the restoration of Azerbaijan's  liberated territories.

Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve has hosted a virtual lecture to highlight Nizami Ganjavi's heritage.

Doctors of Philosophy, including professors Aida Gasimova, Konul Bunyadzad Rahila Geybullayeva, Seyfaddin Rzasoy, Sanan Ibrahimov  as well as orientalist, associate professor Asmatkhanum Mammadova took part in the virtual lecture.

They made presentations on Arabic sources in Nizami Ganjavi's Seven Beauties. The online event was moderated by Doctor of Philosophy in Philology Irada Musayeva.

During the conference,  Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University presented a music composition dedicated to Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi.

Nizami Ganjavi started his creative activity with lyrical poems- gasidas, gazals and rubais. He dedicated his whole life to lyrical poems, and different philosophical problems.

The works of Azerbaijani poet and thinker have been translated into many languages.

The rare manuscript copies of his works are kept and preserved in world-famous libraries, museums and literary foundations in  Moscow, St. Petersburg, Baku, Tashkent, Tabriz, Tehran, Cairo, Istanbul, Delhi, London, Paris and others.

In Khamsa (Quintet), the poet revealed the living pages of history.

The attack of the Russians on Barda city, a fairy tale of the Russian Princess, the beautiful Shirin amazons, battles, described in various poems of Nizami - all this is historically and geographically related to medieval Azerbaijan and the Caucasus.

Nizami Ganjavi passed away in 1209 in his native city of Ganja. A grandiose tomb was raised over his grave.

Maksud Ibrahimbayov Center has displayed photographs taken by world-famous photographer Reza Deghati.

The event was organized as part of the international contemporary art project Peace be upon you - Salam Aleykum.

In the art project, the themes of preserving peace and peacekeeping are considered in an artistic form. The relevance of contemporary art and the use of information technology in the spread of the project's theme will contribute to the process of strengthening Security and preserving Peace all over the world.

The project features exhibitions, film screenings, presentations, meetings, discussions etc. The artistic coordination of the project is leaded by Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Sabina Shikhlinskaya.

The event was attended by representatives of culture and science, diplomatic missions.

In their remarks, director of the center Anna Ibrahimbayov, Latvian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dainis Garanchs, former Latvian Defense MinisterRaimonds Bergmanis and others stressed that Reza Deghati has played a great role in informing the world community about the events in Afghanistan. The historian Fuad Akhundov spoke about famous personalities of Karabakh region.

In his speech, Reza Deghati emphasised that during his 40-year activity he had visited many hot spots of the world, capturing the horrors and tragedies of war, the suffering of people. The photographer spoke about his works, which reflect difficult human destinies.

The works of the photographer who lives in Paris and is the author of 30 books are on display all over the world. As a researcher at the National Geographic Society, Reza Deghati received a number of international awards.

World-famous photographer has always drawn attention to the Black January and Khojaly genocide that befell the Azerbaijani people in the 90s. 

The photographer also shared his impressions of the Second Karabakh War and his visits to the liberated territories. 

He provided insight into the results of  Armenian vandalism, destruction, and other atrocities, which he witnessed in Azerbaijan as a result of Armenian aggression.

Deghati has also shown his photographs taken during those bloody events. 

He was awarded the glory medal of the University of Missouri and the title of honorary doctor of the American University of Paris (AUP). For his services, the French government awarded him the National Order of Merit.

The works of Deghati are also included in a number of projects implemented on the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

In 2013, his exhibition "Azerbaijan - Land of Tolerance" organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation opened at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Subsequently, this exhibition was shown in Moscow, as well as at the UN headquarters in New York and the European Parliament in Brussels.

Leyla Khazari Art-Gallery has displayed colorful art works inspired by the summer season.

Curated by Rustam Huseynov, the exhibition brought together talented artists and sculptors, including Rafail Aliyev, Mir-Azer Abdullayev, Namig Mammadov, Samir Gaziyev, Siruz Mirzazade, Margarita Karimova-Sokolova, Milena Nabiyeva, Intigam Aghayev, Gama Melikova, Elena Hagverdiyeva, Butunai Hagverdiyev, Anar Huseynzade, Zakir Ahmadov, Mamed Orujov, Emin Asgarov, Diana Aliyeva and Huseyn Hagverdiyev.

The exhibition "Summer Delight" delights art lovers with vibrant and juicy colors which brilliantly reflect the summer atmosphere.

Through their art works, the artists present a vibrant image of  Baku in summer. A series of paintings shows us native places so dear to the heart.

Weightless clouds, calm waves, a lighthouse rising above the sea and ships welcome all lovers of sea adventures.

Cozy summer cottage, where for generations people have been relaxing and boosting energy  for the whole next year warms up the soul. The summer breeze drove the waves to the sandy shore, the warmth of the heated sand, palm leaves, south wind capture won't leave you indifferent.

The exhibition "Summer Delight" will last until July 5. 

World-famous dancer and choreographer Eldar Aliyev has visited Baku Choreography Academy.

Vice-rector for academic affairs, acting rector of the Baku Academy of Choreography Aziz Garayusifli introduced the guest to the teaching staff of the educational institution. Eldar Aliyev was informed about the reforms being carried out at the academy, its future projects and the educational process.

The sides exchanged views on future joint activities, teaching methods and agreed on further cooperation. 

Eldar Aliyev expressed his readiness to support the development of cooperation between the Baku Choreography Academy and Russian universities. An exchange of views on future joint activities also took place.

The meeting was followed by concert at  Baku Choreography Academy.

The chief choreographer of the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre, Eldar Aliyev, was born in Baku where he graduated from the Baku College of Choreography. From 1979–1992 he was a leading soloist of the Kirov (Mariinsky) Theatre. His repertoire includes leading roles in "Don Quixote", "The Legend of Love", "Le Corsaire", "Swan Lake", "La Bayadère", "Spartacus", and etc.

Moreover, the choreographer has recently presented a new version of Fikrat Amirov's ballet "One Thousand and One Nights".

More than 300 costumes with hand embroidery were made for the ballet show. Some of them were made at the workshop, while most part by experienced craftsmen in St. Petersburg.

The magnificent performance of the ballet dancers left no one indifferent. The ballet was accompanied by the soloist of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, tar musician Ramin Azimov. The orchestra was conducted by the chief conductor and musical director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre Ayyub Guliyev. 

Azerbaijan's traditional music instruments - tar and naghara were presented to the theatre 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 Theatre, performed on tar during the premiere.

The chief choreographer of the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theater has successfully toured over  40 countries and performed at some of the most prestigious stages like the Kennedy Centre, the Metropolitan Opera, the Opéra de Paris, La Scala, the Berlin State Opera, the Sydney Opera House and others. 

As a dancer, he worked with such leading choreographers as Y. Grigorovich, R. Petit, M. Béjart, A. Alonso, O. Vinogradov, V. Vasiliev, M. Vainrot.

His partners on the stage included outstanding ballerinas: Galina Mezentseva, Gabriela Komleva, Tatiana Terekhova, Sylvie Guillem, Amanda Mckerrow, Leslie Browne, Altynai Asylmuratova.

He also worked in the USA as a leading soloist of the ballet company of Ballet Internationale (Indianapolis Ballet Theater), and soon became artistic director of the company. 

Since 2015,  he has been the Ballet Master in Chief of the Primorsky Opera and Ballet Theatre.

In June 2016, Eldar Aliyev was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of the Shenyang State Conservatory. His prizes also include the honorary diploma of the Legislative Assembly of the Primorsky Territory and the Diploma of Russia's Culture Ministry.

The winners of the carpet design contest have been announced in Baku.

Over 20 young talents took part in the competition co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Culture Ministry and the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum to mark the 880th anniversary of the great Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi.

The international jury selected two winners out of 43 participants: the author of the sketch "Thoughts" - Azerbaijani artist Eldar Ibadullaev, and the author of the sketch "Intikalun" (transition in Arabic) - textile designer from Russia Olga Lyaschenko.

The museum's Traditional Technologies Department will weave the carpets according to the sketches of the winners. Cash prizes will bealso awarded to the winners. Since one of the winners of the competition is a foreign citizen, his arrival to participate in the carpet-cutting ceremony and hotel accommodation will be paid for by the organizers.

Nizami Ganjavi started his creative activity with lyrical poems- gasidas, gazals and rubais. He dedicated his whole life to lyrical poems, and different philosophical problems.

The works of Azerbaijani poet and thinker have been translated into many languages.

The rare manuscript copies of his works are kept and preserved in world-famous libraries, museums and literary foundations in  Moscow, St. Petersburg, Baku, Tashkent, Tabriz, Tehran, Cairo, Istanbul, Delhi, London, Paris and others.

In Khamsa (Quintet), the poet revealed the living pages of history.

The attack of the Russians on Barda city, a fairy tale of the Russian Princess, the beautiful Shirin amazons, battles, described in various poems of Nizami - all this is historically and geographically related to medieval Azerbaijan and the Caucasus.

Nizami Ganjavi passed away in 1209 in his native city of Ganja. A grandiose tomb was raised over his grave.

A musical-poetic evening of Azerbaijani and foreign romances was held at the Actor's House in Kiev.

During the concert,  Alexander Dyachenko delighted listeners with music pieces by Asaf Zeynalli, Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Tofig Guliyev and Zakir Bagirov  to the words of Nizami Ganjavi, Nabi Khazri and Jafar Jabbarli.

Nizami Ganjavi's poems were also recited as part of the event.

The concert was attended by professional Ukrainian opera singers, winners of the international competition in memory of Muslim Magomayev Anastasia Povajnaya, Andrey Olenin, Irina Ukrainets, Pavel Grishchenko and Irina Fyodorovskaya.

The musicians performed romances from Ukraine, France, Germany and Italy, as well as works by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.

The event was organized by the Azerbaijan Cultural Center named after Muslim Magomayev with the support of the Azerbaijan Embassy in Kiev.

The Institute of Education has donated nearly 50263 copies of 300 books to restore book funds of libraries operating in the liberated territories until the early 1990s.

The project aims at restoring the book funds of more than 900 libraries in the liberated regions.

Deputy Director of the Institute of Education Anvar Abbasov stressed that the donation was an important step towards the restoration of destroyed libraries.

The head of the Institute's scientific library Surayya Mammadova and the librarian Konul Malikaliyeva, also called on other educational institutions to join the campaign organized the Culture Ministry and the Azerbaijan National Library.

Earlier, People's writer Elchin Afandiyev donated about 500 books from his personal collection to the funds of liberated libraries, including his own novels.

Secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union Rashad Majid initiated the opening of a separate corner with books by Ilyas Afandiyev and Elchin Afandiyev in the libraries to be established in Shusha and Fuzuli.

The library science in Azerbaijan stepped into the stage of a turning point in the 11th century.

The creation of many libraries in the country has been associated with a number of prominent persons.

Abulhasan Bahmanyar, philosopher and a student of Ibn Sina, played a major role in the development of librarianship in Azerbaijan.

Bahmanyar’s private library was considered one of the most beautiful libraries of that time.

This library was full of books and Bahmaniyar turned it into the center of the scholars’ exchange of ideas. 

One of the main places in the library was occupied by the books of Bahmanyar himself.

The Book of Education translated into Arabic and Farsi brought him a great fame not only in Azerbaijan, but throughout the world.

One of the Persian duplicates copied in following years is kept in the Institute of Oriental Studies named after Biruni in Uzbekistan, while Arabic manuscript copies of the work are being protected in a number of libraries around the world in Beirut, Istanbul, Cairo, London and Vatican City.

He also established libraries in Tabriz, Gazaniya and other cities. In the city of Rashidiya named after him in the north-west of Tabriz there were two libraries, as well as a library as part of the university.

It is also difficult to overestimate the importance of the works of Nasreaddin Tusi in the matter of preserving and transmitting to future generations samples of the Azerbaijani and world books.

Tusi had arranged a library in the Maragha observatory built by order of Hulaki khan. The library stored over four hundred thousand books. 

Nowadays, libraries and publishing houses in Azerbaijan are of great importance. There are also over 150 publishing houses that are engaged in printing.

The Mirza Fatali Akhundov National Library of Azerbaijan is a central state library of Azerbaijan. Its facades feature the statues of various writers and poets: Nizami Ganjavi, Mahsati, Uzeyir Hajibeyov, Shota Rustaveli, Alexander Pushkin and several others.

Founded in 1922, the library houses books, printed materials, newspapers, maps, dissertations and records. The hall has been provided with alphabetical catalogs of the books in different languages. The rare books, as well as the books about Azerbaijan covering the period until 1920 are stored in the rare book and library museum.

The country is also home to the Museum of Miniature Books.  Located within the oldest part of Baku city - Icherisheher, the museum is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the museum with the largest number of miniature books. 

The museum opened its doors in 2002 and owns one of the world's great collections of miniature books.

The creator of the museum, Zarifa Salakhova has made a unique contribution to the world of small books. 

The main objective for the establishment of the Museum was to revive love for books among the youth.

One of the world’s first miniature books museums is home to over 6,500 books published in 71 countries.

The collection contains "Flower Alphabet", "Pictures of English History", Pushkin’s "Yevgeni Onegin", "La Fontaine Fables" and the 24-volume "One Thousand and One Nights" a seminal work in Arabic literature.