NEWS

Baku Music Academy is pleased to announce a patriotic contest to mark Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War.

The project is organized in partnership with Azerbaijan Union of Composers and the Culture Ministry.

The music congest is open to 25-35 years old professional composers. The competition is scheduled for May 1 to October 1, 2021.

The jury members include People's Artist of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Union of Composers Frangiz Alizadeh, Honored Art Worker, professor Aydin Azimov, artistic director and chief conductor of the Gara Garayev Chamber Orchestra, People's Artist, Fakhraddin Kerimov, Honored Artist, professor Hajar Bababeva, composer, teacher at the Bulbul Secondary Special Music School Ayaz Gambarli.

The jury will evaluate the accepted works at the closed meeting. The names of the winners will be published on the Culture Ministry's website on October 15.

The clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan resumed after Armenia launched large-scale attacks on Azerbaijani forces and civilians on September 27.

The 44 days of war ended with the Russian brokered peace deal signed on November 10 by the Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian leaders.

The peace agreement ended the 30-years-old conflict between Baku and Yerevan over Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh region that along with the seven adjacent districts came under the occupation of Armenian armed forces in the war in the early 1990s.

For about three decades, Armenia failed to implement the UN Security Council resolutions demanding the withdrawal of the Armenian troops, which was the main obstacle to the resolution of the conflict.

Azerbaijani dancer Farid Kazakov has been appointed as European Cultural Association Ambassador.

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

"Over the past years, I have represented our culture in the international arena as a dancer and now, I will represent the interests of our countries as an Honorary Member of the European Cultural Association. There are many plans and projects ahead, highlighting the cultural activities of our countries," the dancer said.

He expressed his gratitude to European Cultural Association for the trust and such a high assessment of his work.

Notably, Farid Kazakov recently won the prize "Turkiye Zirve Odulleri" in Turkey. He got the title of the "Most Talented Dancer of Turkey 2021".

In February, Kazakov released a patriotic video dedicated to fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey. 

As the dancer he was looking for music for the new video for a long time, as a result, his choice fell on the very heartfelt song "Daima yaşa Azərbaycan" performed by Sinan Akchil and Saida Guliyeva. The song literally captivated the dancer with its beauty and depth. 

The video was seen by the organizers of the Turkiye Zirve Odulleri Awards. The winner was chosen through voting. 

Speaking about the prize, Farid Kazakov expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported his dance performance. 

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".

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

He was also named as the most successful dancer according to "Trend of the Year 2019 Awards". The winners were determined by voting on social networks and media monitoring.

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

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

The famous dancer also held a charity project in several organizations such as the Ders Evi Education Centre and the Yaradan Creative Union.  

Water park has solemnly opened at Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve. 

The park was laid at the initiative of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Arts Council Azerbaijan, as well as the "Kura II" project of the UN Development Program (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The event was attended by the head of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve administration Riad Gasimov, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Vugar Karimov, Icherisheher Museum Center director, Honored  Cultural Worker Amina Melikova, Regional Communications Manager of the "Kura II" project Sona Guliyeva, head of the Arts Council Azerbaijan, artist Dadash Mammadov, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions.

The opening of the park was timed to coincide with World Earth Day. The ​​100-150 square meters park aims to draw public`s attention to water protection issues. 

The park houses art objects and metal barrels painted by Azerbaijani artists during a workshop held by Arts Council Azerbaijan. All of the artists' works are dedicated to the careful treatment of water resources.

The painted metal barrels fulfill both ecological and design functions. So, the participants of the event planted the seedlings of the medlar tree in barrels. There are also wells in the park dating back to the 18th century.

There is no doubt that the park will become a favorite recreation place for residents and guests of the country, contributing to water resources issues.

Founded in 2008, Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve treasures a rich collection of artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations. Traveling these historical sight will mesmerize you for sure.

People in love with historical journeys take great pleasure in visiting Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography (open-air), the Museum of Antiques and Castle Museum (partly open-air), operating under the Reserve. 

The museum centers display more than 2,000 archaeological and architectural monuments, including ancient rock paintings, pottery, household items, jewelry, weapons, coins and much more.

The 18th-century tandoor and two underground passages (10th-15th centuries), old houses, portable tents made of animal skins, stone and straw houses with domes are of particular interest.

Ancient mounds, grave stones, dwellings, places of worship and other monuments also ultimately grab attention of curious visitors.

Gala settlement, where the Reserve operates, is especially famous for its magnificent rock carvings. Hunting scenes, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic images are depicted on the ancient stones.

Scenes of sacrifice, separate images of deer, goats, oxen can also be found here. Ancient findings are presented in the open-air museum and a mosque next to Gesr tower.

Gala is considered to be one of the oldest shopping centers. Even in the 17th century, the European traveler Engelbert Kempfer wrote that salt, which is distinguished by its taste and whiteness, was mined in the village of Gala.

The eighteenth-century researcher, Johann Lerch, in his notes told about the journey to the village of Gala. In the 40s of the 19th century, the Russian traveler Berezin also mentioned in his notes the fortress in the village of Gala.

The territory of Gala Reserve was suitable for sowing in the Middle Ages, and the defense tower located here was restored by Nadir Shah.

Today Gala State Reserve successfully preserves the spirit of Azerbaijan's historical past. Every year, the Reserve welcomes dozens of visitors who are ready to soak up an unforgettable atmosphere of this place.

Exhibition dates: 28 April through 1 June, 2021.

Еhe gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 to 20:00

Gazelli Art House is delighted to present the Graphic Storytelling exhibition, revealing a variety of topics through both abstract and figurative illustrations. Participating artists Arif Huseynov, Tarlan Gorchu, Zohrab Salam-zadeh and Fidan Gumbatli use graphic as a platform to convey certain concepts, describing the world via their own perception.

Arif Huseynov

People's Artist of Azerbaijan, known for more than 40 years as a graphic easel painter, portraitist and illustrator of books for children and adults.

His solo exhibitions have been held in various cities around the world, including Moscow, Prague, Istanbul, Tokyo, and Baku. Arif Huseynov's works are housed in many museums around the world.

The "While There is Time" artworks serve as illustrations inspired by poems of Rasul Rza, the innovator and philosopher of the Azerbaijani poetry, reflecting his spirit and mood. The author managed to raise them to the level of the outstanding poet and citizen who believed in kingdom of peace, goodness and justice as well as in society of freedom, equality and fraternity.

Tarlan Gorchu

Member of the Artists’ Union, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, Director of Baku Puppet Theater. Throughout his career Tarlan created a variety of artworks exploring contemporary calligraphy, textiles, sculpture, photography and installations, promoting an interplay of traditional forms with modern techniques. His works have been displayed all over the world, including the Azerbaijan’s Pavilion

at the 53rd Venice Biennale, many important exhibitions in Poland, Lithuania, France, Georgia, Italy, Switzerland, and Russia.

In the “Gobustan Rock Images” series the author though the use of modern technologies combined numerous rock images into one complete picture, dividing seen in black and white into three colorful scenes from life of Gobustan inhabitants: migration, hunt, and portrait of a leader.

Zohrab Salam-zadeh

Member of the Artists’ Union of Azerbaijan, participated in over 40 local and international group exhibitions and projects. The key motive of his paintings is mystical elements of Islam, sufism, dervishes, jinns, as well as urban themes, tradition and faith.

His pieces are focused on very simple and yet rich compositions portraying a human inner world, philosophy, one's simple wishes and dreams.

Fidan Gumbatli

A ceramic artist, works in the area of conceptual ceramics and illustration, creating ceramic exterior and interior objects.

A frequent participant in international festivals held in Russia and Germany.

This series of works is dedicated to the myths of ancient Greece: in her practice Fidan draws inspiration from myths, philosophy, incorporating the art of ancient artists, ceramists, and sculptors.

ABOUT GAZELLI ART HOUSE

Gazelli Art House is a contemporary art gallery aiming at promoting contemporary art along with scientific-research, сollection, commercial and advertising activities. The gallery introduces to visitors new art works, develops art taste, explores and preserves the most significant subjects for future generations and forms the contemporary art market.

The gallery supports a wide range of artists – the brightest representatives of both international and Azerbaijani contemporary art – creating a dynamic program for a broad audience through public projects and exhibitions in London and Baku.

Initiated by Mila Askarova, founder and director, Gazelli Art House opened its doors in 2003 in Baku in the building of Gazelli House to successfully present the first exhibitions of the Azerbaijani artists.

The gallery’s new stage began when Mila Askarova opened another space in London having hosted conceptually interlinked off-site exhibitions across London.

After completion of a large scale reconstruction, since 2017 the Baku gallery has continued to give contemporary art lovers the opportunity to experience the exhibitions of difference genres: painting, photography, film, performance, multimedia installations, sculpture, showcasing Stanley Casselman, Derek Boshier, Giovanni Ozzola, Kalliopi Lemos, Aziz+Cucher, Niyaz Najafov, Recycle Group, Jane McAdam Freud and many others, and in a short period of time has become a favorite place of Baku citizens and guests.

Besides hosting exhibitions, the galleries in London and Baku conduct lectures, seminars, master and art therapy classes.

The gallery actively collaborates with galleries and museums worldwide.

Gazelli Art House is striving to discover newer talents, to revive once forgotten artists and boost promotion of established ones using the spaces of its galleries and prestigious international exhibitions.

For more information, please contact us at info@gazelliarthouse.az

Azerbaijani singers have been nominated for RU.TV Awards. 

People's Artist of Azerbaijan Emin Agalarov has been nominated for "Best Song", while the song "Comet" performed by Jony is presented in the category  "Best Start". 

HammAli & Navai duet will compete for prize in "Best Hip-Hop Project" nomination, while Rauf & Faik duo is nominated for an award in the category "Star of the Dance Floor".

Initiated in 2021, RU.TV Awards amazes viewers with fascinating show. The awarding ceremony will take place on May 22.

Emin's media appearances include BBC Breakfast, Extra, ITV's Daybreak, Fox, Entertainment Tonight, Pro 7, The Today Show, E!, among others. He's been featured in The Sunday Times, The Sun, Bilt, Wall Street Journal, The Independent, GQ, Esquire, OK!, among others.

In 2016, Emin was awarded as the Most Stylish Musician of the Year.

Over the past couple of years, Emin performed at large musical contests, including the Eurovision 2012, "Miss Universe 2013, the 2014 World Music Awards, and also on the Olympic Games in Sochi on the same year.

He is also one of the organizers of the summer music festival "Zhara" which has turned into an annual gathering of celebrities.

Moreover, Emin Agalarov was awarded the title of the People's Artist of Azerbaijan and honorary badge on July 31.

In December, 2020, the pop singer won Golden Gramophone Award in Russia. 

The Golden Gramophone Award is a yearly national Russian music award, established by Russian Radio in 1996. 

Last year, Emin received the platinum status for his songs in Russia. His tracks got platinum status with more than 100,000 sales and downloads on music platforms. 

More than eight tracks were honored with platinum awards, including the songs "My Azerbaijan" feat. Maxim Fadeev, "Fireplace" feat. Jony, "I Can't Tell" feat. Ani Lorak and others.

The duet song with Jahid Huseynli (Jony)  became multi-platinum in a short time.

Jony previously won the prize (Best Artist Award) at New Radio Awards 2021, which brought together Azerbaijani and Russian pop stars. He was also named best at the Bravo International Professional Music Awards. His song "Comet" was named "Song of the Year" according to the Bravo Awards.

Jony is a Moscow-based performer born in Baku. He became famous in Russia and the CIS countries after the mega-hit "Alley".

In December 2019, he became the winner in the Breakthrough of the Year nomination according to VKontakte and the BOOM music service. In 2020,  Apple Music named his track "Comet" among the popular songs in Russia. 

Over the past years, the singer has taken part in multiple music projects, including the Zhara Music Festival. 

HammAli & Navai duet was created in 2016.The duet's most famous songs included "A Day in the Calendar", "I don’t want to fly", "You are my chemistry", "Memory Can't Destroy", etc.

The track "Fly Together" (2017) was released, recorded together with Bahh Tee.

Next year, the duet presented its debut studio album "Janavi", which became the most listened album in 2018 according to Boom music player.

On March 4, 2021, the duet announced its split to pursue a solo career.

Rauf & Faik duet is best known for their Russian-language single "Childhood", released in 2018.

Their first music video  "Love Remained Yesterday" reached several hundred thousand views, and thousands of likes.

Their debut album, also titled "I Love You" was released later in 2018.

Their second studio album "Pain and Memories" (2019) quickly reached 8th place on Apple Music. Since beginning their professional music career, the duet has toured in over 20 Russian cities, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Germany.

After a seven-year break, Giacomo Puccini's "Tosca" opera is coming back to the Russian Bolshoi Theater. 

The opera brought together People's Artists of Azerbaijan, theater soloists Dinara Aliyeva (Floria Tosca) and Elchin Azizov (Baron Scarpia), as well as a guest soloist, Azerbaijani opera singer Azer Rzazade (Mario Cavaradossi) and many others. 

Tosca is an opera by Giacomo Puccini in three acts to a libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa.

The plot of the opera is set in Rome at the very beginning of the 19th century. At the center of the maelstrom of events is the love of the singer Flora Tosca and the artist Mario Cavaradossi.

The new opera production was staged in Moscow by eminent director Stefano Poda and renowned conductor Daniele Callegari. 

Over this time, Stefano Poda has realized over 100 productions, including his latest works- "Nabucco at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires (2020)", "Ariane et Barbe-bleue at the Theatre du Capitole de Toulouse (2019), "Les Contes d’ Hoffmann at the Lausanne Opera (2019)" and many others.

Daniele Callegari has collaborated with major orchestras in the world, including the Metropolitan Orchestra of Greater Montreal, Belgium National Orchestra, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, French National Orchestra, the RAI National Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, etc.

The premiere of the opera production left no one indifferent.  Special combination of vocal, artistic, and acting powers mesmerized opera lovers. 

Notably, Azerbaijani soprano Dinara Aliyeva joined the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow as soloist in 2010, and has since appeared at major opera houses and concert halls throughout the world.

She has performed in major opera halls including Vienna State Opera, Berlin State Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Bavarian State Opera, among others; and under the batons of conductors such as Yuri Temirkanov, Vladimir Fedoseyev, Vladimir Spivakov, Yuri Bashmet, Constantine Orbelian, Giuseppe Sabbatini, Marcello Rota, Emmanuel Villaume, Pier Giorgio Bruno Morandi, Giuseppe Carello, Vasily Sinaisky and Tugan Sohiev.

In 2010, Aliyeva joined Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre as a soloist, making her debut as Liu in Puccini's Turandot, and subsequently appeared in roles including Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, Violetta in La Traviata, Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, Mimi in La Boheme, Leonora in Il Trovatore, Micaëla in Carmen, Marfa in The Tsar’s Bride, Nedda in Pagliacci, and many others.

Elchin Azizov has been a soloist of the Bolshoi Theater since 2008.

He has successfully performed in Pyotr Tchaikovsky's "Iolanta", Sergei  Prokofiev's "The Love for Three Oranges", Georges Bizet's "Carmen", Giuseppe Verdi's  "Don Carlos" and so on.

Azizov is the winner of the 2nd Prize of the International Opera Singers Contest of Galina Vishnevskaya (2008), and the 4th Prize of the International Opera Singers Contest of Bulbul in Baku (2005).

Azer Rzazade has performed with many orchestras in Austria, France, Italy, Russia, Greece, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Croatia, Turkey, the UK, and the UAE. He was a soloist of the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre.

The opera singer is a laureate of international competitions and participant of international festivals.

Art works of Azerbaijani artists have been displayed at St. Petersburg House of Nationalities. 

The main goal of the project is to encourage creativity in young artists, thereby creating a kind of creative bridge between generations and countries.

In their remarks, the head of the Interethnic relations Department at the St. Petersburg House of Nationalities Galina Ponomareva, chairman of the National Cultural Association of Friends of Azerbaijanis "Nakhchivan" Idris Gahramanov and co-chairman Mamed Mammadov, artist Vugar Mammadov stressed that the exhibition serves as a cultural bridge between countries. 

The exhibition titled "Invisible Conversation of the Soul" features paintings by talented artists Narzade Ansarov, Vugar Mammadov, Khan Abdurragimov, Sokhrab Davudov, Khagan Bayramov, Samir Rakhmanov, Kurban Makhmudov, Fikrat Rasulov and Tariyel Naghiyev, who studied at the Russia's  most prestigious universities such as the Saint Petersburg Academy of Arts, the Saint Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design and others. 

The paintings are inspired by the austere beauty and cultural space of St. Petersburg. Colorful paintings of national artists aroused great interest among art lovers. 

The event was followed by music performances. 

The exhibition "Invisible Conversation of the Soul" will run until May 5.

International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation has solemnly marked Turkey's Sovereignty and Children's Day, celebrated annually on April 23.

The event titled "Meeting of the Turkic World's Children" was held to further strengthen the ties between the Foundation and all member and observer countries of the organization, as well as familiarizing the younger generation with the cultural values ​​of the Turkic world.

President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Gunay Afandiyeva Foundation met children.

"I am very pleased that future representatives of the great Turkic world are participating in this event. Today, there are children from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, Lithuania, Azerbaijan and of course, Turkey, who are a bridge between fraternal states. They are our hope, our joy, our tomorrow. The Turkic world has a deep history and cultural heritage and our children should preserve this wealth in the future," said  Afandiyeva.

"Whatever sphere they choose, they must be good specialists, professionals in their field, so that adults, looking at them, are proud of them. And we, in turn, must give them a world in which they can live happily. I am very glad that as children grow up, they will also study in depth the cultural heritage of the fraternal countries. This is the mission of our Foundation," she added.

Then the children representing the member and observer countries of the Foundation: Belinay Uygun (Turkey), Ipek Majid (Azerbaijan), Amina Nurmakhambetova (Kazakhstan), Madina Almazbekova (Kyrgyzstan), David Bedeks (Hungary), Medina Gurbangeldieva and Heseljeman Garaeva (Turkmenistan), Arnas Jan Eren (Turkey - Lithuania), Melek Khalilova (Azerbaijan), Zeynep Kaya (Turkey), Gulyaz Hasanzade, Kanan Bashirli, Elkhan Mammadli, Mirali Alizade, Mahir Hajiyev (Azerbaijan) read poems, performed songs in national costumes in their native language, as well as music on traditional instruments.

At the end, Gunay Afandiyeva presented gifts to the children and took a photo for memory.

The International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation was established at Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's initiative and with the support of the Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Turkish leaders.

The headquarters of the organization is located in Baku, Azerbaijan. The president of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation is Gunay Afandiyeva. 

The opening ceremony of the foundation's building was held within the framework of the 7th Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States in October 2019 with the participation of foreign ministers of the member and observer countries of the foundation, as well as heads of international Turkic cooperation organizations.

The 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.

INTERACT Online is back with second season focused on screenwriting. 

If you want to learn secrets of screenwriting, get valuable advice from famous filmmakers and develop your script with a professional tutor - this season is for you!

INTERACT Online was founded in 2020 as a part of the INTERACT LAB educational project, organized by the Debut Film Studio with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

It is a digital platform offering a hands-on educational link between young filmmakers and internationally renowned professionals via a series of online master classes.

Debut Film Studios was founded in 1987 by film director, Honorary Artist of Azerbaijan Eldar Guliyev. The quasi-governmental production company is supported by Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

The film studio produces short and full-length debut films, as well as educational programs for cinematographers and promotes Azerbaijani audiovisual products in the international market.

What news are expecting participants this season?

The program includes 3 stages to be held in May, July and October.

Besides master classes led by Oscar, BAFTA, Cannes and Emmy awarded filmmakers, Debut Film Studios is pleased to announce screenwriting workshop led by professional tutor.

Gulengul Altintash is a screenwriter, script consultant and academician. Currently, she is teaching post-graduate scriptwriting courses in Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Film.

She has attended "Content Creation for Entertainment Media” program at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and New York Tisch School of the Arts and Hungarian Film Academy screenwriting workshops.

Workshop will be divided in 3 stages. Chosen participants will apply with their script idea written in logline and short synopsis. Developing the idea on every stage will form a final draft of script by the end of workshop.

At the first stage in May, Oscar, Cannes Film Festival and BAFTA winner screenwriter Christopher Hampton will talk at the masterclass. Christopher Hampton directed such films as "Dangerous Liaisons", "Atonement", "The Father" and "Carrington". Moreover, he also wrote scenario for the film "Ali and Nino". 

The guest of the second, July stage - Sameh Alaa, winner of the Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival in the Best Short Film nomination. His journey from Cairo to Paris and from there to Cannes makes him a perfect example for this project participants.

OSCAR nominee and EMMY Award winner Henry Hughes will be the guest of the last master class in October. He is a writer and director, known for "Day One", "The Outpost" and "Terp".

How to join the program?

• Participation in master classes is FREE. Number of participants is not limited.
• You can join master class by filling out the application form.
• To participate in the workshop, you must provide your idea in short synopsis and logline. Also, the examples of your scripts should be attached.
• Number of workshop participants is limited to 10 people.

Applications are accepted till the 10th of May. First stage will start on May 13, 2021.

Improve your screenwriting skills, go from idea to script with us! Applications are accepted until May 10.

The Mexican Ambassador to Azerbaijan Juan Rodrigo Labardini Flores has recently visited the State Translation Center (AzSTC) in Baku. 

The meeting highlighted the recently translated and published book selected works by world-famous Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes, who contributed to the promotion of Mexican literature worldwide as well as videoconferencing through the website of Mexico's  Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Cultural Diplomacy".

In his remarks Juan Rodrigo Labardini Flores stressed that Azerbaijan pays great attention to the Mexican literature.

"Azerbaijan attaches great importance to Mexican literature, and the publication of works by famous Mexican writers at such a high level of quality amazes us in the fullest sense of the word. This latest edition, published by the State Translation Center in recent days, made me reread the novels "The Death of Artemio Cruz" and "Aura by Carlos Fuentes". Our specialists highly appreciated the quality of the translation of works. Once again, I offer my sincere thanks to the Center for this significant event," he said. 

Carlos Fuentes is considered one of the leading figures of magic realism, his novels have been translated into 24 languages. His numerous literary honors include the National Prize for Arts and Sciences (1984), Miguel de Cervantes Prize (1987), Ruben Dario Prize (1994) and Pablo Picasso medal (1995).

AzSTC has recently published selected works by Mexican writer in the Azerbaijani language.

"The Death of Artemio Cruz", "Aura" and a short story "Chac Mool" are among the selected works of the Mexican writer.

The book was translated by Saday Budagly, and edited by Etimad Bashkechid and Salam Sarvan.

The Ambassador also pointed out that magazines "Caratula" (Nicaragua) and "Poesia" (Venezuela) as well as the "Poetry newspaper" at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Mexico (UNAM)) are ready to cooperate with AzSTC to promote Azerbaijani literature. 

Founded in 2014, AzTC is an executive body which focuses on translation work, socio-political, scientific, technical, literary and cultural ties from the point of view of language and translation.

Its core functions include organizing and promoting Azerbaijani literature worldwide and world literature in Azerbaijan.

The Translation Center oversees the standard of translation in the republic and improves its quality.

Over the past time, the State Translation Center has published Azerbaijani version of "Shah of Shahs" book by the renowned Polish writer and publicist Ryszard Kapuscinski.

The book describes the social-political processes in Iran leading to the downfall of the Pahlavi dynasty. It also includes the author’s thoughts on writing excellence, scientific articles, speeches and interviews.

"Shah of Shahs" was translated by Vilayat Guliyev and edited by Mahir Garayev.

Ryszard Kapuscinski is famous for his non-fiction work "Emperor" published in 1978. His works "Imperium" (1993), "The Shadow of the Sun"(1999) and "Travels with Herodotus" (2004) won a "Book of the Year" award in Poland.

His numerous honors include "Hanseatic Goethe Prize", "Viareggio Prize", "Elsa Morante" "International Journalists" and others. He was also considered as a candidate for the Nobel Prize for literature.

Moreover, the State Translation Center has released a book "About the mysteries of filmmaking" by the renowned Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky.

"About the mysteries of filmmaking" includes the author's thoughts, scientific articles, as well as speeches and interviews on cinematic excellence.

The book was translated by Farhad Abdullayev and edited by Rabiga Nazimgizi.

Andrei Tarkovsky is a world famous filmmaker, theatre director, film theorist and screenwriter. His first film "Ivan’s childhood" was recognized as a major event in world cinematography and awarded the "Golden Lion" at the Venice Film Festival.