NEWS

Azerbaijan's State Art Gallery has displayed art pieces by national artists. The art admirers enjoyed fascinating art pieces of Vedud Muazzin, Arif Ahdurrahmanov, Latif Feyzullayev and Davud Kazimov.

The main theme of Muazzin's works is the life of ordinary people and old Baku's streets.

The artist's most famous artworks include "The Old Baku", "Khojaly", "Ardabil store", "Fishermen", "Garden street" and many others. 

Honoured artist  Arif Abdurrahmanov significantly contributed to the theatrical art in Azerbaijan. He was the artistic director of Uzeyir Hajibayli's musical comedy "Arshin Mal Alan" (The Cloth Peddler) staged in Turkey.

The scenery of V.A Mozart's opera "Magic Flute", M. Zadornov's play "I want your husband", M. Magomayev's opera "Shah Ismail", E. Aslanov's play "My uncle" are among his famous artworks. 

Latif Feyzullayev enriched the Azerbaijan fine arts with his original style. His art features works on historical themes in the genre of portraits created at different times. Feyzullayev also preferred the genre of landscape, trying to express nature in all its beauty.

His painting "Plovdiv. View from the window" is one of such artworks. He worked on it during a trip to Bulgaria in 1960.

Through his painting, Latif Feyzullaye takes the viewers on a  wonderful journey to the second-largest city in Bulgaria. 

The art piece encourages you to look at the mysterious city with traces of the past and the present.

Another national artist Davud Kazimov contributed to the national painting school and book graphics.  The artist has played an important role in Azerbaijani culture with his works in various genres and themes.

Davud Kazimov masterfully worked on portraits of prominent figures. The artist's rich portrait gallery includes "Bahmanyar's meeting with Abu Ibn Sina", "Molla Panah Vagif and Molla Vali Vidadi on the bank of Kur", "Portrait of Gulbala Aliyev", "M.F.Akhundov". Davud Kazimov also worked in the field of book graphics and he illustrated the works of Azerbaijani classics Mirzali Mojuz, Nizami Ganjavi, Ismayil Gutgashinli, Jalil Mammadguluzade, Nariman Narimanov, etc.

Founded in 1975, Azerbaijan's State Art Gallery displays more than 14,000 paintings, graphics, sculptures, decorative and applied arts and contemporary art examples. 

The main activities of the gallery include the preservation and restoration of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage, research of the current situation and prospects of the fine arts and decorative-applied arts and much more. 

The majority of exhibitions in Azerbaijan and abroad are mainly composed of the works stored in the gallery. 

State Art Gallery successfully holds various art projects, lectures and other events on a regular basis.

Azerbaijan has been represented at the Muslim Arts and Culture Festival (MACFEST) which aims to bring the Muslim and non-Muslim communities together to promote social inclusion and overcome barriers.

The festival was attended by honourable guests from a number of countries. The large-scale event was held virtually amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Azerbaijan was represented at this prestigious event by well-known public and cultural figures.

In her speech,  Leyla Gasimova, the host and organizer from Azerbaijan, an alumna from the University of Manchester highlighted the importance of the promotion of peace and tolerance. She stressed that the festival focuses on the prevention of Islamophobia, the unification of the Muslim and non-Muslim communities, as well as the promotion of peace and tolerance.

Leyla Gasimova expressed her gratitude to the Fund for Support of the Azerbaijani Diaspora (FSAD), the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture and the Baku Creative Center for their support at the festival. 

The festival participants noted the high level of relations between Great Britain and Azerbaijan, which brings the values ​​of multiculturalism and tolerance to the world.

The Muslim Arts and Culture Festival featured a video on Christian (Albanian) and Muslim historical monuments in Azerbaijan.

The festival participants were informed about the city of Shusha, known as Azerbaijan's cultural centre, traditional cuisine, Karabakh horses, carpet weaving art, the history of religious monuments and much more. 

Within the framework of MACFEST, artist and sculptor Farid Mirzoyev demonstrated the religious diversity of Azerbaijan through contemporary art, while historian Karim Sultanov delivered a speech about the history of Islamic religion in Azerbaijan in the Middle Ages.

In addition, National Culinary Association President Tahir Amiraslanov highlighted Azerbaijan's rich culinary traditions.

Expert Yashar Guluzade provided insight into the national pride of Azerbaijanis - the Karabakh horses, while Doctor of Philosophy in Art History Gulnara Khalilova showed traditional patterns and costume features through her world-famous fashion collections.

Farakhnaz Musayeva, who heads the National Carpet Museum's international relations and innovation department, spoke about the history of the "Gasimushagi" carpets dating back to the 17th century.

The Egyptian Nile TV International channel has broadcast a program on great Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi.

The program informed wider Egyptian audience about Azerbaijan’s great history, charming nature, the country’s latest achievements, as well as the work and life of Nizami Ganjavi.

The program also highlights the conference on the 880th anniversary of Nizami Ganjavi organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Egypt, as well as the interviews of Azerbaijani Ambassador to the country Tural Rzayev and Egypt’s prominent scholars.

The National Carpet Museum continues to delight art lovers with various projects. The museum has recently provided insight into Nizami's cultural heritage.

During the lecture, Doctor of Philosophy in Philology, Associate Professor Tahmina Badalova informed art lovers about the characteristic features of different art fields, including poetry, painting, architecture, music as well as the legacy of Nizami Ganjavi.

The event was followed by a presentation of the book "Nizami Ganjavi and Kalila and Dimna motives".

Notably, the Carpet Museum invites everyone to take part in a master class on carpet sketch led by Honored Artist Taryer Bashirov​.

The museum will provide the necessary tools for sketch drawing. No more than 10 people can attend the master class amid quarantine rules. For registration, please visit the following link.

Founded in 1967, the National Carpet Museum never ceases to amaze everyone with its beautiful architecture.

Initiated by eminent carpet artist Latif Karimov, it is beautiful inside and out. The museum's new building is designed in the form of a rolled carpet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nizami's heritage is of great importance to the Azerbaijani culture. The poet, who began by writing lyrics in short forms – gasida, gazal, rubai has gained worldwide recognition.

The poet's legacy has inspired Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Bahram Bagirzade who published  the book "Nizami Ganjavi for Kids".

The book was published on the occasion of the "Year of Nizami Ganjavi in Azerbaijan" and the poet's 880th anniversary. 

President Ilham Aliyev declared 2021 the Year of Nizami Ganjavi in Azerbaijan, taking into account the exceptional importance of the poet's legacy.

The book provides insight into the life of Nizami Ganjavi and his beautiful 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.

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.

The description of a man's inner world, his feelings, and thoughts along with the dynamic development of the main hero's characters underlies the basic aim and content of Nizami’s literary school.

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

Warner Music Group has acquired prominent Russian label Zhara Music, co-founded by artists and businessmen Emin Agalarov  and Bahh Tee.

The music label will be continue its operations as Atlantic Records Russia, plugging into Warner Music’s global network.

Atlantic Records Russia will be headed by Bahh Tee as General Producer. He will maintain a dedicated team of A&R and marketing specialists in a standalone office, separate to Warner Music Russia.

Emin Agalarov will remain one of Atlantic Records Russia`s  artists. This year Atlantic Records Russia will release the last album from HammAli & Navai, new albums by EMIN, Jony, Idris & Leos, LSP, Morgenshtern, Rauf & Faik and Slava Marlow, as well as a special collection dedicated to the launch of Atlantic Records Russia.

Meanwhile,Warner Music Russia  General Directo Alexander Blinov  will provide strategic leadership for Atlantic Records Russia.

“We knew fans loved our music and were hungry for new discoveries, but even we were surprised by how quickly things took off. Becoming part of the Warner Music family will help take our support for our artists to the next level both here and internationally. It’s a landmark day for me and my colleagues – we’ve really come of age," said Blinov. 

"EMIN and Bahh Tee have poured their hearts and souls into building a label.They’re talented artists, sincere fans and successful business people, and that’s shone through in the incredible roster they’ve built. I’m delighted that Bahh Tee has agreed to launch Atlantic Records in Russia – connecting the world renowned brand to a whole new generation of artists from across Russia and beyond. It’s going to be a wild ride!, " he added.

Founded in 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson, Atlantic Records has  been home to such world-famous artists as Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, The Rolling Stones and many others.

The Culture Ministry and the Azerbaijan Union of Theatre Workers are pleased to announce the recitation contest  "Without You".

The competition was organized to mark the Nizami Ganjavi Year in ​​Azerbaijan and the 880th anniversary of eminent poet and thinker.

The project focuses on increasing the public interest in the art of declamation. The contest provides a wide range of opportunities for new creative searches. 

Those wishing to take part in the competition should submit their performance of one of Nizami Ganjavi's works (CD) until  April 15, 2021. The performance should be no longer than 10 minutes.

There is no age limit for the contest participants. The jury will choose the best three performances. 

The theatre development in the Azerbaijani culture has a very rich history, which begins with the theatrical elements of open-air folk performances, religious ceremonies and much more.

The Azerbaijani theatre originated in the second half of the 19th century, with the comedy "The Vizier of Lankaran khanate" by first Azerbaijani playwright, prominent thinker and philosopher Mirza Fatali Akhundov.

First amateur performances staged by students of non-classical secondary school at the initiative of Hasan-bay Zardabi and with the active participation of the Najaf-bay Vezirov and Alakbar Adigozalov became a powerful impetus for the establishment of the national theatre.

Nowadays Azerbaijani theatre art is taking a new turn in the art world. The country pays great attention to the development of theater art.

Azerbaijan and Georgia have agreed to expand cultural partnership.

The Culture Minister Anar Karimov and the Georgian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Zurab Pataradze exchanged views on creative industry, film production and holding cultural days of the two countries. 

In his remarks, Anar Karimov stressed that relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia have a rich history. He emphasized that these ties  have given a great impetus to the successful development of relations in various fields, including culture.

The Minister pointed out  that the reciprocal visits of the heads of state and the documents signed between the two countries have made a significant contribution to expanding cooperation.

Zurab Pataradze expressed his confidence that the fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia will continue to strengthen in future. The Georgian Ambassador stressed the importance of implementing joint projects to further expand cultural cooperation. 

The sides also touched upon other issues of mutual interest. 

Azerbaijani singer Jony (Jahid Huseynli) has been named best at the Bravo International Professional Music Awards. His song "Comet" was named "Song of the Year" according to the Bravo Awards.

The Bravo Awards welcomes the most remarkable artists from Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mongolia, the CIS and the UAE.

The event is traditionally attended by ambassadors of the partner countries.

The Bravo Awards contributes to the strengthening of Russia's status as the centre of the Eurasian cultural world.

Notably, Jony previously won the prize (Best Artist Award) at New Radio Awards 2021, which brought together Azerbaijani and Russian pop stars.

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. 

A rare 16th-century portrait of Suleiman the Magnificent, the longest-reigning Ottoman sultan, fetched a hefty £350,000 ($481,000) sale price in an auction on Wednesday in London, according to Anadolu Agency.

The portrait was on offer for collectors in live bidding at famed auction house Sotheby’s starting at £80,000.

The sale price nearly tripled pre-auction estimates, which predicted the portrait could be sold for as high as £120,000.

The painting was formerly part of a family collection in France since the 19th century.

The painting is a likeness of two 16th century portraits, according to Sotheby’s.

It is associated with a portrait attributed to Cristofano Dell' Altissimo in Florence’s Galleria Degli Uffizi and a smaller portrait of Archduke Ferdinand II exhibited in Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum.

The painting “opens a window onto a narrative of artistic exchanges between Venice and the Ottomans in the 1530s,” according to Sotheby’s.

Suleiman the Magnificent ruled for nearly a half century, from 1520 to 1566.

Wednesday’s auction also included a portrait of Suleiman’s daughter Mihrimah Sultan, by Titian, the 16th century Venetian artist. The painting was sold to a buyer for £60,000.

Ottoman velvet work from the “distinguished collection of Edgar Vincent, 1st Viscount d’Abernon” was also on auction.