NEWS

Azerbaijan State Translation Centre has published the 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 the writing excellence, scientific articles, speeches and interviews.

The book was translated by Vilayat Guliyev and edited by Mahir Garayev.

Ryszard Kapuscinski was born in 1932 in Pinsk (now Belarus). He is famous for his non-fiction work “Emperor” published in 1978. His works “Imperium” (1993), “The Shadow of the Sun” (also known as “Ebony Wood”) (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.

Kapuscinski died in 2007 in Warsaw.

Azerbaijan National Art Museum has opened a virtual exhibition timed to the 40th anniversary of the Jabrayil History-Ethnography Museum.

The project was organized  as part of the project "Rare Museum Pearls of Karabakh". 

With its rich collection, Jabrayil History-Ethnography Museum brilliantly reflects the ancient history of the Karabakh region. 

The exhibition presents exhibits from the museum's extensive collection, including samples of the art of artistic metal and decorative and applied art, ethnographic materials, jewelry, weapons and traditional costumes.

Jabrayil History-Ethnography Museum has been operating since 1953. The museum stores numerous archaeological and ethnographic materials, textiles, objects of decorative and applied art, household items belonging to ancient history and the Middle Ages, historical photographs, documents and much more. 

Nearly 16,000 of the more than 17,000 exhibits of that time were saved from Armenian occupiers.

These include carpets and rugs, silver and gold jewelry, silver men's and women's belts, silver daggers, historical and ethnographic materials reflecting different times of Azerbaijan's history, photographs and documents relating to the history of the region. 

Several items which are difficult to transport, and more than 2000 exhibits were destroyed by the Armenian occupiers.

Currently, Jabrayil History-Ethnography Museum continues its activity at the Azerbaijan Museum of Independence. 

With its magnificent view, Juma Mosque in Aghdam never ceases to amaze everyone.

The mosque is not only an architectural monument, but also a symbol of the city that has been recently liberated from the Armenian occupation.

The religious monument was built by the architect Karbalai Safikhan Garabaghi in 1868-1870.The main building of the mosque is built of stone, and the minarets are made of bricks.

It is believed that the walls of the Juma Mosque were painted by a friend of Karbalai Safikhan, calligrapher Mohammad Shukuhi. Similar mosques were built in the cities of Barda, Shusha, Fuzuli and Horadiz.

The mosque was built in the typical style for mosques in the Karabakh region, which included the division of stone columns on the two-story gallery and the use of domed ceilings.

Since July 23, 1993, these territories have been under Armenian occupation. The mosque survived two Nagorno-Karabakh wars. For 27 years the Agdam Mosque had been vandalized and used as a stable for cattle and swine by Armenia 

After the end of occupation, Azerbaijani flag was once raised in Aghdam. The first Friday prayer has been recently held in the mosque by the last imam of the mosque and Azerbaijani soldiers.

Preliminary improvement works have been carried out around the mosque. The premises have been cleared, lighting has been carried out here.

Azerbaijan's Culture Ministry is pleased to announce a new project "Return to the Homeland: Customs and Traditions of Karabakh". 

The project aims at revival of culture on Azerbaijan's liberated territories 

Citizens from Karabakh who wish to take part in the project can provide detailed information (memoirs, written information, photo and video materials) about the traditions that have historically developed in there.

Information can be sent to the following e-mail addresses:

info@creative.az and pressmedeniyyet@gmail.com.

Please, indicate the name of the project in the subject line as well as submit it through the official pages of the department on social networks.

Over the past time, Azerbaijan Carpet Museum has successfully cooperated with many international partners. The museum successfully represented Azerbaijan's carpet weaving art at multiple events. 

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum has recently taken part in the "Night of Museums 2020".

The museum's director, chairman of ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee addressed the international event held within  Kyrgyz project "Night of Museums 2020".

Shirin Melikova informed the meeting participants about the museum's history and its main activities. She noted the museum's successful virtual projects during the pandemic.

The museum director also touched upon international cooperation and future goals set by the Carpet Museum for the next year.

The Carpet Museum also joined the festive virtual salon Allure through the Ages: Uncovering the Magic and Mystery in the Carpets of Azerbaijan.​

Held by Brooch Associates, the large-scale event brought together participants from many countries.

During the festival,  Dr. Shirin Melikova provided a broad overview of Azerbaijan Carpet Art, one of the most timeless works of craftsmanship, its development, and rare and incomparable carpets and their features.

She also highlighted the museum's activities, including its permanent exhibition, as well as the work carried out in recent years to replenish the museum collection.​

Later, Anna Beselin, Senior Textile Conservator, Museum of Islamic Art, Berlin spoke in detail about the Azerbaijan​ Shirvan carpet stored in this museum, its restoration, and study.

Notably, the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum collection preserves the 17th-century Shirvan carpet similar to the mentioned art specimen.

Stefano Ionescu (Rome), a carpet expert and collector from Italy talked about the Azerbaijani carpets donated to the Carpet Museum  by him and other collectors.

At the end of the meeting, the speakers answered the questions of the participants about Azerbaijani carpet weaving art.

The Carpet Museum also hosted a unique art event in partnership with Baku European Lyceum 

The annual festival "Azerbaijani Carpet: Learn and Promote timed the Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis" aims at promoting national, spiritual, and cultural values among the young people.

This year the festival focuses on enlightening students about Azerbaijan's carpet weaving art.

The virtual festival brought together young talents who prepared interesting videos on carpets and their main features. 

As part of the festival, Aygun Abbasova, Chief of the Carpet Museum's Culture and Education Department at ANCM and expert consultant Asia Shiraliyeva held online lectures for students of 5th and 8th grades on the topic Azerbaijani Carpet: Learn and Promote.

Founded in 1967, the National Carpet Museum holds more than 14,000 exhibits of the finest Azerbaijani carpets.

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

The Carpet Museum opened its doors in 2014 at Baku Seaside Park. All carpets were transferred to the museum's new location.

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

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

For the first time after 30 years of Armenian occupation, music comes alive in Shusha, a cradle of Azerbaijani culture.

The concert took place in Jydyr Duzu, bringing together famous singers, including People's Artist of Azerbaijan Tunzala Aghayeva, mugham singers Honored Artist Tayyar Bayramov, Kenan Bayramli and many others.

Spectacular event was organized by the Cultural Center of the State Security Service for servicemen serving in Shusha.

 The concert was hosted by TV presenter, director of KVN theater "Planet Parni iz Baku" Tahir Imanov.

During the concert, the  finalist of the "Voice of Ukraine" musical project Javid Mammadov and singer Azad Shabanov delighted the servicemen with a soulful song "Greetings from Karabakh (Letter)". 

The music piece praises the bravery of Azerbaijani servicemen who took part in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. 

For Tunzala Aghayeva, this performance in Jydyr Duzu was the most remarkable in her life. The singer has been always dreaming of giving concert in the heart of the Azerbaijan's Karabakh region.

Honored Artist Tayyar Bayramov went to Shusha together with his son, young mugham singer Kanan Bayramli. This is Tayyar's second performance in the country's liberated territories.

In November, mugham singers Tayyar Bayramov and Mansum Ibrahimov performed in front of the remnants of the theatre in Aghdam destroyed by the Armenians. Their fascinating performance left no one indifferent.

The concert was held in a very warm and cozy atmosphere. 

The Cultural Ministry continues to provide insight into historical and cultural sites located on Azerbaijan's territories that have been occupied by Armenia for almost 30 years.

The initiative is carried out through the project "Karabakh is the cradle of our culture" which aims at spreading facts about Armenian vandalism against Azerbaijan.

Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s House-Museum in Shusha

In 1959, a house-museum of the great Azerbaijani composer, founder of our national professional music, world-famous Uzeyir Hajibeyli was founded in the house where he spent his childhood in Shusha.

Items from the composer's early years, manuscripts of his works, numerous documents, and photographs depicting his life and creativity were displayed in the museum's exposition.

Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s anniversaries and jubilees had been constantly commemorated in the museum at national level. In 1985, UNESCO solemnly marked the 100th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s birth. The guests invited from different countries of the world visited Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s House-Museum in Shusha, where jubilee was celebrated.

After occupation of Shusha by Armenia the museum discontinued its function. The museum's exhibits are preserved in the funds of Uzeyir Hajibeyli's house-museum in Baku.

One of the most valuable examples brought to Baku is a handful of Shusha soil taken from the bottom of Uzeyir Bey's favorite pear tree in the museum yard.

Haji Alakbar Mosque

Haji Alakbar Mosque in Fuzuli is one of the first works of Karbalayi Safikhan Garabaghi. A stone inscription bearing the words "This is the Architect Karbalayi Safikhan Garabaghi’s work" was found at the entrance door. Date of construction of the Mosque – the year 1307 Hegira calendar was also noted on inscription. This date corresponds to 1889-1890 AD. During the occupation of the Fuzuli city by the Armenian Armed Forces in 1993, Haji Alakbar Mosque was rendered useless.

Palace of Panahali Khan

The monument, known as the "Palace of Panahali Khan", is located near the city of Agdam and is a historical and architectural monument of the 18th century, from which today only ruins remain.

Sharifan Tomb

The historical monument is located in Sharifan village of Zangilan region, on the right bank of the Hakari river. Only the remains of the lower part of the ancient tomb have survived. The upper part of the tomb was destroyed.

The Sharifan tomb is considered to be a monument built at the turn of the XIII-XIV centuries.

Gargabazar Mosque

Shah Abbas Mosque in Fuzuli is described in scientific literature as Haji Qiyaseddin Mosque as the door of the mosque bears an inscription as "This mosque was constructed by Haji Qiyaseddin, the kind creature of Great Allah, in Hegira 1095". This date corresponds to AD 1683-1684.

The mosque is built on a rocky hill in the center of the village. The caravanserai, built in the same period, is located to the south of the hill. The architectural analysis of the construction of the caravanserai and the mosque suggests that both monuments were built by the same architect.

After the occupation of Fuzuli by the Armenian armed forces in 1993, the mosque was destroyed.

Varazgun Temple

Varazgun Temple is an ancient Albanian monument located in Lachin. Around the temple are the ruins of a village called Varazkhan.

It is believed that the first name of the temple was Varazkhan or Varazgun. The monument was built in the II-V centuries during the Caucasian Albania period and ruins has remained until today.

Remains of an ancient Albanian cemetery dating back to the 7th century, as well as coins belonging to the 16th century Safavid state had been found in the area of the temple built in the highland.

Khubyarli Tombs

The 15th century "Round" tomb Octagonal mausoleum, the 16th  Octagonal mausoleum have been destroyed by the Armenian vandals during the occupation of Jabrayil region in 1993.

However, these historical monuments have been completely restored by a special repair brigade.

Bashikesik Dome

The dome built in the 13th-14th centuries located in Daghtumas village of Jabrayil region was named "Bashikesik dome"(Headless dome) due to its open ceiling.

Despite the restoration of the historical monument before the occupation, in 1993 several parts of the walls of the dome were destroyed by the Armenian armed forces.

Mirali Mausoleum

Mirali Mausoleum is a tower-shaped mausoleum rising on a hill in Ashagi Veysalli village of Fuzuli region.

According to its construction techniques, it is considered that this monument was built in the 14th century during the Ilkhanid period.

Shikhlar Tomb

Shikhlar Tomb (Circular Tomb) is located near Shikhlar village of Jabrayil region.

The upper part of the tomb was destroyed during Armenian occupation in 1993.

Beshikdag Church

The church is located on Beshikdag Mountain in Aghdam. The church, built in the style of Caucasian Albanian architecture, dates back to the 4th-7th centuries.

Damirovlu Pir Temple

The monument belonging to the material and cultural heritage of Caucasian Albania, is located in Karykyshlak village of  Lachin district and belongs to XI century.

Since Lachin region has been occupied by Armenia in1992, the current condition of the monument is unknown.

Khudavang Monastery Complex

The complex of Khudavang or Dedeveng complex located in the Vang village of Kalbajar region, on the Terterchay river’s left bank, is one of the largest and most beautiful examples of Azerbaijan’s Christian architecture.

Many construction inscriptions have survived in the Khudavang Complex. A number of names indicated therein such as Arzu, Tursun, Seyti, Hasan, Avag, Shams, Altun, Aghbuh, Garagoz, etc. should be considered of exact providing the builders’ Turkic identity.

After the occupation of the Kalbajar region by the Armenian armed forces in 1993, Khudaveng Monastery Complex was presented to the world as an Armenian monument.

Lekh Castle

Lekh Castle is located in the territory of Qanlikend village in Kalbajar, which was occupied by Armenia in 1993.

The castle, built on a high mountain peak, was built in the 13th-14th  centuries for defensive purposes.

Red Monastery

The historical monument located in Gozlu village in Kalbajar region was built in 1224. The monument, which belongs to Albanian Christian architecture, consists of a church, narthex, cell and other buildings.

This historical monument has been under Armenian occupation since 1993 and is on the verge of destruction.

Khojaly Tomb

One of the monuments erected in the 14th century is Khojaly tomb built of the hewn white stones in Khojaly mound. As the stone coating of the Khojaly tomb peeled off, the monument had an unusual appearance.

Lalazar Bridge

Lalazar Bridge was built in 1867 on the river Bargushad passing through Aliguluushagi village in Gubadli region.

Gutlu Musa Masoleum

Gutlu Musa Masoleum is located in Khachindarbatli village in Aghdam region. The inscription on the entrance door of the Khachindarbatli monument shows that it was built in 1314 by the master Shahbenzar on the tomb of Musa oglu Kutlu.

The current condition of the monument is unknown due to the occupation of the Aghdam region by Armenia in 1993.

Agoghlan Temple

Agoghlan Temple is an Albanian monastery belonging to the 5th-6th centuries.After the occupation of Lachin region by Armenia in 1992, the architectural structure and interior of the monument were changed and renamed "Tsitsernavank".

Shahbulag Fortress

Shahbulag Fortress (castle) was built near the city of Aghdam in 1750-1752 at the request of the Karabakh khan Panah-Ali Khan.

After the occupation of the Aghdam region by the Armenian armed forces, Shahbulag Fortress became the most Armenianized one of our monuments. Recently, the fortress was restored. Now is used as a church.

Memer Village Mosque

Memer Village Mosque belonging to Gubadli region was built in the 18th  century. After the occupation of Gubadli region by the Armenian armed forces in 1993, the mosque was completely destroyed.

Gurjulu Mausoleu

Gurjulu Mausoleu is a historical and architectural monument of the 18th century located in the territory of Gurjulu village in Gubadli region.

The current condition of the tomb is unknown due to the occupation of the region by Armenian armed forces in 1993.

Kocharli Mosque

Kocharli Mosque is an architectural monument of the 19th century located in Shusha city.

The historical mosque belonging to the palace complex of Bahman Mirza was one of the seventeen mosques operating in Shusha in the late 19th century.

The mosque was burned and destroyed by vandals after the occupation of Shusha by the Armenian armed forces in May, 1992.

Haji Badal Bridge

The archless bridge located in Demirchiler village of Gubadli region was built by Haji Badal on the Aga River in the 19th century

The current condition of this historical monument, which connects 15 villages with the region center, is unknown due to the occupation of Gubadli by the Armenian armed forces.

Hamza Soltan Palace

Palace of Hamza Soltan is located in Husulu village of Lachin region. Oriental architectural traditions were widely used in the construction of the palace, which was supposed to be built in 1761.

After the occupation of Lachin region by the Armenian armed forces, the name of the village was changed, and the Hamza Sultan Palace had been repaired and put into use as a guest house.

The International Mugham Centre continues to implement a series of creative projects aimed at promoting traditional music.

The centre has recently filmed a documentary about prominent mugham singer Bulbuljan, famous throughout the entire Middle East. The film's shooting took place in Baku and Tbilisi.

The documentary uses new materials about the life of the leading figure stored in the archives and museums of Tbilisi, photographs of the cities of Shusha, Tbilisi and Baku at that time, as well as documentary newsreels.

Abdulbagi Zulalov, later known as Bulbuljan, was born in 1841 in Shusha. In his younger years he travelled a lot throughout the Caucasus and Iran. During one of his visits to Iran Mozzafar al-Din Shah Qajar (the ruler of Iran) liked his performance so much that he awarded Zulalov the Shir-o Khorshid order, the highest Iranian order at the time.

In 1875 Zulalov moved to Tbilisi, the regional cultural capital at the time, where he would live until 1905. He gave concerts together with his fellow-countryman, a great tar player Sadigjan. 

With his beautiful voice and high artistic performance, he quickly became famous throughout the Caucasus. 

He also performed Azerbaijani mughams in Georgian. This was the time when he began to be called Bulbuljan, which literally means "[our] dear nightingale" in the Azerbaijani language.

After returning to Shusha in 1905, he dedicated himself to raising his orphaned nephews. In the early 1920s he moved to Baku to teach at the newly-opened post-secondary musical institutions, and remained there until his death.

Bulbuljan significantly influenced many prominent Azerbaijani mugham and folk singers, including Jabbar Garyaghdyoglu, Musa Shushinski, Mashadi Mammad Farzaliyev, Shakili Alasgar, Seyid Shushinski and many others.

Bulbuljan's daughter, granddaughter and nephews continued his traditions of mugham arts.[2]

The role of Bulbuljan in the film was played by Honored Artist Tayyar Bayramov. The documentary features stories about the mugham singer said by People's Artist Arif Babayev, Honored Art Worker Sanubar Baghirova, as well as his descendants.

The author of the project's idea is the director of the International Mugham Center, People's Artist Murad Huseynov, scriptwriters - Gulhuseyn Kazimli and Hafiz Imamnezerli.

The film, which will be presented in the Azerbaijani and Georgian languages, will be released after the weakening of the quarantine regime.

New Year’s Eve charity for the visually impaired children has opened in Baku. 

Charity sale of the painting series called "Eyebrows" is co-organized by ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival in partnership with "27qm" gallery and the Visually Impaired People Society of Azerbaijan.

A series of paintings called by Belarusian-Czech artist Olga Yakubovskaya was first presented in 2018 at the first ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival as part of the exhibition "ReAnimation", dedicated to the history of the animation in Azerbaijan.

The series of paintings "Eyebrows" was inspired by Azerbaijan's rich culture and  animation.

Small details of the general image in the works of Azerbaijani authors played a major role for Olga Yakubovskaya.

One of such details is the expressive eyebrows. As the artist notes, "humor overcomes everything, let the eyebrows of the Azerbaijani cat in my works make you smile too."

All collected money will be used to buy New Year’s Eve presents for the children with vision impairments.

Price of one painting is 50 AZN ($29). Artworks are available for purchase at "27qm" gallery. Payment is possible by cash or bank transfer. Delivery around Baku is possible for an additional 10 AZN.

Paintings can be chosen online, by contacting organizers via social pages or via e-mail: animafilm.biaf@gmail.com

For more information, please visit the following link.

Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture has released a video in memory of cultural workers who became martyrs during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. 

From the first days of the war, those working in cultural institutions voluntarily enlisted in the ranks of the army, and 65 of them took part in the Patriotic War. Seven became martyrs and for their heroism on the battlefield against the Armenian invaders were awarded the medal "For the sake of Motherland" (Vətən uğrunda).

The list includes teacher of the Children's Music School No. 3 in Fizuli region Togrul Hajiyev, teacher of the School of Children's Art named after Rashid Behbudov in Gobustan Rauf Aliyev, tour guide of the Nizami Mausoleum in Ganja Hikmet Mammadov, teacher of the Goychay Children's Music School Alim Ibragimov, teacher of the Children's Music School in Jabrayil's Mahmudlu village Zamin Rahimov, course leader of the Lankaran Cultural Center Tural Gummatov and an employee of the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theater Aliagha Mammadov. 

Notably, the Defence Ministry has updated the list of Azerbaijani servicemen buried by December 21.

In a report posted on its official website, the ministry said that 2,802 soldiers, who were martyred in the 44-day war, have been buried by December 21.

The ministry presented the photos, names, surnames, updated information about military ranks and date of birth of the buried martyrs.

The Patriotic War of Azerbaijan lasted from September 27 to November 9, 2020 and ended with the liberation of its occupied territories from the Armenian armed forces.