A nation is known, recognized and distinguished among the world nations by certain characteristic features. The highest and the greatest of these features is culture.

HEYDAR ALIYEV
06.12.2023 13:24
"Dialogue with Time" will be opened in Azerbaijan National Museum of ArtOn December 8th, Azerbaijan National Museum of Art will open “Dialogue with Time“, a solo exhibition commemorating the 95th birthday of Tofiq Aghababayev, a distinguished People's Artist honoured with the Shohrat Order. The event, organized jointly by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, will feature around 50 artworks that span Aghababayev's prolific career. The exhibition's highlights include pieces from the museum's collection and those of the Azerbaijan State Art Gallery, as well as from the Khazar Museum Center. It aims to showcase an array of paintings and graphic works, alongside decorative arts in glass and ceramics. Visitors can expect to see portraits of eminent figures from state, literature, arts and science like Shah Ismail Khatai, Lieutenant-general Aliagha Shiklinski, Muhammad Fuzuli, Ilyas Afandiyev, Rasim Babayev, Izzət Orujova, alongside Aghababayev's cherished Absheron landscapes and folklore-inspired works. The display will also present his Azerbaijani Lyrics ceramic triptych and other items that demonstrate a fusion of form and artistic expression. Celebrating Aghababayev's extensive and diverse creative journe, which began in the 1950s, the exhibition will be offering a deep dive into his contributions to Azerbaijani art, known for its emotional depth and varied subjects. The exhibition will be on until January 10, 2024. ..
05.12.2023 09:43
The Days of Kazakh Culture ended with an exhibition and a gala-concertAn exhibition and a gala-concert were held at the Heydar Aliyev Center on December 4 within the framework of Days of Kazakh Culture held in Baku. Speaker of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva and other officials, culture and art figures of the two countries took part in the event. First, an exhibition featuring Kazakh culture was opened in the center. Minister Aida Balayeva spoke about the cultural relations between our countries. She said that as friendly countries, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have always tried to achieve each other's well-being and peace in the region:“Today, the exhibition of Kazakh artists reflecting our history and culture is a journey into the past of our nation. Culture, sometimes even stronger than politics, plays an important role in people's lives. I thank everyone who participated in the exhibition.“ After the speech, the minister presented the carpet with the painting of the famous Azerbaijani poet Khurshidbanu Natavan to the Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Later, there was a gala-concert of cultural days in the big hall of the Heydar Aliyev Center. Aida Balayeva, Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, who appeared first on the stage, said that relations between the two countries are based on the brotherhood of our peoples, as well as the friendly relations of our heads of state. This friendship and comprehensive cooperation will continue and will bring our peoples closer to each other. The minister said that the memory of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, is cherished and his name is immortalized in Kazakhstan. At the same time, the minister pointed out that there are streets named after the genius poet Mahammad Fuzuli and great Kazakh political and literary figures in Azerbaijan. Later, a concert program performed by Kazakh artists was presented. The program consisting of dance, vocals and national music was greeted with applause by the audience. Thus, the Days of Kazakh Culture held in our country on December 2-4 have ended. ..
04.12.2023 17:01
Winners of Creative marathon “Come, Create!” determinedA Creative Marathon titled “ COME, CREATE” was organized with the support from the Ministry of Culture at YARAT Modern Art Space on December 1-3. The final stage of the marathon took place on December 03 and the products prepared by 25 participating teams were presented along five directions (animation, cinema, graphic design, theater and videgraphy). In the end, winning teams were selected and presented awards along the following directions by decision of the jury: Cinema - “Alfa” Theater - “Voiceless” Design - “The last of us” Videography - “The pulse of innovator” Animation - “Spell” Marathon “COME, CREATE!” was realized within the “Creative Week” framework thanks to mentoring of the cinema and theater direction of Azerbaijan Film Academy, graphic design of Baku Design Academy, and animation direction of the Azerbaijan Animation Association. ..
04.12.2023 12:55
Minister of Culture met his Kazakhstani counterpartOn December 4, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Adil Karimli, met with the Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, Aida Balayeva, who is visiting our country. The delegation led by Minister Aida Balayeva visited our country in connection with the Kazakhstan Culture Days held in Baku on December 2-4. At the meeting, Minister Adil Karimli talked about the cooperative relations of our countries and said that the friendship and brotherly relations between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, Ilham Aliyev and Kasim-Jomart Tokayev, and the strategic partnership established by our heads of state, have a positive effect on the cultural field as well as in all fields. Adil Karimli emphasized the importance of implementing joint projects to further strengthen cooperation in various fields of culture and art. Minister Aida Balayeva also expressed her satisfaction with the high level of relations between the two countries and noted that friendly relations between our countries have created a fertile ground for deepening cooperation in the field of culture. In this sense, in the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the reliable and lasting friendship of our peoples, especially our heads of state, who historically live by the principles of friendship and brotherhood, plays an important role. We see the impact of intensive bilateral and multilateral cooperation on dynamic development in the cultural field. During the meeting, other issues of mutual interest were exchanged. ..
04.12.2023 10:23
The Humor Festival of the Turkish World was heldOn December 2, the Turkish World Humor Festival was held at the Nizami Cinema Center as part of the “Creative Week“ with the support of the Ministry of Culture. The main goal of the festival is mutual cultural integration, exchange of experience, creative and professional interaction, strengthening the development path, preparation of joint international creative projects in the field of show business. Kayrat Mukanov, adviser to the general secretary of TURKSOY, delivered the opening speech and conveyed the greetings of the general secretary Sultan Raev to the guests. He noted that the Humor Festival of the Turkish World is being held for the first time. It is gratifying to hold this festival in Azerbaijan. Well-known figures of the creative industry representing the field of humor from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tatarstan (RF) take part in the festival. This evening, masters of humor from the Turkish world will perform in the “stand-up“ genre, and at the end, based on the evaluation of the jury, one of the countries will be chosen as the winner. Later, humor masters Erkin Ergin, Javid Gurbanov, Rustam Ahmadov (all Azerbaijan), Oguljan Bektash, Doruk Kaparlar (both Turkey), Ayrat Mavlyutov, Bulat Khanmurzin (both Tatarstan), Medet Kalibekov, Aubakir Emilbay (both Kazakhstan), Taras Kosimbarov, Indira Miftakhova (both Uzbekistan), Azimkhan Rakhatov, Anzor Borzayev (both Kyrgyzstan) demonstrated their talents. According to the decision of the jury, Bulat Khanmurzin, a member of the Kazan stand-up club representing Tatarstan, won the title. The winner was presented with the trophy of the festival. In the end, the members of the jury gave a speech and thanked the organizers of the festival. ..
01.11.2023 16:34
Several days left the biggest book fair in the regionThe 9th Baku International Book Fair (Baku International Book Fair 2023) dedicated to the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev will be held at the Baku Expo Center from  November 11 to November 15, 2023 under the organization of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. More than 30 foreign organizations from 11 countries, 109 local publishing houses, and enterprises related to printing and book art have registered to participate in the exhibition. Applications for participation from more than 30 foreign and domestic organizations are considered by the Organizing Committee of the exhibition. People's writers and poets of Azerbaijan, well-known young writers, and famous foreign writers and actors will take part in the book fair. Within the framework of the fair, master classes for children and adults, book presentations on inclusion and other relevant topics, book-signing days, conferences, symposia, reading and music hours, and cooperation platforms between the actors of the book industry will be organized. More than 220 events in various formats are planned within the framework of the exhibition.The honorary guest of the exhibition is the Russian Federation. A series of events in various formats will be held by the Russian Federation in the exhibition hall and in a number of our cultural institutions in order to present the book art and literary and cultural heritage of the honorary guest country. At the same time, well-known Russian writers, historians and scientists will participate in the exhibition. At the same time, the Republic of Turkiye will be represented at the exhibition by prominent writers, scientists, well-known actors, and a program of special events. Free transportation of visitors from “Academy of Sciences“, “May 28“ and “Koroghlu“ metro stations to the Baku Expo Center will be provided by special buses. Exhibition opening hours: 10:00 to 20:00. Entry to the exhibition is free. ..
01.11.2023 16:18
Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on the transfer of the State Symphony Orchestra named after Niyazi, the Orchestra of Folk Instruments named after Said Rustamov, and the Choir named after Jahangir Jahangirov under the Recording House of the Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint Stock Company to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of AzerbaijanGuided by the eighth clause of Article 119 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, upon the suggestion of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan coordinated with the Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint Stock Company, hereby resolves: 1. The State Symphony Orchestra named after Niyazi, currently operating within the Recording House of the Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint-Stock Company, along with its staff units shall be transferred to the Heydar Aliyev Palace under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Folk Instrument Orchestra named after Said Rustamov and the Choir named after Jahangir Jahangirov along with their respective staff units shall be transferred to the International Mugham Center under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 2. According to the 1st part of this Resolution, the funding of those collectives in the current year be carried out on the basis of the the order of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan within the limits stipulated for the financing of these musical ensembles as part of the financial assistance provided to the Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint Stock Company from the 2023 state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 3. The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall take into account the reforms carried out during the elaboration of the draft state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2024 and subsequent three years and resolve other issues arising from this resolution. Ali Asadov Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku city, October 31, 2023 No. 390 ..
01.11.2023 11:35
The final declaration of the 9th meeting of the Council of Directors of State Theaters of TURKSOY member countries was signed in ShushaOn the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and the declaration of the city of Shusha as the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World“ for 2023, the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the professional national theater of Azerbaijan, and the 30th anniversary of TURKSOY, theFirst International TURKSOY Theater Festival  was held in Shusha and Baku from October 31 to November 4. Within the framework of the festival, the 9th meeting of the Council of Directors of State Theaters of TURKSOY member countries took place in Shusha on October 31. Heads of state theaters of TURKSOY member countries such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkiye, and Turkmenistan, as well as observer members of the  organization, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Gagauzia (Moldova) participated in the meeting. Oleg Amirbayov, advisor to the Minister of Culture, made a speech, greeted the participants, and wished success to the work of the meeting. Later, a video dedicated to the 30th anniversary of TURKSOY was screened. It was noted during the event that the international theater festival held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan made a great contribution to the promotion of the stage art, language, and traditions of the Turkic people. After listening to the speeches of the representatives of other republics, the joint declaration of the 9th meeting of the Council of Directors of State Theaters of TURKSOY member countries was signed. The issues of the  expansion of the cooperation of the Turkic peoples in the field of theater, the exchange of art on stage, etc.are reflected in the document. It was noted that the 10th meeting of the Council of Directors of State Theaters of TURKSOY member countries will be held in Anev, Turkmenistan, which has been declared the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World“ for 2024. In the end, certificates were presented to the representatives of the participating countries. ..
01.11.2023 11:25
The 1st International TURKSOY Theater Festival will be held in Shusha and Baku from October 31 to November 4.The festival is held on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and the declaration of the city of Shusha as the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic world“ for 2023, the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the professional national theater of Azerbaijan, and the 30th anniversary of TURKSOY. Within the framework of the festival, the 9th meeting of the Council of Directors of State Theaters of TURKSOY member countries will be held in Shusha on October 31. Directors of state theatres of TURKSOY member countries such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkiye, Turkmenistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Gagauzia (Moldova) are participating in the meeting. The guests got acquainted with the historical places and mysterious nature of Shusha city before the meeting. The guests who visited the Shusha fortress walls were informed about the history of Shusha city and the construction of the fortress walls. It was reported that the fortress built by Karabakh Khan Panahali Khan protected the city from foreign interference for a long time and was a symbol of invincibility. During the occupation, the fortress walls were subjected to Armenian vandalism. The guide of Shusha City State Reserve Department informed the guests about the city. He spoke about Shusha's neighborhoods, Khan Gizi Spring, Ganja Gate of Shusha Castle, Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque, the Mehmandarovs' Estate Complex ,and Gazanchi Church. The guests visited the museum-floor complex of Molla Panah Vagif and shared their thoughts about our common literary values. During the tour, information was also given about the damage done to our cultural monuments by the Armenians during the occupation period, as well as the falsification of our ancient artifacts. It was reported that, after the liberation of Shusha from the occupation, large-scale reconstruction works were started here. In addition to the construction of the infrastructure, the restoration of the city's true face and historical and cultural monuments has been started in Shusha. In the end, the guests visiting the Jıdır plain watched the mysterious nature and scenery. ..