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
28.10.2024 14:37
Azerbaijan Chosen as the Filming Location of the Year for Indian Directors and ProducersThe 11th IIFTC - India International Film Tourism Conclave was held in Mumbai on October 23-25. The event was attended by the Ministry of Culture and the Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ARKA), as well as film commissions from various countries, including Türkiye, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Spain, Slovakia and Norway. Companies from our country, including “Filmlab.az“, “Filmbridge Azerbaijan“, “CNF“ and “Ultra Production“ took part in the event at IIFTC. This year's congress was particularly important for our country. During the award ceremony of the event it was announced that Azerbaijan was recognized as the most popular filming destination for Indian directors and producers. In his speech, Harshad Bhagwat, head of the IIFTC Congress, emphasized that Azerbaijan has become one of the most sought-after filming locations in recent years.       During the event, the Azerbaijani delegation held several meetings aimed at promoting the country's culture, supporting the development of creative fields, as well as promoting our film potential at the international level and attracting foreign experts to the development of the local film industry. These meetings included discussions on hosting film shoots in our country and cooperation in joint film productions. We would like to inform you that the implementation of various projects within the framework of the Creative Azerbaijan initiative, the revival of the activities of the Film Commission and the participation of international producers in film shoots in Azerbaijan in the last two years are also important for the development of the local film industry.       ..
28.10.2024 10:26
Minister of Culture Meets the Staff of the Academic Opera and Ballet TheaterThe meetings of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Adil Karimli, with the staffs of the leading theaters of our country continue. Discussions at the meetings focus on the ongoing activities of cultural centers and creative tasks. On October 26, the Minister of Culture visited the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater and met with its staff. During the meeting, the status of the creative activities of the theater was discussed with the director, People's Artist Yusif Eyvazov, the chief director, Honored Artist Hafiz Guliyev, the chief conductor, Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev, and leading figures such as People's Artist Gulaghasi Mirzayev, Honored Artists Afag Abbasova, Tural Aghasiyev, and Jahangir Gurbanov,  soloists Mahir Taghizadeh, Taleh Yahyayev, Atesh Garayev, and Mutallim Demirov. The members of the creative team were concerned with the material well-being of the artists, their provision of housing on preferential terms, the replacement of old musical instruments, solving the problems of ballet dancers' retirement and military service, the payment of fees for performances at state events, the granting of honorary titles, and the production of new works. The discussion also touched upon the re-editing and printing of the works of Azerbaijani composers of the last century and the creation of opportunities for creative people to participate in international competitions, festivals, and workshops. The Minister shared his thoughts on these issues. He emphasized the attention of President Ilham Aliyev to the development of the theater sector as well as other spheres of culture. The infrastructure of theaters is being improved, and artists are regularly awarded honorary titles and prizes. The renovation of the building of the Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre is another example of this attention. According to the Minister, efforts are being made to improve the legislative framework in the cultural sector. At the end of this process, a number of issues will be resolved. At the end of the meeting, Adil Karimli mentioned that the issues raised would be taken into consideration and wished the team success in their creative endeavors.       ..
25.10.2024 15:37
Cultural and Creative Industries Scholarship to Support the First 20 BeneficiariesIn our country, it is important for young people to study in prestigious universities abroad and to participate in various training courses and international experience programs. In this context, the Strategy of Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026, approved by the order of President Ilham Aliyev on July 22, 2022, is of special importance. In the Action Plan of the Strategy, emphasis is placed on ensuring the dynamic development of cultural and creative industries (CCI) and strengthening their export potential. The Ministry of Culture is designated as the main implementing body for the development of certificate programs meeting the requirements of the CCI and a special scholarship program for studying abroad. By the decision of the Collegium of the Ministry of Culture, the Criteria for Selection of Individuals for Education, Procedures, and Regulations for Financing Education were approved as part of the Special Scholarship Program for Cultural and Creative Industries. On October 25, a press conference was held at the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan on the conclusion of the selection stage of the scholarship program and the announcement of the candidates selected by the commission. First of all, a video with information about the winners of the scholarship program was presented. Aynur Karimova, Head of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Culture, said that under the CCI scholarship program it is planned to finance the education abroad of 15 students per year and 60 students by the end of 2026. The scholarship program includes opportunities for studying abroad at the bachelor's and master's levels, short-term training abroad, study courses and programs (including distance learning), short-term courses and programs within the Republic of Azerbaijan. It was noted that between August 15 and September 15 this year, announcements were made for funding undergraduate and graduate study abroad in 11 specializations: audiovisual (music, film and animation, videography and photography), fashion art, design, curating, architecture, event organization, cultural and creative management, cooperation with publishing organizations, game industry, theatre, comedy and performance, creative technologies. During this period, 26 people registered on the edu.creative.az website, 21 of whom were shortlisted for interviews. Among the candidates, 8 applied for scholarships for undergraduate studies and 13 for master's studies abroad. Jasarat Valehov, Advisor to the Minister of Culture, highlighted the cooperation with several higher education institutions. It was noted that as of this year, the Ministry of Culture has fully digitalized the processes of student admission to music and art schools, as well as the recruitment of principals and deputy principals. Rashad Azizov, Head of the Department of Creative Industries and Digital Development of the Ministry of Culture, pointed out that the Commission of the Special Scholarship Program for Cultural and Creative Industries, which is composed of experts in this field, has been actively working in this direction under the Ministry in order to fulfill other tasks stipulated by the Regulations for Ensuring Objectivity. The evaluation of the candidates' documents shows that they have been admitted to the top foreign universities and their chosen fields of study are also priority fields. After a thorough review of the applications, it was deemed appropriate to fund the education and living expenses of 18 candidates through the scholarship program. The list of scholarship recipients is as follows: 1. Turkay Gasimzadeh – London Film School, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, MA Filmmaking 2. Nigar Asgarova – Musicube Academy, Federal Republic of Germany, Composition for films, games and media 3. Elmira Azizkhanli – Baden-Württemberg Film Academy, Federal Republic of Germany, International producing 4. Aynur Abdullayeva – University of Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Film studies and English literature 5. Nilufar Alakbarova – The New School, Parsons School of Design, USA, Fashion / Clothing Design 6. Shahin Alibeyli – Nisantaşı University, Türkiye, Textile and fashion design 7. Nazrin Mammadova – Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, Product and Dervice Design 8. Maryam Abdulla – LISAA School of Design, France, Graphic Design 9. Jamila Gul – New Academy of Fine Arts, Italy, Visual Arts and Curatorial Studies 10. Nuray Ibrahimli – Istanbul Technical University, Türkiye, Architecture 11. Nuray Hasanova – Yeditepe University, Türkiye, Architecture 12. Jahid Javadov – Istanbul Beykent University, Türkiye, Architecture 13. Asli Samadova – SDA Bocconi, Italy, Executive Master in  Business of Events  14. Lala Sultanli – Luiss University, Italy, Global Management and Politics 15. Mammad Mahmudzadeh – Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts, Federal Republic of Germany, Theater and Orchestra Management 16. Ulviyya Farajova – MCI - The Entrepreneurial School, Republic of Austria, International Business and Law 17. Bilal Pashayev – Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, United Kingdom, Art of Filmmaking 18. Farhad Farzaliyev – Berlin University of the Arts, Federal Republic of Germany, Sound Studies and Sonic Arts At the press conference, it was mentioned that the Ministry of Culture also supported the education and living expenses of two students who applied before the given scholarship program: Latif Latifsoy, Sorbonne University, France, Cinema and Audiovisual Studies, and Ayan Mammadova, Warsaw Film School, Poland, Faculty of Film and Multimedia/Film Directing. Advisor to the Minister of Culture, Jahangir Salimkhanov, emphasized the importance of international education for the youth of our country. He said, “It has not always been possible for us to achieve this. However, we are delighted that the CCI scholarship program will cover the education and living expenses of some of our youth abroad. We will strive to keep in regular contact with those who have won the scholarship program. At the end of the event, questions from the media were answered. According to the Criteria, Procedures and Regulations for the Selection of Individuals to Study Abroad, participants in the program are required to work in institutions affiliated with the Ministry or independently, including running a business registered in the Republic of Azerbaijan. In addition, they are expected to act as trainers in master classes organized by these institutions for at least three years after graduation.             ..
23.10.2024 09:31
Cultural Institution in Our Country Acquires 'International' Status for the First TimePresident of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has always paid attention to the development of culture along with other aspects of the development of the country. Moreover, thanks to the initiative and support of First Vice President and Head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, significant efforts have been made to improve the social welfare of cultural workers and expand creative opportunities. In line with these efforts, the Mugham Center in Baku, which operates under the Ministry of Culture, was granted “international“ status by the decision dated October 22, 2024 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is worth mentioning that the Mugham Center is the first cultural institution in our country to be granted “international“ status under the law. This new status will improve the financial well-being of the employees of the Center, which has long been one of the leading concert venues in our capital. The Mugham Center was established on the initiative of the First Vice President, Head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Patron of our Culture, Mehriban Aliyeva, and by the order of President Ilham Aliyev on April 6, 2005. The building, a unique architectural landmark of Baku, was opened in 2008. Among the projects initiated by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for the preservation and wide promotion of our national and moral values is the establishment of close cooperation relations with cultural centers of several countries. A number of projects on research and promotion of mugham art are underway. Moreover, it should be noted that on October 21, 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers, by a resolution, amended its Decision No. 382 of October 5, 2016, on the approval of “Regulations on granting special status to cultural institutions“ and “Additional monthly salaries for employees of cultural institutions granted special status. The word “international“ has been added after “academic“ in the relevant clauses and sections of the “Regulations on Granting Special Status to Cultural Institutions“ approved on October 5, 2016. ..
18.10.2024 17:11
Music Education Discussed at National ConservatoryOn October 17, the Minister of Culture Adil Karimli visited the National Conservatory of Azerbaijan and met with its staff.  He spoke about the richness of national music of Azerbaijan and stressed the importance of quality education in this field. It was noted that after the first music forum in our country last year, there is a need for contacts with musicians and exchange of ideas in the field of music education: “It is important to focus on improving the level of teaching in music schools. It is essential to improve the content of national music, and this progress should start from music schools. At present, music and art schools are being reformed and improved. The main focus is on solving the problems related to the supply of instruments to regional music schools”. During the conversation, the importance of creating new educational programs for folk musical instruments was underlined. The Minister emphasized the importance of identifying specific directions for the tasks set by the country's leadership in the field of culture and working together in this area. It was noted that the Ministry of Culture gives priority to the development of human resources in culture and creative industries. Within the framework of the scholarship program launched for this purpose, applications are accepted for undergraduate and postgraduate education and training abroad. The Rector of the National Conservatory, People's Artist Siyavush Karimi, also noted certain challenges in the field of music education.  He expressed his hope that the recent reforms and innovations in the field of music will have an impact on the education. After that, the suggestion of the teachers of the educational institution on culture and music education were heard. ..
18.10.2024 09:02
Extensive Concert Program Presented in FuzuliOn Fuzuli City Day, a wide concert program was presented with the participation of singers and performers originally from the Fuzuli region. Emin Huseynov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts, was the first to take the stage. He opened the event by congratulating the attendees and gave a brief overview of the history of Fuzuli City Day. He mentioned that “City Day“is being celebrated for the second time in liberated Fuzuli: “I honor the souls of our martyrs, who sacrificed their lives to give us these joyful moments. Precisely four years ago, under the command of our victorious commander-in-chief, our heroic army liberated Fuzuli from occupation. The city, once prosperous and beautiful, was left in ruins”. It was noted that under the direct supervision of President Ilham Aliyev, large-scale reconstruction works are being carried out in Fuzuli and other liberated residential areas. E. Huseynov concluded his speech by thanking the Ministry of Culture for the high-level organization of the event and noted that the Ministry organizes lively cultural and public events in the liberated territories. The musicians then took the stage. Singers Zamiq Huseynov, Eldeniz Mammadov, Elnur Mammadli, Konul Mammadli, Zemfira Ibrahimova, and Orkhan Huseynli, instrumentalists Parviz Farhadov on kamancha, Adalat Behbudov on tar, guitarist Rahman Mammadli, and pianist Tural Mammadli performed a selection of folk and composer songs. The concert program was received with applause. Fuzuli City Day, which was celebrated on October 17 with the joint efforts of the Ministry of Culture and the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand, ended with a stunning fireworks display in the evening. The colorful exhibitions, performances, compositions, and concerts left a lasting impression on the residents of Fuzuli as they celebrated their return to their homeland. ..
17.10.2024 17:40
Children's Play "Bear Cub" Staged in Fuzuli on "City Day"As part of Fuzuli City Day celebrations, the children's play “Bear Cub“ was performed at Fuzuli City Secondary School No. 1, named after Mirza Ulugbey. The creative team of the Fuzuli State Drama Theater, including artistic director Emin Abishov, art designer Ellinaz Balashova, and music composer Sanan Sevindikzadeh, brought to life the play written by Vugar Hagverdiyev. The main idea of the play is to teach children important moral values such as friendship, companionship, and solidarity through beloved animals. It emphasizes the importance of honesty and aims to reduce children's fear of doctors and needles in a fun and entertaining way. The cast included Vugar Babayev, Sevinj Mammadova, Sahila Abbasova, Emin Abishov, Shabnam Bakhishova, Aygun Jafarova, Gulnar Guliyeva, Vugar Ismayilov, and Vusal Hasanov. The performance left the children with lasting memories of the Fuzuli City Day Festival. ..
17.10.2024 17:02
Next City Day Held in FuzuliFuzuli residents who have returned to their homeland, are filled with joy today. On October 17, the next Fuzuli City Day was celebrated with great ceremony organized jointly by the Ministry of Culture and the special representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts. On July 31, 2023, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed an order on the establishment of city days in the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and now October 17 has been designated as the Fuzuli City Day. The Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan organized photo exhibitions entitled “National leader Heydar Aliyev and Fuzuli“ and “;On the Wings of Time: Fuzuli“ in the park situated in the 1st residential district of Fuzuli city. Stands illustrating President Ilham Aliyev's visits to Fuzuli, titled “Fuzuli: Before the Occupation,“ “Fuzuli: During the Occupation,“ and “Fuzuli: After the Occupation,“ were set up. In addition, exhibitions about Chorum in Türkiye and Gulustan in Uzbekistan, which are twin cities of Fuzuli, were installed. An art exhibition entitled “My Fuzuli“ was also organized by the Ministry of Culture. In another stand set up in the exhibition space, the State Service of Cultural Heritage Conservation, Development, and Rehabilitation under the Ministry of Culture and the Institute of Archeology and Anthropology of ANAS presented information on the historical and cultural monuments of the Fuzuli district, as well as material culture artifacts discovered through archaeological excavations in the region. A special tent dedicated to “ABAD“ hosted master classes in various decorative and applied arts. The park also offered entertainment facilities for children. Emin Huseynov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, Deputy Minister of Culture Murad Huseynov, city residents, and public representatives visited the exhibition. On the stage set up in the park, a musical and literary composition called “Fuzuli-530“ was performed under the direction of Arif Buzovnaly, the head of the Khazar branch of the Union of Azerbaijan Writers. Buzovnaly spoke about the creativity of the brilliant poet and thinker Muhammad Fuzuli, praising him as a rare master of words who composed diwans in Azerbaijani, Persian, and Arabic. Various mugham pieces based on the ghazals of Muhammad Fuzuli were performed by the singers Orkhan Huseynli and Konul Mammadli. Some of the poet's ghazals were recited by artistic reciters Azizakhanim Kazimova and Aghaali Karimli. Young poets Kamal Huseynzadeh and Elsar Qadri read their nazires written in response to Fuzuli's ghazals. Finally, a choreographic composition based on M. Fuzuli's poem “Leyli and Majnun“ was presented. The well-received musical and literary work “Fuzuli-530“ was written by the secretary of the Union of Azerbaijani Writers poet and playwright Ilgar Fahmi, and directed by the Honored Artist Loghman Karimov. ..
16.10.2024 11:31
516-year-old decree of Shah Ismail Khatai PresentedOn October 15, the decree dating back to 1508 of Shah Ismayil Khatai, the founder of the Safavid state and famous poet, was presented at the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan. An Azerbaijani citizen purchased the decree at the famous “Christie's“ auction in England this year and donated it to the History Museum. The document, signed by Shah Ismail Khatai on July 4, 1508 (25th of the month of Safar, 914 according to the Islamic Hijri calendar), is written in Persian using the “gara shikasta“ style and bears Khatai's official seal. It holds great historical value as one of the Safavid ruler's property-related decrees, especially because it remains intact and sealed. Academician Rafael Huseynov, Deputy Chairman of Milli Majlis, Polad Bulbuloglu, Chairman of the Culture Committee of Milli Majlis, representatives of the Ministry of Culture, and cultural and scientific figures attended the presentation ceremony. Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Culture Farid Jafarov emphasized that the Azerbaijani state continues to focus on the restoration and preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people. He noted that this is a key aspect of the country's cultural policy: “It is praiseworthy that our citizens contribute to the efforts of state institutions in this field, as such initiatives emphasize the unity of our society and commitment to national values. This rare document from the early years of the Safavid Empire is not only a significant exhibit of Azerbaijan's statehood traditions but also a valuable historical source for future generations.“ Academician Isa Habibbayli, President of ANAS, assessed the return of a document signed by Shah Ismayil Khatai to our country as a significant historical and political event. Academician Naila Valikhanli, Director of the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan, noted that the return of samples of Azerbaijan's historical and cultural heritage to the country has already become a tradition. “The acquisition and donation of an edict of Shah Ismayil Khatai, a great Azerbaijani commander and poet, to our museum by one of our citizens is a true demonstration of patriotism. It also shows the commitment of our people to preserve their history and claim it as their own,“ said N. Valikhanli, noting that the decree will be displayed in the permanent exhibition of the museum. She added that bringing it to Azerbaijan on the 500th anniversary of the death of Shah Ismayil Khatai has symbolic significance. Professor Karim Shukurov, Director of the Institute of History and Ethnology of ANAS, shared his views on Khatai's statecraft, while Ilgar Fahmi, Secretary of the Union of Azerbaijani Writers, talked about his artistic creativity. The event concluded with the performance of an artistic-musical composition by the Ensemble of Ancient Musical Instruments of the State Museum of Musical Culture of Azerbaijan. ..