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

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The delegation of the Ministry of Culture meets with the OIC Deputy Secretary General in Jeddah

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15.09.2023

15.09.2023 08:40

The visit of the delegation headed by the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Saadat Yusifova, to Saudi Arabia began on September 14.

On the first day of the visit, the delegation met with Tariq Bakheet, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural, and Social Affairs of the organization, at the headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah.

Mr. Tariq Bakheet warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his satisfaction with the strong relations between the OIC and Azerbaijan, as well as with the growing reputation of our country in the world.

Expressing her gratitude for the warm reception, the Deputy Minister stressed that our country values its relations with the OIC. It was noted that during the period when the territories of Azerbaijan were under the occupation of Armenia, the OIC consistently supported the rightful position of our country. Later, information was provided on the large-scale reconstruction works in the territories liberated by the Azerbaijani state, with special attention paid to the restoration of our historical and cultural heritage.

During the meeting, there was also an exchange of views on the traditional World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue held in our country as part of the "Baku Process".

Within the framework of the visit, the delegation of the Ministry of Culture will also participate in the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

NEWS

21.09.2023 18:42

The results of the interview stage of the competition for the recruitment of teachers for children's music, art, painting, mugham, ashug schools and centers were announcedThe results of the interview stage of the competition for the recruitment of teachers to children's music, art, painting, mugham, ashug schools and centers held by the Ministry of Culture of theRepublic of Azerbaijan on September 5-12, 2023 were announced. Out of 488 candidates who registered for the vacant positions announced by the Ministry of Culture to participate in the interview stage, 456 participated in the exam, 246 of them obtained the required passing score, and a decision was made regarding the appointment of 147 people to the positions considered suitable. 99 people were included in the list of reserve personnel.Candidates who are dissatisfied with the result of the interview stage of the competition can apply to the Appeals Council of the Ministry via e-mail at apellyasiya@culture.gov.az until September 25, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. for consideration of their complaints. You can get acquainted with the results of the interview by clicking on the link: https://bit.ly/46ng9Ft Note: Candidates who have successfully passed the competition for the recruitment of teachers for children's music, art, painting, mugham, ashug schools and centers should approach the schools for which they have been found suitable and register in order to be appointed to the suitable positions until September 30, 2023. Failure to register by the deadline will be considered a denial of the candidate's right to be considered for the position in question. ..

20.09.2023 15:26

Alagoz Salahova died at the age of 70Alagoz Salahova, Tahir was born in 1953 in Moscow. She is the daughter of People's Artist Tahir Salahov. In addition to being engaged in painting, she played the roles of Seville in the film “Dante's Jubilee“ (1978), Tamilla in the film “A Different Life“ (1987), and Rena in the film “Closed Door“ (1981). Alagoz Salahova died on September 19, 2023. ..

20.09.2023 14:31

The International Scientific-Practical Conference on the topic of "National libraries are the protectors of the spiritual memory of the peoples" was heldOn September 20, the opening of the International Scientific-Practical Conference on the topic of “National libraries are the protectors of the spiritual memory of the peoples“ was held at the National Library of Azerbaijan. Minister of Culture Adil Karimli made an opening speech at the conference. At the plenary session, the Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Milli Majlis, professor Ganira Pashayeva, the head of the Administrative Affairs Department of the National Library of Turkey Filiz Berna Gültekin, the director general of the State Library of Russia Vadim Duda, the deputy minister of science and education Firidun Gurbanov, the member of the Milli Majlis, academician Nizami Jafarov, the head of the National Library of Uzbekistan director Umida Teshabayeva, director of the Central National Library of Rome Stefano Campainolo spoke. ..

20.09.2023 13:20

An art exhibition of a well-known artist was opened within the framework of the Uzeyir Hajibeyli FestivalThe 15th Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival is being organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture on September 18 - 28. Concert programs, performances, conferences, and other events are organized within the framework of the rich program of the festival. On September 19, at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic named after M. Magomayev, the opening of the exhibition of the works of the honored artist, well-known architect and artist Elturan Avalov was one of the memorable events of the music festival. Deputy Minister of Culture Murad Huseynov made a speech, and congratulated the artist on the occasion of his new exhibition, and wished him creative success. He said that the artist has donated more than 150 works to the ministry these days. Elturan Avalov expressed his gratitude for the organization of the exhibition. He said that the illustrations of Uzeyir Hajibeyli's musical comedies and our folk songs are displayed at the exhibition. The exhibition, which includes about 50 works, was met with interest by the audience. ..

20.09.2023 12:51

TURKSOY XXIII "Meeting of Artists" has endedOn September 19, at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic named after M. Magomayev an event held dedicated to the conclusion of the “Artists' meeting“, which is one of the traditional projects of the International Organization of Turkish Culture - TURKSOY and which took place this year for the XXIII time. “Meeting of artists“ covered the dates of September 10-20. People's artists Arif Aziz and Sakit Mammadov represented our country in this project, in which 12 artists from 6 countries of the Turkic world participated. Deputy Minister of Culture Farid Jafarov spoke about the importance of the project, wished the participants new artistic successes and presented letters of thanks from TURKSOY. It should be noted that the XXII “Meeting of Artists“ of TURKSOY was hosted by the city of Safranbolu (Karabuk Province) in Turkey last year. ..

20.09.2023 10:20

The National Theater will perform in Sheki with the play "Garabaghname"The Ministry of Culture continues the tours organized in the new season within the framework of a series of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the national leader Heydar Aliyev and the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the professional national theater of Azerbaijan. The purpose of the tour action is to activate the cultural life in the regions, improve the quality of leisure time of the population, especially the youth, create conditions for closer communication with local creative collectives and the exchange of useful experience. Within the framework of the project, the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater will perform the play “Garabaghname“ on September 26 at 18:00 at the Sheki State Drama Theater. The play tells about the historical events that took place in Shusha, the center of the Karabakh Khanate in the 18th century. ..

19.09.2023 14:09

The delegation of the Ministry of Culture met with the senior director of the ICCROM organizationWithin the framework of the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, the delegation of the Ministry of Culture met with the leadership of the International Center for the Study of Protection and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM). Opening the meeting with an introductory speech, the director general of the organization, Joseph King, recalled his visits to Azerbaijan with pleasure, shared his impressions about the cultural heritage of our country, and talked about new opportunities for cooperation. In her turn, the head of the delegation of the Ministry of Culture, Deputy Minister Saadat Yusifova expressed her gratitude with sincere words, spoke about the importance of protecting the cultural heritage for Azerbaijan, and was interested in the institutional support mechanisms of the organization in the direction of training restoration and conservation experts. The meeting also discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda regarding the development of cooperation between our country and ICCROM, the exchange of experience in the field of protection and restoration of cultural heritage samples, and the joint organization of training and seminars for this purpose. ..

19.09.2023 13:08

The long-awaited ballet"Məhəbbət Əfsanəsi (Legend of Love)" was presented at the Heydar Aliyev PalaceThe long-awaited performance of the ballet “The Legend of Love“ by the outstanding composer, and People's Artist of Azerbaijan Arif Malikov took place at the Heydar Aliyev Palace. The opening ceremony of the XV Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, was also held on September 18 - National Music Day, with the performance of the world-conquering ballet. “Legend of Love“ is played in the Heydar Aliyev Palace for two days - on September 18 and 19. This great presentation is a nice gift for the audience with its wonderful music, stage structure and layout on the National Music Day. On this occasion, an exhibition was organized in the foyer of the Heydar Aliyev Palace. Posters of the “Legend of Love“ ballet released so far, as well as photos and information about Arif Malikov's work were displayed at the exhibition. It should be noted that guests from other countries also came to this music festival in Baku - the presentation of the “Legend of Love“ ballet. Among them are Stefano Trespidi, the artistic director of “Arena di Verona“, one of the largest and most famous concert venues in Italy, Paolo Fazioli, the founder of the factory that produces the world-famous FAZIOLI grand pianos, Nikolai Tsiskaridze, a famous Russian ballet dancer, who was one of the performers of the role of Farhad in “The Legend of Love“. Preparations for today's presentation of “Legend of Love“ in the Heydar Aliyev Palace have been made for a long time and a lot of rehearsals have been going on for a month. As in 1961, the play was staged based on the sketches of the famous painter Simon Virsaladze. So, for the historical presentation, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation prepared more than 200 costumes, as well as decorations and props based on Simon Virsaladze's original sketches. In an unforgettable presentation not only artists of the troupe of Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet theater and the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble but also soloists invited from foreign theaters have performed. On September 18, Princess Mahmanabanu will be performed by Ayan Eyvazova, the leading soloist of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, laureate of the international competitions of ballet artists, President's prize winner, Farhad by Denis Rodkin, the leading actor of the famous Bolshoi Theater of Russia, the laureate of the international competitions of ballet artists, and Shirin by Maria Vinogradova, the leading soloist of the theater, and laureate of international competitions of ballet artists. Arif Malikov composed the ballet “Legend of Love“ to the libretto written by the well-known Turkish poet Nazim Hikmat based on the drama “Farhad and Shirin“. Nazim Hikmat wrote the work inspired by the famous Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi's poem “Khosrov and Shirin“. Arif Malikov gave a new life in the form of music to the work about tragic love and sacrifice. The composer started working on the work consisting of 3 acts and 7 scenes in 1958 and finished it in 2 years. The premiere of the ballet “The Legend of Love“ was held on March 23, 1961 at the Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theater (now St. Petersburg State Academic Mariinsky Theater), and a little later on the stage of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. The choreographer of this ballet, which is rightly called a masterpiece, is Yuri Grigorovich. The Baku premiere is presented by Grigorovich's assistant ballet master-director Oksana Tsvetnitskaya and chief ballet master of Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, Honored Artist of Russia Ruslan Proni. When the work was staged for the first time, the conductor was Maestro Niyazi. Currently, the mysterious music of the “Legend of Love“ is being performed by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, conducted by People's Artist of Azerbaijan Yalchin Adigozelov. “The Legend of Love“ ballet has been performed many times in more than 60 theaters of different countries under the direction of outstanding ballet masters. The stage play was well received in the USA, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, Japan, and other countries. It is no coincidence that Arif Malikov's masterpiece “The Legend of Love“ was presented in the “Year of Heydar Aliyev“. 2023 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great leader Heydar Aliyev, and the 90th anniversary of the outstanding composer Arif Malikov. National Leader Heydar Aliyev highly valued the outstanding composer Arif Malikov as an artist and a person. Arif Malikov reflected his love and respect for National Leader Heydar Aliyev in his works, and the composer's 8th symphony “Eternity“ was dedicated to the Great Leader. Cultural Landscape of Khinalig and “Köç Yolu” Transhumance Route ..

18.09.2023 17:30

Cultural Landscape of Khinalig and “Köç Yolu” Transhumance Route was included in the UNESCO World Heritage ListThe nomination territory of Azerbaijan called “Cultural Landscape of Khinalig and “Köç Yolu” (“Transhumance Route“) has been included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. The decision was made on September 18, 2023 at the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to the nomination prepared by the State Tourism Agency, the World Heritage Area covers the surrounding grasslands used by the local population (Guba and Gusar) including the Khinalig village and the wintering areas of the Central Aran region (Absheron and Hajigabul), as well as the length of more than 200 km of historical migration route (Guba-Shamakhi-Qobustan) between them. The basis of the document submitted to UNESCO is the nomadic culture of Khinalig. Taking into account the universal values it reflects, this rich heritage distinguished by its uniqueness was presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2021 with the nomination document entitled “ Cultural Landscape of Khinalig and Transhumance Route Thus, “Khinalig and Transhumance route“ became the fourth cultural heritage site in Azerbaijan to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Before that, along with the Shirvanshahs Palace and the Maiden's Castle, the Old City, the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, the historical center of Sheki along with the Khan's Palace were also included in the World Heritage List. It should be noted that a day ago, at the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Hirkan forests were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as the first natural heritage area of Azerbaijan. ..

18.09.2023 15:12

President Ilham Aliyev congratulates musical community of AzerbaijanI congratulate the Azerbaijani music community, all fans of music on the occasion of September 18, National Music Day. This cultural holiday has been celebrated solemnly every year since 1995 in our country at the initiative of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev on the birthday of our brilliant composer Uzeyir Hajibayli. This year's National Music Day is also marked by the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the birth of Arif Malikov, one of the brightest figures of Azerbaijani culture, an outstanding composer, People's Artist of the USSR and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Arif Malikov worthily continued the bright creative traditions of the generation of artists that Azerbaijani culture left behind and wrote new pages in the annals of our national music. The works created by this composer in the most diverse genres of music are included in the golden fund of Azerbaijani culture. The richness and variety of themes, the unique style formed in the unity of national musical traditions and new thinking, the rich content and deep emotional, psychological and philosophical expression of images are characteristic features of Arif Malikov's legacy. Arif Malikov was a great person who devoted himself to Azerbaijan throughout his life and loved it from the bottom of his heart. His truly intellectual and civic position, his devotion and commitment to his nation and his loyalty to his state earned him the love of all Azerbaijanis. The composer's masterpiece is the ballet “The Legend of Love” based on the libretto of the famous Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet. Considered one of the pearls of the 20th century world ballet music, this piece decorated popular theater stages for more than half a century and represents one of the great achievements of our musical culture. The “Legend of Love” ballet, first staged at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg in 1961, was later performed in more than 60 countries and brought the author world fame. It is gratifying that the “Legend of Love” ballet, considered the peak of the composer's career, is staged in the author's homeland again with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation after a long break. Arif Malikov's legacy represents the cultural wealth of the Azerbaijani people. Arif Malikov's music, which meets the requirements of high art and calls for spiritual perfection, will live forever. Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku, 18 September 2023 ..

18.09.2023 13:32

Concert takes place at Baku Music Academy as part of the Uzeyir Hajibeyli festivalAs part of National Music Day, another event took place at the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Baku Music Academy (BMA) on September 18. Officials of the Ministry of Culture and well-known figures from the fields of culture and art attended the event. People's artist Farhad Badalbeyli, rector of BMA, spoke about the significance of the brilliant composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli in our cultural history, emphasizing the need to preserve and develop the rich musical culture of Azerbaijan and the traditions of Uzeyir Bey. Later, a concert program was performed. The Separate Exemplary Band of the Ministry of Defense (artistic director and chief conductor, People's Artist, Major General Yusif Akhundzadeh), Azerbaijan State Capella Choir (artistic director, People's Artist Gulbaji Imanova), Honored Artist Khayyam Mustafazadeh, and soloists Aynur Isgandarli, Kanan Gadimov, and others performed at the concert. The program included “Overture“ and “Dance“ from the opera “Koroghlu“ by U. Hajibeyli, “O Motherland“, “Land of Fires“ by M. Magomayev, “Our Mother Azerbaijan“ by F. Badalbeyli, “Victory March“ by R. Akhundzade, and the rhythmic mugham “Heyrati“. ..

18.09.2023 12:44

Uzeyir Hajibeyli's grave visited on National Music DayOn September 18, we celebrate National Music Day in honor of Uzeyir Hajibeyli (1885–1948), the brilliant composer, musicologist, educator, publicist, and public figure whose name is written in golden letters in the annals of the music culture of Azerbaijan on the 138th anniversary of his birth. Today in our country is National Music Day in honor of the great composer. Since 2009, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture have organized a traditional international music festival in tribute to the great composer. This year, the famous music festival will be held for the 15th time. Traditionally, the events of this important day in our cultural history began with a visit to the grave of Uzeyir Bey in the First Alley of Honor. Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, officials of the ministry, and well-known figures from the fields of culture and art attended the ceremony. Minister of Culture Adil Karimli congratulated those gathered on the occasion of National Music Day, highlighting that September 18 is one of the most significant days of our culture: “Today is the birthday of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli. Furthermore, in our country, September 18 is celebrated as National Music Day (also known as “Uzeyir Music Day) in honor of this great musician. This significant day was established by the decree of President Heydar Aliyev dated September 18, 1995, on the occasion of the 110th birthday of Uzeyir Bey. In this connection, every year a number of events are held in our country to commemorate the incomparable services of the composer to our culture. This year, the 15th Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival will be organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture from September 18 to 28. Within the framework of the festival, various events will be held, and artists and groups from different countries will perform. We wish you a great musical holiday“. Firangiz Alizadeh, a People's Artist and the head of the Union of Composers of Azerbaijan, shared her thoughts on the immortal legacy of the great composer. She stressed that as long as the Azerbaijani people exist, the timeless legacy of this brilliant composer will endure forever. After the speeches, the participants of the ceremony visited the graves of Azerbaijani musical luminaries, including Gara Garayev, Fikret Amirov, Bulbul, Rashid Behbudov, Niyazi, and Muslim Magomayev in the First Alley of Honor. The participants of the ceremony also visited the graves of Heydar Aliyev, the great supporter of our culture, and the renowned ophthalmologist and scientist, Academician Zarifa Aliyeva, and placed bouquets of flowers at their graves. ..

18.09.2023 11:48

The website of the 15th Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival launchedAs already reported, the 15th Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival is being held in our country from September 18 to 28. The festival is organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture. The website of the international festival (https://uhf.culture.az) is created and launched by the Ministry of Culture. The website provides music lovers with comprehensive information about the history of the festival, the program of the 15th festival, and the life and works of Uzeyir Hajibeyli. It is worth mentioning that in addition to Baku, the festival will extend its reach to Ganja and Shamkir, with the participation of musicians from the USA, France, Georgia, Croatia, Russia, Germany, Singapore, and other countries. The program also includes engaging concerts, master classes, and more. ..

15.09.2023 18:24

The XVI Forum of Creative and Scientific Intelligentsia of the member countries and the 38th meeting of the Council for Cultural Cooperation of CIS member states convenedThe XVI Forum of Creative and Scientific Intelligentsia of the member countries and the 38th meeting of the Council for Cultural Cooperation of the CIS member states took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 12–13. The delegation headed by Oleg Amirbeyov, advisor to the Minister of Culture, also took part in the event. People's Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan, opera singer of Azerbaijan and Russia Dinara Aliyeva, and Honored Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan, tar performer Shahriyar Imanov, were among the winners of the next award ceremony of “Stars of the Commonwealth“ and “Commonwealth of Debuts“, which took place within the framework of the event. The 38th meeting of the Council for Cultural Cooperation of the CIS member states began on the same day. Various issues were discussed at the meeting. The XVI Forum of Creative and Scientific Intelligentsia of the CIS member states, attended by about 200 representatives from the member countries, ended with the adoption of the final declaration, which provides for the agreement on the intensification of cooperative activities in the field of science and culture on September 13. The event concluded with a performance of K. Moldobasanov's ballet, “Mother Earth,“ at the Kyrgyz National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after A. Maldybaev. ..

15.09.2023 17:52

The 15th Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival Brings Together Musicians from 10 CountriesIn a few days, the XV Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival will begin. Organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, the festival will be held from September 18 to 28. This year, the festival will be attended by performers and groups from several countries. The festival, taking place in four cities (Baku, Ganja, Shamkir, and Shusha) will offer interesting concerts, master classes, and more. It will feature musicians from the USA, France, Georgia, Croatia, Russia, Singapore, and other countries. On September 19, Igor Fedotov, a professor from the University of Michigan (USA), will hold a master class at the U. Hajibeyli Baku Music Academy. Then, on September 21, the Georgian pianist Elisso Bolkvadze will give a concert at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic named after M. Magomayev. Finally, the Quatuor Diotima string quartet from France will perform at the International Mugham Center on September 25. On September 26, the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra, under the leadership of Singaporean conductor Darrell Ang, will perform at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic. The closing ceremony of the music festival will take place on September 28 at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic. The Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, will play the final notes of the festival together with foreign guests. At the concert, the conductor Valentin Egel (Germany) will be conducting the performance, and the soloists will be Chloe Kiffer (violin, France), Henri Demarquette (cello, France), and Alexander Mutuzkin (piano, USA). ..

15.09.2023 12:13

Today is the 80th anniversary of the outstanding film director, People's Artist Khamis MuradovOn September 15, the distinguished film director, People's Artist, and recipient of the Pension of the President turns 80 years old. On this occasion, on behalf of the staff of the Ministry of Culture and the film community of our country, we sincerely congratulate the artist, who has dedicated more than four decades of his life to the development of national cinematography, and wish him good health and many more happy years full of creative inspiration. Khamis Bakir oghlu Muradov was born on September 15, 1943, in the village of Qakhmughal, Gakh district. After graduating from Baku Secondary School No. 72, he continued his studies at the Azerbaijan State Art Institute named after M. Aliyev (now referred to as ADMIU), specializing in directing from 1962 to 1966. In 1966, he joined the “Azerbaijanfilm“ film studio named after Jafar Jabbarli. He worked as an assistant director in the films “Land, Sea, Fire, and Sky“ (1967) by renowned director Shamil Mahmudbeyov and “For the sake of the law“ (1968) by Mukhtar Dadashov. He also worked as the second director on Sh. Mahmudbeyov's film “Shared Bread“ in 1969. Between 1969 and 1971, Khamis Muradov continued his studies, attending the “Higher Course of Directors and Screenwriters“ in Moscow in order to get to know the secrets of cinema more deeply. After returning to Baku, he made his directorial debut with the short historical-biographical documentary “Nasimi“ (1971). After this screenplay, he directed his creative energies towards documentary filmmaking, creating more than 50 remarkable films portraying distinguished literary and cultural figures and more under the banner of “Azerbaijanfilm. Director's “Ashug Alasgar“, “Dashkasan“, “Hamid Sultanov“, “Spring Sun“, “Nightingales of Karabakh“, “Celebration Suits Us“, “A Man Comes to the World“, “Uzeyir Hajibeyov“, “Lights of Baku“, “Natavan“ , “Colors of Absheron“ and other films with colorful styles and techniques played an important role in educating new generations, increasing civic responsibility, and in introducing our outstanding personalities. The director received state awards for “Echo“ and “Balaban“, while “9 Minutes“ won prestigious awards such as “Humay“ and “Golden Chirag“. Khamis Muradov has worked as a scriptwriter on about 20 documentaries and as a producer on nearly 10 feature films, including titles such as “Enchanter“, “Lie“, “We Will Return!“, “Good Morning, My Angel!“, “Side Effect“, “The Upside-Down World“ and others. From 1988 to 2001, the director held the position of head at the “Chronicle“ documentary film studio. In 2002–2011, he served as the director of the “Azerbaijanfilm“ film studio. In recognition of his significant contributions to Azerbaijani cinema, Khamis Muradov received the prestigious titles of “Honored Art Worker“ in 2000 and “People's Artist“ in 2005. Since 2012, he has been a personal pensioner of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. ..

15.09.2023 10:34

The Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan extended the document submission deadline for the film project competitionThe Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ARKA), under the Ministry of Culture, announced a competition for film projects on July 18 this year. The aim is to support the development of the cinematographic field, promote cinematographic activities, enrich the experience of local filmmakers, facilitate the creation of films that promote national, moral, and universal values, and support the private sector involved in this field. The competition accepts projects in various categories, such as films, commercial films, author (art) films, debut films, and student films, to be produced through state orders by independent production centers and other legal entities engaged in cinematography. The deadline for project submissions was set for September 15, 2023. However, taking into account that the competition of this scale is being held for the first time in the country, that participants need time to prepare high-quality film projects, and the importance of involving more legal and physical entities in film activities in terms of the development of the national film industry, the deadline for the first stage of the competition (project submissions) has been extended to October 1, 2023. For more information on terms and conditions and project submission requirements, please visit ARKA's official website (arka.culture.gov.az). ..

13.09.2023 15:46

A postage stamp dedicated to Shusha, the "Cultural Capital of the Turkic world", was issued in UzbekistanA commemorative postage stamp dedicated to Shusha, the ancient cradle of Azerbaijani literature and art, declared the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic world“ by TURKSOY for 2023, has been released. The stamp, made using the design of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev in Uzbekistan, was produced by the Central Post Office of Uzbekistan. The stamp depicts the Shusha fortress, the Azerbaijani flag, the enchanting Karabakh scenery including Shusha and its misty majestic mountains, the world-famous Shusha intellectuals and poets who brought glory and fame to the region and the city, our national musical instruments (gaval, tar, kamancha) reflecting our culture, and the kharibulbul flower symbolizing Karabakh, Shusha, and our historical victory. It is worth mentioning that the project was supported by relevant state institutions in Uzbekistan, and the Central Post Office of Uzbekistan intends to release the stamp for circulation in the country and abroad. The stamp “Ancient city of Shusha of Azerbaijan, the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World“ will be sent to museums in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan and to state and government officials of both countries. Presentation ceremonies will be held in Tashkent and Baku. ..

13.09.2023 15:01

Arif Malikov's grave in the Alley of Honor visited on his birthdayThe 90th anniversary of the birth of the distinguished composer, educator, People's Artist of the USSR and Azerbaijan, recipient of State and Heydar Aliyev awards, and academician Arif Malikov (1933–2019) was commemorated on September 13. On this occasion, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, well-known figures of culture and art, officials of the ministry, family members of the artist, and other guests paid a visit to the grave of the artist in the First Alley of Honor and laid flowers on it. Speaking at the memorial ceremony, Adil Karimli emphasized that Arif Malikov, with his unique creativity, has forever etched his name in the history of musical culture. He noted that the national leader, Heydar Aliyev, always paid attention to the composer's creativity and highly appreciated it. President Ilham Aliyev has been and is continuously working to perpetuate the memory of Arif Malikov, keep his art alive, and pass it on to future generations. The order on perpetuating the memory of the outstanding composer, signed by President Ilham Aliyev in 2019, is evidence of this attention. The minister noted that the 90th anniversary of the famous composer's birth will be widely celebrated. On the initiative of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva and with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation under her leadership, the artist's anniversary will also be marked by the performance of his ballet “The Legend of Love“, considered one of the masterpieces of world classical music, in his homeland after half a century. This magnificent ballet, which has conquered numerous international stages, will be performed at the Heydar Aliyev Palace as part of the XV Uzeyir Hajibeyov International Music Festival on September 18–19. People's Artist and Chairman of the Union of Composers of Azerbaijan, Firangiz Alizadeh, emphasized that Arif Malikov was not only an exceptional composer but also an artist, educator, and public figure. She noted, “Arif Malikov, in his capacity as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, made significant contributions to supporting the just cause of the Azerbaijani people. His compositions cover various genres, and I am glad that his works are now part of the curriculum in educational institutions. Arif Malikov raised talented students and left behind a great legacy.“ People's Artist Farhad Badalbeyli, rector of the Baku Music Academy named after U. Hajibeyli, emphasized that Arif Malikov was not only an exceptional composer but also a great personality: “He had a strong-willed character, which sometimes led to conflicts with others. Nevertheless, he always spoke his mind directly. I hope that his students will continue his legacy in the ballet genre. It's worth mentioning that Arif Malikov was born on September 13, 1933, in Baku. He pursued his education at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory (now BMA) between 1953 and 1958, specializing in composing (Gara Garayev's class). Starting in the 1960s, he worked as a teacher, from 1979 to 1986 as a professor, and from 1986 to the end of his life as the head of the composers' department at this educational institution. The outstanding composer, known for his substantial contributions to the development of musicians in our country, died on May 9, 2019. ..

12.09.2023 16:45

The Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on awarding the "Shohrat" Order to T.M. AghababayevGuided by Item 23 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I hereby order: To award the “Shohrat“ Order to Tofig Mammadali oghlu Aghababayev for his services rendered to the development of Azerbaijani art. Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku city, September 12, 2023 ..

12.09.2023 14:52

The results of the literary competition honoring the historical victory in the Patriotic War were announcedThe winner of the literary competition, announced by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the creation of substantial works dedicated to the historical victory in the Second Karabakh War, is determined. For the purpose of assessing the entries submitted to the competition and choosing the winner, a commission comprised of experts in the relevant field was established as follows: Vidadi Gafarov, Head of Theater, Cinema, and Television Department of the Institute of Architecture and Art of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies Salim Babullaoghlu, secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, poet, and translator Gismat Rustamov, poet, translator, and essayist Javanshir Yusifli, literary theorist, critic, and translator To ensure impartiality and transparency throughout the competition, 23 works accepted in the novel, drama, and verse story genres and their authors were assigned special barcodes and presented to the members of the Commission. Each entry was reviewed by commission members who judged it on subject matter, artistic merit, and professional creativity and assessed it according to the submitted table. At the final meeting held at the Ministry of Culture, the members of the Commission shared their thoughts on each work that stood out in the competition. According to the final decision of the commission, the winning entry was not determined because the artistic quality of the 15 works presented in the genres of novels and verse stories did not meet the requirements of the competition. The winner was chosen from among the eight entries submitted in the drama genre: Sevinj Elsever, “Flower Letters“ In accordance with the rules, the winner will receive a cash prize of 5,000 (five thousand) manats along with a special diploma of the Ministry. ..

11.09.2023 13:53

VI "Animafilm" International Animation Festival has endedThe 6th ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival, organized by the Azerbaijan Animation Association, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Film Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was held at the Nizami Cinema Center from September 6 to 10. A total of 64 diverse animated films for both children and adults were screened over the course of five days. This year's theme of the festival was “Women's Rights“. The revenue obtained from ticket sales will be donated to local young women directors. The organizers stated that they would announce the total amount to the public in the coming days. This year, within the framework of the professional program of the festival, the development workshop and financial program “Women's Rights Through Animated Films“ was implemented with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation featuring training sessions and one-on-one consultations with animation professionals — Swiss director Isabelle Favez, French producer Olivier Catherin for 5 women authors selected to the program. The selected animation projects were presented to the public at the “ANIMAFILM School: Pitching Competition“ and evaluated by program judges — Ana Chubinidze, Tehzeeh Khurana, and Nazrin Aghamaliyeva. The revenue obtained from ticket sales will be donated to support the winners of this program. The international jury at the 6th ANIMAFILM Festival included such professionals as Isabelle Favez (Switzerland), Ismayil Iman (Azerbaijan), Ana Chubinidze (Georgia), Oktai Iusibov (Azerbaijan, Finland), Olivier Catherin (France) and Tehzeeb Khurana (India). The festival’s special guests were directors and animators from Europe and Asia: Masud Panahi (Azerbaijan, Germany), Kireet Khurana (India), Matthew Lyon (Canada) and Michaёl Dudok de Wit (Netherlands, United Kingdom). The children's audience at the festival voted this year and selected the winner of the “Best Short Animated Film for Children“. Furthermore, the “Audience Award“ contest was decided by electronic voting after the screenings. One winner of the local competition of the festival — “Best Azerbaijani Short Animated Film“ award (the prize was 500 US dollars) was announced by Orkhan Fikretoglu, the advisor to the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the other winner was announced by the Ambassador of France to Azerbaijan, Ann Bouillon. The ambassador stated that, the winner of this award will attend the Annecy International Animation Festival, the world's largest animation festival, with MIFA professional accreditation. A short film made by TOTD Public Relations Organization about this year's festival was shown at the event. In the end, the director of the festival, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Animation Association Rashid Aghamaliyev and the creative director of the festival Nazrin Aghamaliyeva announced the festival closed. Winners and awards of international competitions: “Best Animated Short Film - GRAND PRIX“ – 1,000 USD – “The End of War“, directed by Lei Chen, China. “Best Animated Short Film for Children” – 500 USD – “Everywhere”, directed by Step Cheung, Kai Chung Ng, Hong Kong. Local competition winners and prizes: “Best Azerbaijani Short Animated Film“ – 500 USD – “Stolen Spring“, directed by Aleksandra Shirinova, Azerbaijan. “Best Azerbaijani Short Animated Film“ – trip to Annecy festival – “The Half - If We Die“, director Ravan Muradov, Azerbaijan. “Best Azerbaijani Student Short Animated Film“ – 300 USD – “Empty Spaces“, directed by Ayan Novruzlu, Azerbaijan, Great Britain. Audience Award Winner: “Empty Spaces“, directed by Ayan Novruzlu, Azerbaijan, Great Britain. “Women's Rights Through Animated Films“ development workshop and funding program winners: 1st place: “Zuleykha Seyidmammadova“ (Züleyxa Seyidməmmədova), director Mehriban Aliyeva, Azerbaijan. 2nd place: “Ring“ (Üzük), directed by Leyla Novruzova, Azerbaijan. The co-organizer of the festival is “PERI FILM” LLC. The general sponsors of the festival are the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation as the main sponsor. Other sponsors include the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Republic of Azerbaijan and the TOTD Public Relations Organization. This year the festival’s partners are the Azerbaijan Union of Film-makers, the Azerbaijan Creative Industries Federation, Shahmaran Metaceramica, Gender Hub Azerbaijan, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Embassy of France in Azerbaijan, the French Institute in Azerbaijan, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Tripsome, XPPen, Mr. Chemical, Bonaqua, and Dynamic Box. The festival’s media partners are Skwigly Animation Magazine, Madaniyyat TV, Trend News Agency, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews, the Akinchi, VarYox, KYNO platforms and CityLife.az. ..

11.09.2023 10:20

People's Artist Tofig Aghababayev turns 95On September 9, the Minister of Culture met with the Jubilee. The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Union of Artists, People's Artist Farhad Khalilov, Deputy Minister of Culture, and employees of the Ministry. Minister Adil Karimli congratulated the outstanding representative of our school of painting on his 95th birthday. He emphasized the artist's contributions to the development of Azerbaijani culture and fine arts, as well as his effective activity in promoting our rich culture. The Minister also conveyed the best wishes and congratulations of the staff of the Ministry of Culture to the artist. In recognition of his contribution to the development and promotion of Azerbaijani culture, the Minister awarded the master painter the Honorary Diploma of the Ministry. Tofig Aghababayev expressed his gratitude for the attention paid to him. It's worth mentioning that Tofig Aghababayev created works in the fields of monumental decorative-applied art, graphics, and painting. He was the first chief artist of Baku city. The creation of the symbolic key of our capital is also connected with the name of the artist. ..

08.09.2023 14:45

Cooperation in the field of protection and restoration of cultural heritage was discussed in BeijingAs reported earlier, the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan is on a visit to the People's Republic of China (PRC). During the visit, on September 8, the delegation met with the Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, the Administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the President of the China Association for the Promotion of Cultural Heritage, the Secretary General of the China National Art Foundation, and the Chinese Co-Chairman of the UNESCO International Coordinating Committee for the Conservation and Enhancement of the Temple of Preah Vihear, Li Chun. Mr. Li Chun warmly welcomed the Azerbaijani delegation and thanked Minister of Culture Adil Karimli for accepting the invitation and for the visit to China. The Deputy Minister gave information about the historical and cultural monuments of China and talked about the efforts made to protect the ancient heritage of his country. Li Chun also touched upon international cultural cooperation. Minister Adil Karimli expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality extended to the delegation and shared his satisfaction to be in China, which is considered to be one of the cradles of the ancient civilizations in the world. He talked about the cultural riches of Azerbaijan and emphasized that our countries were also historically connected through the Great Silk Road. It was emphasized that joint efforts to protect and promote the cultural heritage of the countries located along this historical route can bring better results. It was noted that the protection, restoration, and promotion of historical and cultural monuments in Azerbaijan were always the focus of the state. President Ilham Aliyev, First Vice President, and Head of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva undertake a number of measures for the development of various cultural spheres and implement local and international projects. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation supports the protection of cultural heritage not only in our country but also beyond our borders. The Minister stressed the importance of expanding cooperation with China in various cultural spheres and underlined the value of exchanging experience in various fields. In this regard, the need for strengthening the contractual and legal framework between the two countries was emphasized. Adil Karimli pointed out that the historical territories of Azerbaijan were occupied by Armenia for three decades, during which time the entire infrastructure, including historical, cultural, and religious heritage, was subjected to vandalism, theft, and looting. It was reported that in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, the mighty Azerbaijan Army under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, inflicted a severe defeat on the enemy, putting an end to the 30-year occupation of our lands and restoring historical justice and territorial integrity. After the war, the true extent of the vandalism committed by Armenia was revealed, and it became known that hundreds of our cities, towns, and villages were wiped off the face of the earth. Shortly after the war, the state of Azerbaijan started extensive restoration and reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories. In our historical lands, continuous work is being carried out for the restoration of cultural heritage. A number of historical and religious monuments have already been fully restored. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest and discussed the possibilities of cooperation. ..

08.09.2023 11:31

The oldest printed book in the Chinese National Library is 1,600 years oldThe National Library is a multi-functional science center with a total area of 280,000 square meters and is housed in three buildings. The area of the main building is 80.5 thousand square meters, and it is possible to serve 8 thousand readers at the same time. In a single day, the National Library can accommodate 12 thousand readers. The annual number of readers is 5.2 million. The library houses a collection of approximately 45 million copies of books, including some of the oldest books in the world. The oldest printed book in its possession is 1,600 years old. The library also preserves written artifacts dating back 3,000 years, such as inscriptions on turtle shells and bones. The library stores 1300 terabytes of electronic resources and extensively uses innovative modern tools. ..

07.09.2023 18:06

The delegation of the Ministry of Culture visits the National Library of ChinaOn September 7, the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan visiting the People's Republic of China (PRC) paid a visit to the National Library of China. There was an overview of the library's book collection, protection of publications, reader services, and the museum operating here. The director, Ms. Chen Yin, informed the delegation about the activities of the library. It's worth mentioning that there are cooperation relations between the National Library of Azerbaijan and the National Library of China. A memorandum of mutual cooperation between the two libraries was signed at the National Library of Azerbaijan. According to the document, a permanent corner of China was established in the National Library of Azerbaijan. It is planned to establish a permanent corner of Azerbaijan in the National Library of China. ..

07.09.2023 17:30

The 6th "Animafilm" festival takes place in BakuThe 6th “Animafilm“ International Animation Festival is taking place in Baku from September 6 to 10, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Animation Association, and “Peri Film“ LLC. The opening ceremony of the festival was held at the Nizami Cinema Center on September 6. This year, the festival focused on “Women's rights“ is supported by partners such as the Azerbaijan Union of Film-makers, the Azerbaijan Creative Industries Federation, the embassies of the Czech Republic and France in our country, the French Institute in Azerbaijan, the “Annecy“ International Animation Film Festival, “Shahmaran Metaceramica,“ “Gender Hub Azerbaijan,“ and other institutions. Representatives of the Ministry of Culture, film personalities, and film lovers from our country and abroad attended the opening event. The festival began with the screening of its trailer. Deputy Minister of Culture Saadat Yusifova emphasized that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, special importance is attached to the development of the audiovisual sector as well as to all areas of culture. She also pointed out that the establishment of the Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2022 by the decree of the head of state signifies the new development prospects of the national cinematography in response to modern challenges: “One of the main tasks ahead of us is to develop the rich national cinematic traditions and open up to the world. Moreover, considering the modern propaganda and promotion potential of cinematography and the role of cultural diplomacy as an integral part of culture, we aim to establish a stable, modern film industry in our country. Currently, we are in the process of developing a new cultural concept. The concept will encompass the creation of an enabling environment for the development of the film industry.“ Stressing that animation is one of the independent branches within the film industry, the deputy minister pointed out that the goal is to industrialize this sector in our country, to make it commercially appealing, and to ensure its development through cooperation between the public and private sectors. Giving information about the festival, Saadat Yusifova pointed out that a total of 174 films from 46 countries were submitted to the festival. The selection committee accepted 39 films from 13 countries for the competition program: “As every year, during the days of this year's festival, the audience will have the opportunity to get acquainted with numerous contemporary animation films presented from near and far countries, to exchange ideas with experts of the field, and to participate in master classes. Concuding her speech, the deputy minister wished the festival success. Later, Alberto Hernandez, the representative of the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation in Azerbaijan, Mrs. Pauline Eizema, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to our country, and the Oscar-winning Dutch filmmaker Michaël Dudok de Wit shared their views on the festival. After the speeches, director Nazrin Aghamaliyeva's “Hadith“ which narrates the story of the South Azerbaijani Hadis Najafi, who was killed by security forces during protests in Iran, “Air Mail“ by Swiss director Isabelle Favez; “Father and Daughter” by Dutch director Michaël Dudok de Wit, Georgian director Ana Chubinidze's films “Parikhanim Sofiyeva“ which portrays Parikhanim Sofiyeva, the first Muslim (Azerbaijani) female deputy democratically elected to the legislative body in the Muslim world; as well as the trailer of the animation film “Magic Carpet“ by “Alove“ animation studio, were screened. At the conclusion, a video was presented to offer an overview of the first day of the 6th Animafilm International Animation Festival. This year, the festival will present three main programs to the audience: competition, non-competition, and professional. Films will contend in two international and two national categories. The program includes 11 films competing in the “Best Short Animation Film“ category, 10 films in the “Best Short Animation Film for Children“ category, 8 films in the “Best Azerbaijani Short Film Animation“ category, and 10 films in the “Best Azerbaijani Student Short Film“ category. Two juries will evaluate the films, and the winners will be announced at the closing ceremony of the festival. The total prize fund of the festival amounts to 2300 USD. In addition, the winners will receive special ceramic figurines. As in previous years, the winner of the local category will receive the right to participate in the International Animation Film Festival “Annecy“, which will be held this year in France. A special prize will be awarded for the workshop and financial program “Women's Rights through Animation“ supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The fund of the prize will be generated from the ticket sales of the festival. It's worth mentioning that as part of the festival, Nizami Cinema Center will host around 20 events and the screening of more than 60 animated films. Funds raised through ticket sales at the festival will be donated to support our young female directors. ..

07.09.2023 12:54

Minister of Culture Adil Karimli meets with his Moldovan counterpart in ChinaThe visit of the delegation headed by the Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, Adil Karimli to the People's Republic of China continues. On September 6, as part of the visit from September 3 to 9, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli met with Sergiu Prodan, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova. During the meeting, the current state of cultural relations between the two nations was addressed, and the broader potential for future cooperation in this area was emphasized. Sergiu Prodan suggested organizing Moldovan cultural events in Azerbaijan next year. This led to an exchange of views on the proposal. ..

07.09.2023 09:31

Azerbaijani music and dance presented at the gala-concert program of the 6th Silk Road International Cultural ExpoAs reported earlier, a large delegation led by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Adil Karimli is on a visit to the People's Republic of China from September 3 to September 9. The delegation also includes art masters from our country. During the visit, in the artistic part of the Forum on Inheriting Silk Road Culture and Building a New Form of Civilization held within the framework of the 6th Silk Road International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, China, our artists performed an interesting concert program. At the concert, Azerbaijani songs were performed by honored artist Ilkin Ahmadov and khananda Gunay Imamverdiyeva. Azerbaijani folk dances were presented by the soloists of the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble, Inara Zeynalova and Aydamir Aydamirov. The concert program came to a close with a duet by Gunay Imamverdiyeva and Ilkin Ahmadov. Each of the performances received a warm reception and applause. ..

06.09.2023 15:34

Minister of Culture Adil Karimli addresses the forum in ChinaThe visit of the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the People's Republic of China continues. As part of the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation participated in the opening ceremony of the 6th International Silk Road Cultural Expo organized in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China, on September 6. During the event, Adil Karimli, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered a speech at the Forum on Inheriting Silk Road Culture and Building a New Form of Civilization organized as part of the 6th Silk Road International Cultural Expo. The Minister expressed his gratitude to the organizing committee for the invitation to the prestigious event and warm hospitality. He stressed that his visit to China was highly productive and memorable. It was noted that the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of the nations along the Silk Road, along with dedication to traditions and common goals, significantly contributed to global stability and progress, particularly in the age of globalization. It was stressed that Azerbaijan, with its historical contributions to enhancing communication along the Silk Road, remains dedicated to its historical mission: “Azerbaijan has hosted numerous international conferences focused on the Great Silk Road and initiated major regional infrastructure projects. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the Baku International Sea Trade Port provide a convenient route for shipments from China to the West. Furthermore, Azerbaijan places great importance on the preservation of Silk Road cultural heritage and has implemented appropriate legal and institutional measures to protect historical monuments at the national level. Additionally, Azerbaijan actively participates in the UNESCO Silk Roads Program.“ Highlighting Azerbaijan's significant commitment to intercultural dialogue, the Minister provided details on the “Baku Process,“ proposed by President Ilham Aliyev in 2008: “The Baku Process, now a global platform for intercultural dialogue, includes partners such as the UN Alliance of Civilizations, UNESCO, the World Tourism Organization, the Council of Europe, and ICESCO.“ The Minister concluded his speech by wishing the forum success. ..

06.09.2023 10:11

The 15th Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival kicks offThe 15th Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, is scheduled to take place from September 18 to 28. As part of the festival, a series of events, including concerts, performances, exhibitions, scientific conferences, master classes, and more, will be held in open-air venues and various locations in Baku, Ganja, Shamkir, and Shusha. The Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival, which has been held since 2009, will begin on September 18, coinciding with National Music Day. On the first day, the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater will present the opera “Leyli and Majnun“ in Shusha. Simultaneously, the Azerbaijan State Wind Orchestra will offer a holiday concert at the Fountain Square in Baku. In the evening, the Heydar Aliyev Palace will host a performance of People's Artist Arif Malikov's ballet “The Legend of Love,“ a masterpiece that has graced stages worldwide and is making its long-awaited return to its homeland. The 15th Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival of this year will stand out with special projects aimed at teenagers and youth. In this regard, the Azerbaijan State Children's Philharmonic and a combined orchestra comprising 200 students from children's music schools in Baku will perform in the park of the Heydar Aliyev Center. The festival will also offer artistic programs showcasing the talents of young artists. During the festival days, visitors will be able to enjoy karaoke performances of Uzeyir Hajibeyli's vocal works by renowned singers in designated areas in major shopping centers in Baku, providing an opportunity for anyone interested to join in the karaoke. During the festival, well-known musicians and groups from the USA, France, Georgia, Croatia, Russia, Singapore, and other countries will also perform at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic named after Muslim Magomayev, the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, the International Mugham Center, the Chamber and Organ Music Hall of the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic, various programs will be presented at the Opera Studio of Uzeyir Hajibeyli Baku Academy of Music, and other venues. ..

06.09.2023 09:33

The 6th Silk Road International Expo kicks off in DunhuangThe visit of the official delegation of the Ministry of Culture to China continues. On September 6, the official delegation led by the Minister of Culture, Adil Karimli, attended the opening ceremony of the 6th Silk Road International Expo in Dunhuang, Gansu Province. During their visit, the delegation's first point of interest was the cultural tourism exhibition, which featured a range of exhibits, cultural monuments, photographs, books, and fine art samples related to the historical and cultural legacy of the Chinese regions traversed by the Silk Road. The exhibition highlighted the historical cultural connections fostered by the Silk Road and the cultural cooperation among nations participating in the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative. During the opening ceremony of the Silk Road International Expo, Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CCP), Hu Changsheng, the secretary of the Gansu Provincial Committee of the CCP, and Li Chun, the head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China, along with others, delivered speeches highlighting the nations located along the historic Silk Road. They emphasized these countries' roles in fostering deeper cultural exchanges and cooperation among nations. It is important to note that the Silk Road International Cultural Expo has been held annually in the historic city of Dunhuang since 2016. This event is the result of a joint decision made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council (Cabinet of Ministers). The exhibition is organized by the People's Government of Gansu Province, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television, the National Tourism Administration, and the China International Trade Promotion Council. This year's exhibition has attracted more than 1,200 people, including state officials, public figures, and artists, from home and abroad. Over the course of the two-day event, numerous forums, conferences, seminars, symposiums, and concert programs will take place. The International Silk Road Expo, initiated by the Chinese government to facilitate cultural exchange among countries in the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative, forms a strong basis for nurturing people-to-people connections, fostering mutual trust, and advancing trade cooperation in relevant sectors. This internationally acclaimed exhibition garners appreciation both domestically and abroad and attains significant accomplishments. Minister Adil Karimli had a meeting with Li Shulei, who is a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Li Chun, the head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration. ..

05.09.2023 15:50

Azerbaijani delegation visited the Museum of the Communist Party of ChinaAs reported earlier, the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan is currently on an official visit to the People's Republic of China (PRC). The visit will last from September 3 to 9. As part of the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation had the opportunity to visit the Museum of the Communist Party of China. The guests were informed about the history of the party, explored the rich exposition of the museum, and showed interest in certain exhibits. ..

05.09.2023 15:12

A comprehensive report on the Azerbaijani Language and Literature Forum held for the first time in our countryAs reported earlier, from September 1 to September 3, the first Azerbaijan Language and Literature Forum took place in our country. The forum was organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture with the support of the Ministry of Science and Education, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and the Shamakhi District Executive Authority as part of the centenary celebrations honoring the national leader Heydar Aliyev. The forum started on September 1 in Shamakhi, the homeland of poets. First, the forum attendees paid a visit to the monument of the national leader Heydar Aliyev in Shamakhi and placed flowers in front of it. Following this, the guests were presented with a literary and artistic program in the open air featuring the personas of Nasimi, Khatai, Natavan, and other outstanding figures of Azerbaijani literature. The opening ceremony was attended by Farah Aliyeva, head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism, and Religious Affairs of the Administration of the President, other officials, members of parliament, figures from the fields of science, literature, and culture, and media representatives. *** During his address at the opening ceremony, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli emphasized the significance of the forum. He underscored that it is no coincidence that the opening of the event took place in Shamakhi, as it boasts a rich literary heritage dating back to ancient times. Consequently, there is a desire to uphold this heritage, and, considering its historical and literary legacy, there are plans to submit an application in 2025 to have Shamakhi included in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network under the “City of Literature“ category. The forum was acknowledged as a pioneering event in our country for its scale and the diverse range of participants it has gathered. At the same time, it represents a continuation of the theater and cinema forums organized by the Ministry of Culture earlier this year, reflecting the interconnectedness of these fields. A language with a rich literature is also rich. As the custodian of national codes, language serves as a vehicle for preserving our national identity and passing it on to future generations. It is believed that the more adaptable and progressive the language becomes in response to contemporary needs, encompassing various aspects of life, the more literature strives to align with the language's evolving dynamics. Language serves as a means of safeguarding our national identity. The minister emphasized that the national leader, Heydar Aliyev, who regarded the mother tongue as the greatest national treasure, consistently prioritized the advancement of the Azerbaijani language and literature. Despite facing numerous challenges, he successfully enshrined the Azerbaijani language as the state language in the Constitution of the Azerbaijan SSR in 1978, laying a foundational stone for our future independent statehood. During his leadership, Azerbaijani literature witnessed a remarkable renaissance. Under the guidance of this great leader, the transition to the Latin alphabet was fully implemented in independent Azerbaijan, marking a pioneering achievement among the former Soviet Turkic republics. In the first Constitution of independent Azerbaijan, adopted on November 12, 1995, the Azerbaijani language was established as the official state language. It was noted that one of the first orders signed in 2004 by President Ilham Aliyev, who effectively continued the policies initiated by Heydar Aliyev, was the promotion of mass publications in the Azerbaijani language using the Latin script. President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stressed that language is the basis of our culture, art, music, and other traditions that have safeguarded the Azerbaijani identity as a nation over centuries. Speaking about the commitment of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva to this area, the minister pointed out that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, led by Mehriban Aliyeva, has executed a multitude of projects and events across several countries aimed at introducing and promoting our language and literature. Adil Karimli drew attention to the prevalence of certain languages in the era of globalization, driven by the rapid advancement of information technologies. In response to these global challenges, he stressed the need to assess the position of the Azerbaijani language in our society, enhance its status as the primary cultural cornerstone in our thinking and daily lives, and take practical steps. The Minister quoted the national leader Heydar Aliyev: “Every nation is created by its own language. Keeping the language of the people alive, developing it, and elevating it to the level of global culture is possible through the efforts of the nation's leaders and scholars. Heydar Aliyev consistently demonstrated a deep appreciation for Azerbaijan's literary heritage“. The international celebration of the 1300th anniversary of the “Kitabi-Dada Gorgud“ epic, a fundamental work in the shaping of the Azerbaijani language and national identity, played a pivotal role in promoting the Azerbaijani-All-Turkic literary legacy worldwide. Consequently, today's forum is based on the idea of the interconnectedness of language, and literature, and language and culture. The forum's primary objective is to delineate and guide future development trends in these areas. The more diverse perspectives we have at the forum, the more interesting proposals we can hear. The suggestions put forth during the forum will be compiled and incorporated into the “Culture of Azerbaijan 2040“ concept. Concluding his speech, Adil Karimli expressed his gratitude to everyone who played a role in the organization of the forum and conveyed his best wishes for the successful progress of the event. *** Emin Amrullayev, the Minister of Science and Education, delivered a speech in which he shared his insights on the challenges and prospects of the teaching of the Azerbaijani language in secondary schools. He highlighted that Azerbaijani pupils have the opportunity to pursue their education in various languages, yet 90 percent of them opt to study in their mother tongue. Over recent years, considerable efforts have been directed toward enhancing the quality of mother-tongue education in Azerbaijani schools and universities. Additionally, students studying in other languages receive instruction in Azerbaijani, with an increased number of such classes introduced this year. We need to extend efforts beyond Azerbaijan's borders to promote the teaching of our language. Consequently, online Azerbaijani language courses will be launched in the upcoming academic year. Academician Isa Habibbayli, the president of ANAS, pointed out that while the Azerbaijani language had been declared the state language at various times for a period, its status as the state language couldn't be sustained. It was only after taking office in 1969 that Heydar Aliyev left an indelible mark in history as the savior of our language. It is unequivocal that Heydar Aliyev's consistent language policy in the 1970s and 1980s raised the spirit of national identity, self-awareness, and national freedom in Azerbaijan. The academician also discussed President Ilham Aliyev's dedication and care for our language, characterizing this forum as a continuation of the efforts in this direction. Chingiz Abdullayev, the People's writer and the first secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, pointed out that our writers have been the most dedicated protectors of our language for 90 years. He underscored the significant role played by the national leader Heydar Aliyev’s crucial role in the endeavors related to our language and the publication of books, newspapers, and magazines in our native language by the AWU. After the speeches, a video about the Azerbaijani language was presented. The forum proceeded with panel discussions. Panel I: The Impact of Globalization on the Azerbaijani Language and Strategies for Preserving the Authenticity of Our Mother Tongue The first panel, titled “The Impact of Globalization on the Azerbaijani Language and the Strategies for Preserving its Authenticity“, was moderated by Sevinj Aliyeva, director of the Monitoring Center under the State Language Commission. The panel featured discussions on various topics, including “Adapting the Azerbaijani language to contemporary demands and the mechanisms for language development in the age of globalization,“ Factors influencing the development of the scientific style in language“ “The Role of Azerbaijani literature as a guardian of the Azerbaijani language: past, present, and future,“ “Exploring The possibilities of influence of modern literary texts on speech culture,“ “The process of word creation: revitalizing the inherent capabilities of the language and granting citizenship to widely used foreign-origin words,“ “Preserving the Azerbaijani language among Azerbaijani diaspora communities,“ and “The functional role of the Azerbaijani language in the realm of the Internet.“ Academician Kamal Abdulla, the People's writer and Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Languages, emphasized the need to establish a mechanism for expanding the sphere of influence of the Azerbaijani language. He pointed out that interest in Azerbaijani culture, state affairs, and politics fosters an interest in the language. He commended President Ilham Aliyev for his outstanding work in promoting Azerbaijan globally and emphasized the importance of efforts to promote the Azerbaijani language in foreign countries. In this regard, he stressed the crucial role of organizing forums like this. Academician Nizami Jafarov, a Member of Parliament and Honored Scientist, offered his perspective on the genetic roots of the Azerbaijani language. He pointed out, “It's well known that Azerbaijani is part of the Turkic language family. However, upon closer examination of our language's vocabulary, it becomes evident that the proportion of Turkic words is quite limited. The majority of words integrated into our language have originated from Arabic, Persian, and Western languages. Professor Nadir Mammadli, the director of the Institute of Linguistics named after Nasimi of ANAS, noted that Azerbaijani has maintained its vitality and continues to interweave with other languages. Integration into societal thought influences the convergence of functional styles. He emphasized the necessity of establishing a scientific basis for words assimilated into our language during this integration process. Dr. Sayalı Sadigova, the head of the Terminology Department at the Institute of Linguistics and Doctor of Philological Sciences, underlined the significance of language as the spirit of a nation, serving as the primary guardian of its vitality. Language is a concept, necessitating the creation of words to articulate new ideas in accordance with the demands of the era. Additionally, the internal capabilities of the language should be used to preserve its authenticity. Poet Salim Babullaoghlu, the secretary of AWU, pointed out that there are currently approximately 7,000 languages worldwide, with around 80 percent of them spoken by fewer than 2,500 individuals. Forecasts suggest that by the close of the 21st century, around 4,000 of these languages may vanish. However, he expressed his conviction that the Azerbaijani language would not be among these endangered languages. On the contrary, he anticipates continuous growth and development for our language. Writer and publicist Agshin Yenisey stressed the need for serious consideration regarding the scientific, philosophical, and technological responsibilities of the Azerbaijani language today. He noted that the Azerbaijani language effectively fulfills its literary responsibilities: “Our language has no problem in the field of literature. However, challenges persist in the scientific, philosophical, and intellectual spheres”. To address these issues, he proposed the translation of foreign scientific literature into our language as a solution. At the end of the panel, questions were answered on the topics discussed. Panel II: “Azerbaijani Language and Literature Across Time: Classical Traditions and Contemporary Trends“ In the afternoon of September 1, the forum proceeded with the second panel discussion, focusing on “Azerbaijani Language and Literature Across Time: Classical Traditions and Contemporary Trends“ During the panel session moderated by writer and journalist Azer Gismat, people's poet and Member of Parliament Sabir Rustamkhanli offered his insights regarding the introduction of foreign words and literature to the regions. Rafael Huseynov, an academician, Member of Parliament, and Director of the National Museum of Azerbaijan Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi, commented on the topics of the forum, emphasizing their cultural, ethical, and political relevance. He stated, “This gathering calls us to embrace our Turkic identity and promote secularism. By uniting to contemplate the future of our language, we can expect to achieve outstanding outcomes in this domain in the years to come”. Writer and Member of Parliament Agil Abbas underscored the significance of taking steps in the fields of literature and language, particularly concerning the creative work of young writers and integration into contemporary trends, genres, and innovations. Writer Sharif Aghayar addressed issues concerning book publishing and broadcasting and shared his recommendations. Sayman Aruz, an adviser to the AWU chairman, addressed the issues concerning language and literature in South Azerbaijan. Poet Gismat Rustamov spoke about the encouragement of literary creativity, international and national literature awards, and shared his recommendations. Additionally, he highlighted the current necessity for Azerbaijan to participate in international literary conventions. This panel also ended with discussions and questions on the presented topics. Panel III: “The Role of Literature in the Development of Theater and Cinema: From Script to Stage, From Stage to Screen“ The III Panel meeting held in Baku on September 2 covered the theme “The Role of Literature in the Development of Theater and Cinema: From Script to Stage, From Stage to Screen“ Before the panel meeting, event participants were introduced to the exhibition titled “From the Golden Fund' of the National Library.“ This exhibition, organized in honor of the 100th anniversary of the National Library of Azerbaijan, displayed rare publications from the library's holdings and included ancient manuscript samples associated with our classical literature. The panel, moderated by Ilgar Fahmi, a poet, scriptwriter, and secretary of AWU, featured addresses from honored artists and writer-playwrights Ali Amirli and Elchin Huseynbeyli, as well as Azer Turan, the editor-in-chief of “Literature“ magazine, and Varis Yolchuyev, a writer and member of the International Writers' Guild, along with literary critic Asad Jahangir. During the event, speakers shared their thoughts and perspectives on various topics, including “Contemporary Azerbaijani Dramaturgy and Its Challenges,“ “The Theater and Cinema Landscape within Azerbaijani Literature,“ “The Media's Role in Shaping Reading and Audience Culture,“ “Language and Translation Issues in the Art of Filmmaking,“ and “The Methodology of Disseminating Literature to the Public: Applied Innovations in International Practices“. Ilgar Fahmi noted that despite the recent distinction made between cinema and theater as separate entities from literature, screenplays and dramaturgy remain integral parts of literature. He emphasized that it's no secret that in modern times, cinema has drifted away from literature. Ali Amirli emphasized that the primary goal of literature is to nurture moral values. He stressed that playwrights of today should give careful consideration to the interests of society. Additionally, A. Amirli underscored the significance of documentary drama and supported his viewpoint with a quote from the film director Andrey Tarkovsky, who once said, “The best scripts are penned by writers who comprehend the language of cinema.“ Elchin Huseynbeyli underlined the importance of increasing the number of private studios in the fields of theater and cinema. He emphasized that the poor reading habits of directors impact the film industry. Given that theater and cinema are collective art forms, they must work together, and the process should be founded on the writer-director relationship. Azer Turan stressed the importance of delving into our classical works in the fields of theater and cinema, highlighting the potential for taking them to the international stage. Asad Jahangir evaluated the grouping of theater theorists around the directors as a negative situation. Varis Yolchuyev emphasized the need to guide children toward our culture within the home environment and promote literary works in our mother tongue among the younger generation as a means of preserving our cultural wealth. At the end of the speeches, Ilgar Fahmi drew attention to the matter of writers compromising with directors, emphasizing that writers should grant directors creative freedom, as it is during this process that a high-quality work can come to fruition. After the reports of the panel meeting, suggestions on the subject matter were presented. Panel IV: “Promoting Reading Habits among Children and Adolescents. The Status of Azerbaijani Children's Literature.“ On September 2, in the second half of the day, the IV panel meeting of the forum took place. In the panel focused on the theme of “Promoting Reading Habits among Children and Adolescents. The Status of Children's Literature in Azerbaijan,“ the moderator, children's author Gunel Asgarova, highlighted the key areas open for discussion. Addressing the topic of “The Ideological Essence and Contemporary Challenges of Children's Literature,“ Vafa Yagubova, the head of the Department of Content, Teaching, and Evaluation at the Ministry of Science and Education, conveyed her thoughts on the significance of engaging young readers and expanding promotional efforts in this field. She underscored the importance of extracurricular reading and the broad introduction of children's literature to a diverse audience. Children's author and Doctor of Philological Sciences, Zahid Khalil, addressed the modern challenges facing children's literature in his speech. He underscored the necessity for some form of oversight in the production of publications and other resources. Speaking about the “Role of Mother Tongue and Children's Literature in Education“, the head of the Department of Children's Literature of AWU, poet Gasham Najafzade highlighted the shortcomings found in language and literature textbooks. Writer and honored cultural worker Rafig Yusifoghlu also addressed the challenges of children's literature, emphasizing that this matter should be regarded as an ideological weapon. Children's writer Reyhan Yusifgızı expressed her views on the unity of the reader, publisher, and author trio in children's literature. She noted that in the era of rapid information, children have diverse interests, leading to a heightened attraction to science-fiction works. Elnara Akimova, a Doctor of Philological Sciences and the head of the Children's Literature Department at the Nizami Institute of Literature at ANAS, explored “The Role of Children's Literature in Determining Cultural and Literary Sources.“ She addressed the question and presented her recommendations, highlighting that the literary content in textbooks often falls short of catering to children's preferences and reading interests. Children's author Sevinj Nurugizi raised the subjects of promoting books among children and teenagers and the importance of a diverse range of literary works. The panel proceeded with discussions and questions concerning the presented topics. Panel V: “Values and Codes of Ethical Conduct: The Importance and Role of Books in Personal and Social Life“ On September 3, the last panel meeting of the forum was held in Baku, in the “Gulustan“ Palace. Before the panel entitled “Values and Codes of Ethical Conduct: The Importance and Roles of Books in Personal and Social Life“, the People's Poet Ramiz Rovshan emphasized the significance of our native language. He stressed the importance of instilling a love for our mother tongue in children from an early age. Afterward, a video dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the National Library of Azerbaijan was presented. Under the moderation of poet Akbar Goshaly, the panel featured speeches on various topics, including “The Current State and Objectives of the Book Industry in Azerbaijan,“ “The Influence of Foreign Literature's Entry in Our Country's Book Market on National Values and Thought System,“ “Innovative Approaches and Credit Mechanisms in the Book Sales System,“ “Advancements in the Book Industry,“ “Government Support Mechanisms,“ and “Responsibilities of the National Library of Azerbaijan in Fulfilling the Literary, Scientific, and Informational Requirements of Citizens.“ Professor Karim Tahirov, the Director of the National Library, highlighted that the National Library has undertaken significant efforts to preserve our literary heritage. He also added, “While it's often mentioned that the number of books per capita in Azerbaijan is low, I must disagree. Many young people in our country are avid readers. We need to establish suitable conditions to guide readers toward books.“ Shamil Sadig, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Azerbaijan Publishers, spoke about the organization's initiatives. He highlighted that the association has organized numerous book fairs as part of its efforts to promote literature. Gunel Anargizi, director of the Baku Book Center, emphasized the center's extensive efforts to promote literature. She noted that significant projects in the fields of literature and language have been initiated. Tural Akhundov, the director of the “Tahsil“ publishing house, underscored the importance of preserving traditional books and passing them down to future generations, particularly in this era of rapid advancements in science and technology, notably information technology. Shahbaz Khuduoglu, director of the “Ganun“ publishing house, spoke about the significance of the forum and conveyed his anticipation that the event will yield positive outcomes in the fields of literature and language. Ahliman Arshadli, Director of “AudioKitab,“ shared the historical context of audiobooks and noted that the institution has produced around 8,000 books since 2015. Afterward, a video tribute to Azerbaijani literature was presented, featuring segments that emphasized the national leader's care and attention toward our literary heritage. Javanshir Feyziyev, a member of Milli Majlis, delivered a speech and commended the forum, emphasizing the significance of conducting this event annually. At the end of the panel, questions regarding the discussed topics were responded to, and a commemorative photograph was taken. Thus, the Forum of Azerbaijani Language and Literature, organized in our country on such an extensive scale for the first time, came to an end. ..

05.09.2023 13:36

The Azerbaijani delegation meets with a world-known Chinese photographer in BeijingThe visit of the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the People's Republic of China continues. As part of the September 3–9 visit, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli met with the world-famous Chinese photographer Luo Hong in Beijing. During the meeting, they discussed the sharing of experiences in the field of photography and potential future collaborations. Afterwards, the Azerbaijani delegation was introduced to Luo Hong's photo exhibition. ..

05.09.2023 11:03

The bust of the world-famous Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi visited in ChinaThe delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan is currently on a visit to the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the dates of September 3 through September 9. As part of the visit, a meeting took place between the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Adil Karimli, and the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, Hu Heping, with the participation of large delegations. Following the meeting, the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan laid a wreath in front of the monument honoring the world-famous Azerbaijani poet and philosopher Nizami Ganjavi, located in Chaoyang Park in Beijing. ..

05.09.2023 10:20

The delegation of the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan on visit to the People's Republic of ChinaThe delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan is currently on a visit to the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the dates of September 3 through September 9. As part of the visit, a meeting took place between the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Adil Karimli, and the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, Hu Heping, with the participation of large delegations. Throughout the conversation, both parties expressed their contentment with the strong state of relations between the two nations. It was emphasized that the foundation for the current progress in bilateral relations was laid by the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev. It was noted that President Ilham Aliyev currently attaches great importance to relations with China. As in various other areas of cooperation, strong traditions have been established in cultural relations. A clear manifestation of this is the performance of the operetta “Arshin mal alan“ by the great Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli on large stages in various cities in China. At the same time, opportunities for cooperation in the fields of theater, film production, museum affairs, library services, preservation and restoration of cultural heritage, language, and literature were considered. The importance of sharing expertise in heritage restoration, library activities, and film production was emphasized, and potential joint film projects were discussed. Cooperation in the field of creative industries was also underlined. Adil Karimli stressed the importance of the “Baku Process“ for the promotion of intercultural dialogue, proposed by President Ilham Aliyev in 2008, and noted that the Chinese government has consistently shown interest in the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which is held in our country as part of this platform. He invited the Chinese delegation to participate in the next forum to be held in Baku in 2024. The Chinese minister gratefully accepted the invitation. Minister Hu Heping suggested organizing the Chinese Culture Week in Azerbaijan next year, leading to a subsequent exchange of perspectives. Various other topics of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting. ..

05.09.2023 09:01

Interviews for the recruitment of teachers for children's music, art, painting, mugham, and ashug schools and centers are about to beginIn order to raise the level of education in children's music, art, painting, mugham, and ashug schools and centers under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the recruitment of teachers is carried out through a competitive process. This ensures the selection and placement of competent and qualified professionals under conditions of equal opportunity, transparency, and fair competition. The competition consists of two stages, including a test and an interview. On July 16, 2023, the test was conducted jointly with the State Examination Center of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Out of the 1026 candidates who participated in the teacher recruitment test, 511 achieved the necessary passing score, thereby earning the opportunity to proceed to the interview stage of the competition. From September 5, the Ministry of Culture will start the interview phase of the competition to select teachers for children's music, art, painting, mugham, and ashug schools and centers. In the interview phase, the candidates will be evaluated by a panel of knowledgeable experts with professional backgrounds. Candidates who receive a score of 21 or more out of a total of 30 points are deemed successful in the interview. The interview stage of the competition is scheduled to conclude on September 11. Candidates will receive the results within 7 working days after the conclusion of the interviews. ..

04.09.2023 13:05

An event titled "Journey to the Ethno-cultural Landscape of West Azerbaijan" organized in BakuOn September 3, 2023, at 18:00, an event titled “Journey to the Ethno-Cultural Landscape of West Azerbaijan“ was organized by the Ministry of Culture in front of the Heydar Aliyev Center. The aim of the event is to present the ethno-cultural atmosphere of West Azerbaijan and highlight its intangible cultural heritage. At the event the national attire and culinary stand of West Azerbaijan, household items used in everyday life, and 3D replicas of historical monuments were displayed. A concert program took place at the event, during which songs celebrating the motherland, as well as traditional Ashug songs of West Azerbaijan, were performed. The event was attended by deputies of the Milli Majlis, media representatives, residents of the capital, and foreign guests. Aziz Alakbarli, Chairman of the Board of the West Azerbaijan Community and member of the Milli Majlis, highlighted the significance of the event in his statement to AZERTAG: “Our primary mission as the West Azerbaijan Community is to preserve the Azerbaijani cultural heritage in our historic lands and share it with the world community. This event is one of many steps in this direction. We intend to continue organizing such exhibitions. Several more are planned in the country by the end of September, and we also have plans to hold similar exhibitions abroad. In dealing with enemies like Armenia, who resort to deception and manipulation, we must present them with e facts, documents, evidence, and sources. This approach will help dispel the lies and falsehoods that Armenians have been spreading for centuries and ensure the acceptance of the truths about West Azerbaijan. Deputy Minister of Culture Saadat Yusifova stressed that the purpose of the event is to recreate the ethno-cultural ambience of West Azerbaijan, including the revival of the festive spirit that once graced these lands, districts, and meadows. She emphasized the symbolic nature of holding the event in front of the Heydar Aliyev Center, named after the national leader Heydar Aliyev, as part of the centenary celebrations. It is of great significance as the National Leader firmly believed in the eventual restoration of justice, which would enable the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their homeland. Emphasizing the return of former IDPs to Karabakh and East Zangezur after the glorious victory of the Patriotic War, the Deputy Minister said: “After the glorious victory, there is hope among the Western Azerbaijanis to return to their ancestral homes. The statements made by our head of state in his speeches, in which he assured the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their homeland, indicate that the day is approaching when our hopes and dreams will become reality. This opportunity will come after the signing of a peace agreement. A time will come when we will be able to return to our native lands, where we will contribute to the growth and prosperity of Azerbaijani culture”. Hikmet Babaoghlu, Deputy Chairman of the West Azerbaijan Community and member of the Milli Majlis, emphasized the importance of this exhibition in the current context, stating: “The cultural and historical artifacts presented here, which reflect the ethno-cultural essence of West Azerbaijan, once again show that West Azerbaijan is one of the geographies of the national-cultural development of our people. Despite the tragic history of genocide and ethnic cleansing inflicted by the Armenians on the Western Azerbaijanis, their current fervent demand for their rights is rooted in the strength derived from our culture, history, and national memory. International organizations, including the UN, do not turn a blind eye to the pleas of the Western Azerbaijanis. Sooner or later, Pashinyan will have to respond to these appeals. Western Azerbaijanis will return to their homeland with dignity and continue to foster the rich cultural heritage they have cultivated over generations”. It is worth noting that a comprehensive and systematic effort is currently underway to rectify the decades-long violation of the rights of Western Azerbaijanis and facilitate their return to their ancestral homeland. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev played a key role in advancing this cause when he met with a delegation of West Azerbaijani intellectuals on December 24, coinciding with his birthday. This meeting laid the groundwork for more organized and coordinated efforts in this direction. The community, which serves as an advocate for the rights of Western Azerbaijanis that have been violated for decades, has taken a leading role in these efforts. It actively informs the world community about Armenia's destruction of the historical and cultural heritage of our people and tirelessly works for the repatriation of tens of thousands of Western Azerbaijanis to their native lands. ..

04.09.2023 12:36

The application deadline for the social video contest "Let's promote and recognize our heritage" extendedThe Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan has extended the application deadline for the social video contest “Let's promote and recognize our heritage“ in order to boost competitiveness, considering the high number of submissions. The competition is divided into two phases: the collection of videos and the evaluation of the submitted contents. The winners of the competition will be announced on October 31, 2023. Individuals wishing to join the competition can submit their videos online until October 10, 2023. The Ministry will award the top three contestants with the most points as follows: 1st place: 6,000 AZN 2nd place: 3,000 AZN 3rd place: 1,000 AZN“ You can find further information about the contest by clicking on the link. ..

04.09.2023 09:43

Albania gave a warm welcome to the Culture week of AzerbaijanFrom August 31 to September 3, the rich culture, culinary, and artistic gems of Azerbaijan were presented to the Albanian audience in Tirana. On the first day of the event, an exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the national leader Heydar Aliyev was opened at the National Museum of Tirana. It provided visitors with an insight into the remarkable life and diverse heritage of the national leader. In addition, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation presented the photo exhibition “Architect of Progress“, while the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan displayed works of our famous artists. The National Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan displayed exquisite carpets, and visitors were able to explore Azerbaijan through virtual reality (VR) devices. On the same day, the treasures of our national music graced the audience in Tirana's Skanderbeg Square. Under the artistic direction of People's Artist Fakhreddin Karimov, the Chamber Orchestra performed with People's Artists Fidan Hajiyeva and Azer Zeynalov, as well as Honored Artists Ramil Gasimov, Inara Babayeva, Elvin Ganiyev, Sadaf Budagova, and Ibrahim Babayev. The concert was attended by the Albanian Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti, foreign ambassadors in Albania and other officials. The following day, the rhythm group “Natig“ and the dance ensemble “Mirvari“ gave a lively performance. The local audience enthusiastically received compositions such as “Gavaldash“, “Karabagh“, “Yanardagh“, “Mehriban“, “Sari Galin“, and others and actively participated in the dances. The splendid fusion of our music and dance was accompanied by a visual journey through the history of Azerbaijan, its geography, our national carpets, shabaka art, and captivating views of Icherisheher, Shusha, and Jidir plains, all displayed on the stage monitor, which attracted the attention of the audience. On the final day of the event, the Azerbaijani cinematic masterpiece “Arshin Mal Alan“ was screened. This cinematic gem, originally produced in 1945, was restored in color format in the heart of the global film industry, Hollywood, with the initiative and support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The screening was held at the Reja “The Cloud“ Pavilion in Tirana. On September 2, the Buta ensemble, led by People's Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan Anvar Sadigov and Honorary Artist Emil Afrasiyab, performed an ethno-jazz concert at Tirana's Italian Square. The group fused tradition with modernity and performed blended improvisations in various genres. As part of the Culture Week of Azerbaijan and on the initiative of the National Culinary Center of the State Tourism Agency, samples of our national cuisine, garlands of our national sweets, and various promotional materials were presented to the local residents at Skanderbeg Square. Within the framework of the Culture Days, the Azerbaijani delegation held meetings with the Albanian Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti, the Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, and the Director of the National Library of Albania, Piro Misha, and discussed the prospects of strengthening bilateral cooperation. ..

01.09.2023 17:28

ANIMAFILM Festival brings an Oscar-winning director to AzerbaijanThe 6th edition of the traditional ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival for children and adults, organized by the Azerbaijan Animation Association will be held at the Nizami Cinema Center on September 6-10, 2023 with support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The festival has recently released its comprehensive program and announced ticket sales. The international jury of the festival includes six foreign professionals: Isabelle Favez (Switzerland), Ismail Iman (Azerbaijan), Ana Chubinidze (Georgia), Oktai Iusibov (Azerbaijan, Finland), Olivier Catherin (France) and Tehzeeb Khurana (India). The festival will be attended by special guests from Europe and Asia, including directors and animators from Europe and Asia: Masud Panahi (Azerbaijan, Germany), Kireet Khurana (India), Matthew Lyon (Canada), and Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Kingdom of the Netherlands, United Kingdom). Michaël Dudok de Wit is a renowned Dutch director and illustrator who won an Oscar in 2001 for the Best Animated Short Film category for his movie “Father and Daughter“. He also received BAFTA and Grand Prix awards at the Annecy Festival for the same movie. The director will personally present his latest Oscar-nominated film, “The Red Turtle“, co-produced by the famous Japanese animation company, Studio Ghibli. In addition, the festival will feature two masterclasses led by the famous director: “Creativity“ and “Film Language and Storytelling“. These masterclasses are designed for animation professionals, film, and artists, as well as enthusiasts of this field. Matthew Lyon, a Canadian filmmaker and teacher with 25 years of experience in the film industry, is another foreign guest of the festival. Lyon has won numerous awards and is recognized as one of the leading specialists in the animation industry worldwide. He has worked with big names like “Netflix“ and “Apple TV“. During the festival, he will conduct a masterclass on “Animation for Professionals,“ offering valuable insights on building a successful career in the field. The “Classic Azerbaijani Animated Films“ event with Masud Panahi will present and discuss his legendary film “Ms. Beetle and Mr. Mouse“ (Tik-Tik Khanum). Kireet Khurana, director of the Indian AniMela Festival, will present the “Best Indian Animation Films Awarded“ program to the festival audience. It should be noted that the revenue obtained from the festival's ticket sales will be donated to support local young women directors. As part of the festival, a workshop and funding program titled “Women's Rights through Animated Films“ will be organized with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. Five authors have won the opportunity to participate in the program. Members of the jury, Isabelle Favez, and Olivier Catherin, will provide professional training on how to develop, pitch, and produce short animated film projects. As a result of the workshop, the authors will present their projects to the public at the “ANIMAFILM School: Pitching Competition“ event at the festival. The best projects will be awarded a cash prize at the closing ceremony of the festival. As part of the professional program of the festival, “ANIMAFILM School: Making of Hadis” will be held with the participation of Nazrin Aghamaliyeva, director of the film “Hadis“ and Ismayil Iman, screenwriter. Two members of the international jury, Tehzeeb Khurana and Ana Chubinidze, will conduct workshops for children on creating animation examples. The co-organizer of the festival is “PERI FILM“ LLC. ..