As we have informed earlier, the First Cultural Forum of the Turkic World as organized by the Ministry of Culture is being held on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Shusha city on October 13-14.
The opening ceremony of the forum took place on October 13.
The ceremony was attended by public officials, representatives from the competent authorities of the Turkic World, and other visitors.
During the event, a video clip celebrating Shusha city as one of the cradles of Azerbaijani mugham art, and carrying out its role as "The Cultural Capital of the Turkic World," was presented. This was followed by a literary and artistic composition titled "Dervishes."
Making an opening speech, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli welcomed the guests and noted that the holding of the First Cultural Forum of the Turkic World in Shusha city is a significant event: “This forum is of particular importance for the whole Turkic world. Today, our Shusha, Karabakh, and Azerbaijan as a whole celebrate their Victory. The wide-scale reconstruction works have been carried out in Shusha city for three years, and no fires are being heard in today’s Karabakh. During the past September 19-20, our glorious army put an end to the acts of terrorism by the illegal military of Armenia in Karabakh within just 24 hours under the leadership of the President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. In this way, Azerbaijan ensured its territorial integrity. Azerbaijan acts as a proponent of peace and stability in the whole world and not only in the South Caucasus region alone, taking practical steps in this direction".
Highly valuing the importance of the forum, the Minister stressed the importance of founding a common platform in order to promote the Turkic culture around the world: “We think this forum will contribute to the deepening of the cultural cooperation between our brotherly peoples, and mutual promotion of our ancient heritage. The National Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev tirelessly worked towards the unity of the Turkic nations, and it is no coincidence that the forum is devoted to the 100th anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev".
The Minister concluded his speech by wishing the Forum success in its work.TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev expressed his satisfaction with his visit to Shusha for the next time and described Shusha as a home to many literary figures such as Khurshidbanu Natavan, Uzeyir Hajibayli, Bulbul, etc.: “Shusha is also “the cultural capital of the Turkic World”. Shusha is Azerbaijan! Shusha is the Turkic World!".
Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Kubanichbek Omuraliyev said that the Victory of Azerbaijan in the 44-day Patriotic War and the liberation of Karabakh and East Zangezur from occupation are of great importance not only for Azerbaijan, but for the entire Turkic World. K. Omuraliyev noted that the Turkic states have common roots in terms of language and culture and said that he will spare no effort to strengthen cooperation.
Mehmet Sureyya Er, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA), emphasized that Shusha's bringing together Turkic organizations and leaders of relevant institutions of our brotherly republics has a symbolic meaning: "Shortly after the liberation from occupation, extensive restoration and construction works are bringing Shusha back to its former glory. This charming city already hosts prestigious events and art projects.
The President of the International Turkic Academy (ITA) Shahin Mustafayev said that the victory achieved in Karabakh is not only a victory for Azerbaijan, but for the entire Turkic World. These lands, which were destroyed by the enemy during the almost 30-year occupation, are being rebuilt by their real owners - the state of Azerbaijan. We do this together with the Turkic states. This forum, currently held in Shusha, will be an important contribution to the promotion of our common cultural values."
Academician Isa Habibbeyli, the President of ANAS, said that the National Leader Heydar Aliyev has done important things for the unity of the Turkic peoples: "I can say that the Turkic states are now successfully moving towards a single nation, 6 states. This is the greatest that can be achieved in the light of Heydar Aliyev’s genius. I believe that devoting the forum to the 100th anniversary of our National Leader is an important contribution to the "Year of Heydar Aliyev".
People's writer Anar, the Chairman of the Writers' Union of Azerbaijan, said in his speech that even though he was not born in Shusha, he felt like a Shusha citizen: "I am very glad that at this age I saw the day when Shusha was liberated. Currently, Shusha is becoming more beautiful and flourishing day by day. I always say that this Victory has a grandfather and a father. The grandfather is Heydar Aliyev, and the father is President Ilham Aliyev.
At the end, memory photos were taken.
After the opening ceremony, the forum continued its work with panel sessions.
