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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Uzbekistan Hosts the 2nd Maqom Art International Forum

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27.06.2024

27.06.2024 03:44

The 2nd Maqom (Mugam) Art International Forum is taking place from June 27-30 in the Zaamin city of Jizzakh province, Uzbekistan, under the auspices of UNESCO and ICESCO. More than 400 guests from nearly 80 countries are attending the forum, which seeks to preserve, develop, and promote the rare examples of Uzbek national maqom art on an international scale, as well as enhance friendship and creative partnerships between peoples.

The opening ceremony of the 2nd Maqom Art International Forum will take place on June 27. Among the attendees will be Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Chairperson of the 42nd session of UNESCO; Salim Al-Malik, Director General of ICESCO; Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY; A. Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation; Mehmet Süreyya Er, Chairman of TürkPA; Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture; Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye; Moon Hyung Suk, Secretary-General of the Asia Region of the International Folklore Organization; and other officials and representatives of the diplomatic corps of foreign countries accredited in Uzbekistan. As part of the forum, an international scientific-practical conference titled "Development Perspectives of Maqom Art: Theoretical and Practical Foundations" will take place on June 28-29.

A performance competition will be held on June 28-29. An international jury, with experts from Azerbaijan, the USA, Egypt, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and India, will judge the performers in categories such as "Best Maqom Ensemble", "Best Instrumental Solo", and "Best Vocal Solo".
The organizing committee of the forum will award cash prizes, diplomas, and figurines to the winners. The Grand Prix prize is $15,000, while the 1st place winners in both solo and ensemble categories will receive $10,000, the 2nd place winners will receive $7,000, and the 3rd place award for solo and ensemble performers is $5,000.
To support and encourage the participants, awards will be presented in several categories including "Best Maqom Composer", "Best Soloist - Maqom Performer", "Best Musician - Maqom Performer", "Best Teacher in Maqom Art", "Best Maqom Promoter", and "Best Young Maqom Performer". Additionally, during the forum, various exhibitions featuring cultural examples from 14 regions of Uzbekistan will be held in the pavilions. The closing ceremony of the 2nd Maqom Art International Forum and the award ceremony for the winners will take place on June 30.

The first Maqom Art International Forum took place in Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan, from September 6-10, 2018, and the Mugham instrumental group representing our country secured the first place.

NEWS

25.06.2024 17:11

Acting and vocal master classes at the Academic Russian Drama TheaterAs part of the Days of Russian Culture in Baku, the Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theater hosted acting master classes by Alexandrina Kologriva and Nataliya Kulikova, and a vocal masterclass by Alina Ivakh on June 25. Art and acting students attended the master class where Alina Ivakh, the troupe leader of the Moscow Governorship Theater, shared her creative journey and mentioned that she not only teaches acting for vocalists but also leads master classes on “vocal therapy“. Ivakh also noted that the seventh International Children's Festival will take place in Russia. She explained that “Roskonsert“ invites educators and artists from various regions and abroad to participate in the festival. “We are looking forward to welcoming Azerbaijani artists to Moscow. I hope that the cultural cooperaion between Russia and Azerbaijan will keep flourishing. This is very important. Because sharing experiences always adds value,“ the expert added. The guests highlighted that they watched Azerbaijani art, especially our films and plays. In the master class, discussions covered topics like authors, writers, actors, screenplays, sound issues, new generation actors, repertoire, and dramaturgy, strategies for engaging a younger audience, introducing new talent, and maintaining audience’s interest. It was noted that new plays in Russia are initially performed in regional theaters, and then directors from the capital select and present the best ones. The guests talked about the new approaches implemented in Russian theaters and responded to the students' questions. ..

25.06.2024 10:57

Days of Russian Culture Begin in BakuOn June 24, an opening ceremony of the Days of Russian Culture took place at the Heydar Aliyev Palace, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The event was attended by officials from both countries, culture and arts figures, and art lovers. During the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Andrei Malyshev, thanked the Government of Azerbaijan for their warm welcome and support for the Days of Russian Culture. It was mentioned that Azerbaijan and Russia are bound by centuries-old friendly relations and a shared historical path of development. The Days of Russian Culture in Azerbaijan were last organized in 2019: “We aim to make this an annual event from now on. These cultural projects facilitate the further development of relations between the two countries at the strategic partnership level. I believe that today's joint performance by Russian and Azerbaijani art masters will be seen as the best example of their cooperation,“ stated Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Murad Huseynov, highlighting in his speech the dynamic development of cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. After the performances, a magnificent gala concert took place. The audience cheered the concert featuring Alexei Melnikov on piano, Sergey Dogadin on violin, and mezzo-soprano Maria Barakova, with accompaniment from the State Symphony Orchestra named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, conducted by Honored Artist of Russia Ivan Rudin. The collaboration between Azerbaijani vocalists and Russian performers that evening also received enthusiastic applause. The program featuring pieces by P. Tchaikovsky, S. Rachmaninov, D. Shostakovich, and N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov provided the audience with unforgettable moments. Notably, as part of the Days of Culture on June 25, the Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theater will host acting master classes by Russian experts Alexandrina Kologriv and Natalia Kulikova, as well as vocal master classes by Alina Ivakh. On the same day, art lovers can watch the performance of the play “Family Picture“ (1847) by Alexander Ostrovsky at the Academic Russian Drama Theatre. ..

25.06.2024 09:54

Our Culture on the Air – New ProjectsThe Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and “Pro Media Group“ LLC have organized new radio projects. This collaboration has led to the presentation of the “Azerbaijani language“, “Our cultural heritage“, and “Culture guide“ sections, along with the “Voice of Art“ program, to listeners The “Cultural Heritage“ aired on “Retro FM“ radio station (93.3 FM) offers information about our cultural heritage handed down through generations, and highlights historical-architectural and cultural landmarks and buildings found in Baku and other regions of Azerbaijan. The “Culture Guide“ segment aired on “Avto FM“ (107.7 FM) and “Retro FM“ (93.3 FM) provides information about upcoming performances at the Academic National Drama, Academic Opera and Ballet, Academic Musical, Academic Russian Drama, National Young Spectators, Puppet, Pantomime, Yugh, and Shusha State Musical Drama theaters. The “Azerbaijani language“ segment aired on “Avto FM,“ “Retro FM,“ and “Hit FM“ (97.7 FM) radio stations discusses correct spelling and pronunciation based on the lexical and grammatical rules of the Azerbaijani language. The “Voice of Art“ program, broadcast live on “Retro FM“ five days a week from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., features interviews with composers, singers, pop and opera performers who have played an important role in shaping our national music, as well as researchers of their heritage, their family members and students. These four projects support the promotion of Azerbaijani culture to a wider audience and aim to increase interest in cultural events, theater and performances. ..

24.06.2024 17:59

Days of Russian Culture Kick off in our CountryAs it is known, on January 22, 2024, the Intergovernmental State Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation signed the “Roadmap of the Key Directions of Development of Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia for 2024-2026“. According to the relevant paragraph of this document, the Days of Russian Culture will be held in Azerbaijan from June 22 to 26. A large delegation, including famous masters of art from the neighboring country, visited Azerbaijan during the Days of Culture. On June 24 at 19:00, a gala concert with Russian artists will be held at the Heydar Aliyev Palace. The next day, on June 25, at 11 a.m., Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theater will host acting master classes by Russian experts Alexandrina Kologriva and Nataliya Kulikova, as well as vocal master classes by Alina Ivakh. Art lovers can watch the performance of the play “Family Picture“ (1847) by Alexander Ostrovsky at the Academic Russian Drama Theatre on the same day at 8 pm. ..

24.06.2024 14:57

Media Representatives Observe Music and Art School Admission ExamsAs reported earlier, admission exams for the 2024/2025 academic year at music and art schools and centers under the Ministry of Culture are currently in progress. This year, for the first time, exams are being centrally administered for the convenience of citizens. The exam stage from June 20-30 is taking place at the Baku Choreography Academy in our capital. On June 24, a media tour was organized at the Baku Choreography Academy to acquaint journalists with the examination process. In addition to media representatives, Deputy Minister of Culture Murad Huseynov, Advisor to the Minister Jasarat Valehov, Chairman of the Union of Composers of Azerbaijan People's Artist Firangiz Alizadeh, People's Artists and tar performers Ramiz Guliyev and Elchin Hashimov, and other guests, participated in the event. They were informed about the progress of the exam stage and given details about the admission exam. It was mentioned that from June 20 onwards, candidates registered with the single electronic admission system for the first time are participating in in-person exams. A total of 16,280 individuals registered electronically, and 4,167 of them are applicants from Baku city. This newly implemented method was highlighted as a key component of the ongoing cultural education reforms. The transition to electronic admissions for music and art schools and centralized aptitude tests provide transparent assessment, increase citizen satisfaction, and saves time. Moreover, the selection of students at this level is important for evaluating the actual capabilities of the schools and for accurately assessing the educational performance of the students. A group photo was taken at the end of the tour. After all the exams are completed, the candidates (or the parent/legal representative for those under the age of 18) will be notified of the results within three working days via personal office, e-mail, or SMS notification service. ..

24.06.2024 12:55

Russian Pianist Conducts a Master Class at the Baku Music AcademyAs part of the Days of Russian Culture held in our country from June 22 to 26, Russian pianist Alexey Melnikov conducted a master class, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. On June 23, A. Melnikov shared his knowledge and experience with piano students at the master class held at the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli. The well-known pianist responded to the young people's questions and shared his recommendations. ..

24.06.2024 12:36

Azerbaijani Language Weekend School Opened in BerlinThe opening ceremony of the Azerbaijani Language Weekend School “Kharibulbul,“ jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, the State Committee for Work with Diaspora, and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany, was held at the Azerbaijani Cultural Center in Berlin. The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Farid Jafarov. During the speeches, the importance of the Azerbaijani language weekend school was emphasized, and it was mentioned that the school will support the promotion of our language. The establishment of Azerbaijani language schools on the initiative of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva was emphasized as extremely important for maintaining ties with the historical motherland and teaching the mother tongue to the young generation. The Azerbaijani diaspora in Germany also makes an active contribution in this field. After the opening ceremony, the rhythm courses that are newly organized at the Azerbaijan Cultural Center were introduced to the guests. At the end, the gifts of the Ministry of Culture and the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora were handed over to the students of the Mother Tongue School. ..

24.06.2024 12:32

Delegation of the Ministry of Culture Cisits GermanyThe delegation of the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan visited the Federal Republic of Germany. On June 21, they visited the Dresden State and University Library, where they were informed about its historical background and activities. After that, they held talks with the management of the library on the prospects of cooperation. The delegation also examined a handwritten copy of the epos “Kitabi-Dada Gorgud,“ a remarkable cultural and literary relic of the Turkic world, which is kept in the library. The study of the epos began with the discovery of a manuscript in the Dresden Library in 1815, written in the 15th century by the German Orientalist Heinrich Friedrich von Dietz. This manuscript contains an introduction and 12 sagas. The second copy of the epos is kept in Vatican. In this copy, published by the Italian scholar Ettore Rossi in 1952, the epos contains six sagas. More recently, other manuscripts of this epic have been found. The 1300th anniversary of the epos “Kitabi-Dada Gorgud“ was officially celebrated in 1999. Readers are presented with facsimiles of the Dresden and Vatican manuscripts in the two-volume encyclopedia “Kitabi-Dada Gorgud.“. ..

24.06.2024 12:25

Meeting Held on the Translation and Publication of Azerbaijani and Chinese classicsThe Azerbaijani delegation met with the Chinese side on June 21 at Beijing Language and Culture University. In the meeting, discussions were held about the current status and future tasks concerning the translation and publication of classical works from both countries, based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022 between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the General Administration of Press and Publication of the People's Republic of China. Zhao Haiyun, a first-category inspector of the General Administration of Press and Publication and Deputy Director-General for SAPPRFT Import Administration Department, welcomed the delegation and highlighted the significance of the translation project in the continuing cultural cooperation between China and Azerbaijan. He mentioned that this project will support the study and promotion of the cultural heritage of the two countries. The official delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan expressed their gratitude for the support in organizing Azerbaijan's participation in the Beijing International Book Fair, as well as for the attention given to Azerbaijan's cultural heritage. The Chinese side was informed about the progress of the translation project, and the possibilities for enhancing cultural cooperation between the two nations were discussed within the framework of the Baku International Book Fair. The Chinese side confirmed that a number of Chinese publishing houses would join the 10th Baku International Book Fair. The meeting concluded with the presentation of the promotional video of the Baku International Book Fair. ..

24.06.2024 12:19

The exhibition "Vajiha Samadova 100: Pages of the Life of an Artist," dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the honored artist Vajiha Samadova, was opened on June 20 at the National Art Museum of AzerbaijanPeople's artist Salhab Mammadov and Vajiha Samadova's grandson Agshin Mirfeyzullazadeh spoke at the event. They emphasized the importance of the exceptional artist's work in the national fine arts and the significance of the exhibition for Azerbaijani art. The exhibition, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan, featured some 60 paintings and graphic works of the artist in various genres, mainly from the collections of the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan State Art Gallery. The exhibition is curated by Shirin Malikova, Ph.D. in Art Studies and Associate Professor. The works of Vajiha Samadova, Azerbaijan's first professional painter known for her unique style and diverse subjects, are displayed in thematically organized halls. The landscape paintings in the exhibition bring to life the mysterious nature of Azerbaijan, captured by the artist through direct observation. Her creations, inspired by her creative trip to Bulgaria, feature compositions dedicated to the country's landscapes, buildings, and people. The artist's works, such as “Before the Exam“ and “Waiting for the News,“ among other thematic works, are characterized by their vivid emotions and feelings, with a flawless compositional structure. This style of artistic solution is also common in her graphic works from the 1950s and 1960s. “On the Shore of the Kura River,“ painted in 1961, represents the apex of her artistic and aesthetic exploration and occupies a prominent place in the exhibition. The artwork is presented with an engaging visual presentation using multimedia. The exhibition also includes portrait works, highlighting one of the primary genres in which Vajiha Samadova has established herself as an artist. The captivating portrait of the artist, painted by her dear lifelong friend Latif Feyzullayev, along with a video about her personality and creative world, adds a special meaning to the exhibition concept. The exhibition will continue until November 25, 2024. ..

21.06.2024 15:14

Admission Exams Start for Music, and Art Schools and CentersThe next round of exams for the admission of students for the 2024/2025 academic year in music and art schools and centers under the Ministry of Culture has begun. For the first time this year, the exams will be held centrally for the convenience of citizens. From June 20 to 30, the exams will be held at the Baku Choreography Academy in our capital. Starting from June 20, the candidates who registered for the first time through the single electronic admission system will participate in the in-person entrance exams. At this stage, a total of over 16,000 candidates will demonstrate their skills and knowledge, and over 4,000 of them are from Baku. After all the exams are completed, the candidates (or the parent/legal representative for those under the age of 18) will be notified of the results within three working days via personal office, e-mail, or SMS notification service. ..

21.06.2024 10:00

Azerbaijan Represented with a Stand at the International Animation Film FestivalThe Annecy International Animation Film Festival took place in Annecy, France. Under the organization of the Ministry of Culture, the members of the Azerbaijan Animation Association Elchin Hami Akhundov, Nazrin Aghamaliyeva, Ogtay Yusibov, Rashid Aghamaliyev, and Shahin Aliyev represented our country at the festival. This year over 17,000 spectators and guests visited the biggest animation festival in the world. The names of the winners of the festival are published on the official website of the festival. The Turkic Animation Association (ATA) and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) shared a stand at the MIFA Market during the festival. The stand featured animation products, projects, associations and festivals from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Türkiye. The catalog “Animation of Turkic Countries 2024“ was one of the highlights of the stand. The joint stand project of ATA and TURKSOY was implemented as part of the “Creative Azerbaijan“ program for the development of creative industries with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan and the International Organization of Turkic Culture. Animation director Ravan Muradov (Crambone Inventive League) also took part in the Annecy Festival. He was able to participate in the festival thanks to the award “Best Azerbaijani Short Animation Film“ at the 6th ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival for the film “The Half - “What if we die“. The next Annecy International Animation Film Festival will be held on June 8-14, 2025. ..

20.06.2024 09:24

The First Stand of Azerbaijan Featured at Beijing Book FairThe 30th Beijing International Book Fair kicked off on June 19, bringing together book industry representatives from various countries. This year, for the first time, Azerbaijan is represented with a national stand at the fair, under the organization of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and with the support of our Embassy in the People's Republic of China. The stand features 309 newly released publications, covering 133 different titles about our country. In honor of the 530th anniversary of the great Azerbaijani poet and philosopher Muhammad Fuzuli (1494-1556), President Ilham Aliyev has issued an order, and the Ministry of Culture is launching a series of related projects and events. Publications on the life and works of Muhammad Fuzuli were also displayed at our stand. The Azerbaijani delegation provided the visitors with detailed information about the history, culture, book industry of our country and mission of Shusha as the “Cultural Capital of the Islamic World“ in 2024. As part of the exhibition, cooperation meetings with the Chinese representatives were held at the national stand with the involvement of several publishing houses of Azerbaijan. Following the opening ceremony of the exhibition, the Azerbaijani delegation visited the National Library of Beijing, where the possibilities of collaboration with the library were discussed. The Beijing International Book Fair, where Saudi Arabia is the guest of honor, will continue until June 23. ..

14.06.2024 17:04

Minister of Culture Receives Citizens in SamukhIn accordance with the instruction of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the heads of central executive bodies and other administrative bodies hold receptions in cities and districts every month, address citizen appeals on various issues and take appropriate measures. In line with the schedule of receptions by the heads of the central executive authorities, the next meeting of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli with the citizens took place on June 14 in Samukh district. Before the meeting, the Minister and the Executive Head of the District, Firdovsi Aliyev, laid flowers at the monument of the national leader Heydar Aliyev in Samukh and paid tribute to his cherished memory. At the reception held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Samukh, the applications of the residents of the Samukh, Goranboy, Goygol, and Dashkasan districts, as well as Ganja and Naftalan cities, were reviewed. The applications concerned proposals and initiatives in the field of culture, employment, and various other issues. In addition, several existing issues in the field were highlighted. The Minister of Culture, Adil Karimli, listened to the citizens and instructed the relevant officials of the Ministry of Culture to investigate the issues in each application swiftly and resolve them according to the law. During the reception, the applications of the families of martyrs and veterans were recorded and placed under supervision to ensure that they receive timely attention. ..

14.06.2024 09:28

Culture Days in Uzbekistan Conclude with 'My Azerbaijan' ConcertThe closing concert of the Days of Azerbaijan Culture, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan took place in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. On June 13, the Musical Drama Theater named after Mugimi hosted a concert by the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble titled “My Azerbaijan.“ The event was attended by cultural and artistic figures and members of the public of the brotherly country. The evening, presenting the best examples of Azerbaijani dance art, was held in a full house. Our dancers professionally performed the dances “Suita“, “Gaval“, “Gazaghi“, “Scarf Dance“, “Naghara“, “Shali“, “Gaitaghi“, “Toy“, “Sword Dance“, “Chaychi“, and “Vatan“ along with musical performances and the audience applauded continuously. As the closing event of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture held in Tashkent from June 10 to June 14, the concert has gone down in history as an unforgettable art festival for the participants. ..

13.06.2024 18:02

"Sword and Pen," presented in TashkentThe Days of Azerbaijani Culture, held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, continue with vibrant events. One such event took place on June 13 at the Azerbaijan Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev in Tashkent. The center hosted a presentation of the Uzbek translation of the book “Sword and Pen“ by Mamed Said Ordubadi, a well-known author of historical novels. The opening speech at the ceremony, attended by scientists and intellectuals from Uzbekistan, was delivered by Ilgar Fahmi, the poet and playwright and the secretary of the Union of Azerbaijani Writers (UAW). Then he gave the floor to the Deputy Minister of Culture Farid Jafarov. Greeting the guests, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan is dedicated to promoting the works of our prominent poets and writers through their translation into various foreign languages. To date, over 100 authors' works have been translated and published. The Deputy Minister emphasized the special importance of the recognition of our authors in the Turkic world and said that it would give Uzbek readers a comprehensive insight into both the celebrated prose writer Mammad Said Ordbadi and the world-renowned Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi, whose portrayal is created in the work. The speakers of the event included literary critics and scientists of Uzbekistan, professors Nurboy Jabbarov and Abdulla Ulugov; AUW secretary, poet, and translator Selim Babullaoghlu; executive director of the Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Friendship Society Erkin Nuriddinov; poet Agshin Yenisey; and the director of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Ankara, Samir Abbasov. In the speeches, the importance of the new edition was noted, and the world of ideas of Nizami Ganjavi was discussed. The event featured the recitation of his poems and the performance of mughams sang to his ghazals. While Nizami Ganjavi's image holds a central position in the work, the author wasn't content with this alone and aimed to revive a complete picture of the period when the great poet lived, creating extensive portrayals of the people's lives. Therefore, the novel is named “Sword and Pen“ rather than after the main character, symbolizing the important influence of both the physical and spiritual power of the people. The novel was translated into Uzbek by Nazira Aliyeva, Muhsin Hamidov, and Rustam Komilov. ..

13.06.2024 17:04

State Yugh Theatre presents "It's Me" in TashkentThe Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Tashkent continue with interesting events. As part of the event, on June 12, the troupe of the Azerbaijan State Yugh Theater performed “It’s Me“ at the Uzbekistan State Institute of Art and Culture. Before the performance, an announcement was made that the director of the International Mugham Center, Honored Artist Sahib Pashazadeh, had received the title of Honorary Professor from Moscow State University. The honorary professor diploma was presented to the tar performer. Faculty members and students of USIAC, as well as cultural and artistic figures of the brotherly country, watched the performance. The play, which was based on the work of the writer and playwright Ilgar Fahmi and written in 2019 for the 650th anniversary of poet and thinker Imadeddin Nasimi (1369–1417), was organized by the honored artist Mehriban Alekbarzadeh. The artist of the performance is Vusal Rahim, the composer is People's Artist Aygun Samadzadeh, and the author of the plastic solution is Jeyhun Dadashov. The play, classified as a mystical-psychological drama, was developed through a joint project of the Azerbaijan State Yugh Theater and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation. People's Artist Mammadsafa Gasimov, Honored Artist Gasim Naghi, and actors Abdulgani Aliyev, Ziya Agha, Amid Gasimov, Vugar Hajiyev, Elgun Hamidov, Elshan Askerov, and Famil Guliyev took part in the performance. The stage performance presents the concept of Hurufism to the audience through the lenses of science, love, the divine scriptures, and sainthood. The Uzbek audience was introduced to Nasimi's era, love, sorrow, joy, truth, death, and immortality by merging different concepts of time and space on stage. Art lovers greeted the performance with applause. ..

13.06.2024 09:51

'Arshin Mal Alan' Back on Tashkent StageAs reported earlier, the Days of Azerbaijani Culture are being held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, from June 10 to June 14, under the organization of the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan. The world-famous operetta “Arshin mal alan“ (The Cloth Peddler) by the great Uzeyir Hajibeyli was performed for Uzbek art lovers on June 12. The musical comedy was presented by the creative team of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre at the State Academic Theatre named after Alisher Navoi. Honored Art Worker Hafiz Guliyev was the director of the production, while the roles were performed by Honored Artists Ramil Gasimov (Asker), Inara Babayeva (Gulchohra), People's Artist Gulaz Mammadova (Telli), and honored artists Jahangir Gurbanov (Soltan Bey), Gulstan Aliyeva (Jahan), Sabina Vahabzadeh (Asya), along with Taleh Yahyaev (Suleyman) and Sadig Melikov (Veli). Directed by honored art worker Sevil Hajiyeva and accompanied by the orchestra of the brotherly country, the play, which is one of the masterpieces of Uzeyir Bey, was met with great interest and applause. Written by U. Hajibeyli in 1913, it is considered the first operetta in the Muslim East. After its successful debut in Baku on October 25 of the same year, the play went to the stages of the Caucasus countries, Russia and reached a global audience. The play has been performed several times in Uzbekistan. In 2013, the centenary of “Arshin Mal Alan“ was celebrated at the UNESCO level. In 1945, the film “Arshin Mal Alan“ was made in Baku, dubbed into 80 languages, and shown in over 150 countries. In 1965, a new film of the same name was made on the basis of this work. ..

13.06.2024 09:31

‘National Heritage of Azerbaijan: Living in Pearls of Art’ Exhibition Opens in TashkentOn June 12, as part of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Uzbekistan, the exhibition ‘National Heritage of Azerbaijan: Living in Pearls of Art’ was launched at the Fine Arts Gallery of Uzbekistan. The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, Adil Karimli, the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, well-known figures from the fields of culture, art, and science from both countries, and members of the general public of the brotherly country. Kamila Baltabayeva, director of the Uzbekistan Fine Art Gallery, talked about the art center and the exhibition. Sevil Karimova, the Head of the Department of Art and Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, provided information about the visual and decorative-applied art of Azerbaijan. She explained that the concept of the exhibition is based on the rich history and ancient artistic traditions of the national heritage of Azerbaijan, as well as the principles of artistic inheritance. Following this, the guests got acquainted with the exhibition. It was noted that the first section of the exhibition presents the works by Azim Azimzadeh, the founder of professional Azerbaijani graphics, preserved in the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan and created in the early 20th century. Artistic renditions of these graphic works are based on unique exhibits from the museum fund. In the second hall, visitors can see 27 pieces of Kelaghayi dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries, collected privately over the last 20 years. The third hall is dedicated to the carpets of “Azerkhalcha“ OJSC. In the following hall, a video created by the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan is shown. In the lobby on the second floor of the gallery, handicrafts pertaining to embroidery, jewelry, coppersmithing, and shabaka art are on display. The process of creating handicrafts is visually demonstrated by our craftsmen. The idea of living traditions was part of the individual photo exhibition called “Ordinary City“ presented at this venue. After this, the guests watched a presentation featuring the clothing brands “ATIDE“ and “Anara Zakirli.“ “ATIDE“ is an Azerbaijani brand established in 2019 by the talented fashion designer Aida Kahveci. The name of the brand, which translates as “chest,“ is intentional. The goal is to maintain and pass on Azerbaijan's cultural heritage by merging our ancient national clothing, just like in the chests of our mothers and grandmothers, with modern fashion. The “Shamakhi“ clothing collection is named after an ancient city in Azerbaijan known for producing some of the country's famous Kelaghayi headscarves in the Shirvan region, which were called “Shamakhi“ by the locals. The clothes in the collection also feature Kelaghayi ornaments. The Azerbaijani brand “Anara Zakirli“ was established in 2018. Developed by the talented fashion designer Anara Zakirli, the brand aims to introduce our national carpet ornaments, synthesizing them with modern fashion and bringing the culture of our country, blending Eastern and Western harmony, into focus. The presented clothing collection “Zarafshan“ is inspired by the famous Azerbaijani carpet “Afshan.“. Clothes made of unique fabrics that reflect the national ornaments of Azerbaijan, Land of Fire, are featured in the collection. Each piece is infused with centuries of history, captivating stories, fine craftsmanship, and boundless creativity. Accompanied by Azerbaijani folk songs, the historical relics, carpets, and other handicrafts offer visitors a rich and unforgettable experience. ..

12.06.2024 14:27

Monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev Visited in TashkentOn June 12, as part of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture held in Uzbekistan, the monument of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of our people, who made outstanding contributions to the strengthening of political relations between the two countries, was visited in Tashkent. The Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, Adil Karimli, and the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, well-known figures of culture, art, and science of our country, laid flowers in front of the monument of the great leader in honor of his cherished memory. ..

12.06.2024 11:23

Another celebration of Azerbaijani art in TashkentDays of Azerbaijani Culture are being held in Uzbekistan from June 10 to June 14 under the organization of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The gala concert of the Days of Azerbaijan Culture was held on June 11 at the Palace of Forums of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. The evening was attended by ministers of culture of both countries, Adil Karimli and Ozodbek Nazarbekov, along with other officials and prominent figures from the cultural and artistic communities, as well as hundreds of fans of Azerbaijani music and mugham. The participants of the event were first invited to taste our national pastries presented in the lobby of the magnificent Palace of Forums. The guests tasted shakerbura, badambura, baklava, and other pastries. Shirzod Asadov, the head of the press service for the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, took the stage before the gala concert and read a congratulatory letter from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The letter emphasized the friendship and brotherhood between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, pointing out that the culture and art of both countries play a special role in strengthening relations between our peoples. Then, the solemn concert program started. Hazrat Azizli's rendition of the “Bayati-Shiraz“ mugham, along with the composition by the “Natig“ rhythm group and the “Mirvari“ dance ensemble, were met with great enthusiasm. The honored artist and tar performer Sahib Pashazadeh performed the “Chahargah“ rhapsody and the “Andijon polka“ Uzbek folk dance, while singer Almakhanim Ahmadli presented the song “Don't get hurt, come over here.“ The Garabakh Mugham group, under the direction of People's Artist Mansum Ibrahimov, performed “Musical Bouquet,“ followed by Honored Artist Nigar Shabanova's rendition of “You did not come“ and Afag Abbasova's performance of “Baku.“ The Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble performed the dances “Uzundara,“ “Gaitaghi,“ and “Zangazur yallisi.“ Uzbek singer and People's Artist of both countries, Nasiba Abdullayeva, performed “Garabagh.“ People's artist Gulyanag Mammadova sang “Ulugumsan Vatanim“, Ashig Samira and Ashig Ali presented “Ashug melodies“, People's artist Zulfiya Khanbabayeva performed “Mountains of Shusha“, People's artist Azer Zeynalov sang “Shukriya“, and Afag Abbasova and Azer Zeynalov performed a duet from the operetta “Arshin Mal Alan“. Additionally, Azad Shabanov presented “Popourri“ from the film “Mother-in-Law,“ along with other musical performances. As the concert concluded, all the participants performed Rauf Hajiyev's song “Azerbaijan“ together. Ministers Adil Karimli and Ozodbek Nazarbekov joined the artists on stage after the song, which received a standing ovation from the audience. They congratulated the artists on their successful performances. Group photos were taken at the end. ..

12.06.2024 09:40

Ministers of Culture of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan meet in TashkentOn June 11, a meeting of the Ministers of Culture of the two countries, Ozodbek Nazarbekov and Adil Karimli, took place within the framework of the Days of Culture of Azerbaijan in Uzbekistan. Ozodbek Nazarbekov welcomed his Azerbaijani counterpart at the meeting held in the Palace of Forums of Uzbekistan and emphasized the importance of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture held in Tashkent. The Minister expressed his pleasure to see the culture and art figures of Azerbaijan in his country once again and remarked that the Uzbek people have always embraced Azerbaijani culture with love and sympathy. Minister Adil Karimli expressed his gratitude for the bilateral meeting and the warm hospitality extended to the Azerbaijani delegation, noting that the art masters from our country came to Uzbekistan with great love and enthusiasm. It was pointed out that the reception of the Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on that day clearly demonstrates the great attention of the head of state to relations with Azerbaijan and his appreciation of our culture. At the meeting, it was noted that the President of Uzbekistan emphasized the importance of implementing joint cultural projects and suggested the production of a film about prominent Uzbek and Azerbaijani poets Alishir Navai and Muhammad Fuzuli. This suggestion by the head of state was discussed at the meeting of ministers. During the conversation, the sides exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest. ..

12.06.2024 09:33

Azerbaijani Corner Opened in the National Library of UzbekistanAs part of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Tashkent, Azerbaijani corner was opened on June 11 at the National Library of Uzbekistan, named after Alisher Navoi. During the ceremony, Umida Teshabayeva, Director of the National Library of Uzbekistan, described the opening of the Azerbaijani corner in the library as an important event both for the library staff and its visitors. She pointed out that the library has a large number of publications on Azerbaijan and stressed that the books, magazines, and other printed materials in the permanent section will help promote the history, culture, and literature of the brotherly country. U. Teshabayeva mentioned that the National Library of Uzbekistan has more than 5,000 books about Azerbaijan, and this collection is increasing every year. According to Professor Karim Tahirov, director of the National Library of Azerbaijan named after Mirza Fatali Akhundzadeh, relations with the National Library of Uzbekistan are growing annually. In 2019, Uzbekistan corner was established at the National Library of Azerbaijan. Since then, the library has hosted events celebrating the anniversaries of well-known Uzbek poets, writers, and thinkers, along with book presentations. It was also mentioned that approximately 300 titles have been added to the newly-created Azerbaijan corner. Uzbek readers will gain access to comprehensive information about the history, culture, literature, and modern development of our country, as well as our glorious victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, as published by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Following the speeches, the event participants got acquainted with the publications in the Azerbaijan corner. ..

12.06.2024 09:19

President of Uzbekistan Receives Minister of Culture of AzerbaijanPresident of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with Minister of Culture Adil Karimli on June 11, during his visit to Tashkent on the occasion of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture. Adil Karimli extended greetings and well wishes from the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to the head of state. During the meeting, the sides discussed issues of strategic partnership and expansion of relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in the humanitarian sphere. It's worth mentioning that the Days of Azerbaijani Culture will be held in Tashkent till June 14. ..

11.06.2024 15:30

Conference "Mohammed Fuzuli and Alisher Navoi: Our Common Literary and Moral Values" at the Union of Writers of UzbekistanAs reported earlier, Days of Azerbaijani Culture are taking place in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, from June 10 to 14, under the organization of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. On June 11, the Writers' Union of Uzbekistan hosted a conference titled “Mohammed Fuzuli and Alisher Navoi: Our Common Literary and Moral Values.“ On the occasion of the 530th anniversary of the birth of the great Azerbaijani poet and thinker Muhammad Fuzuli (1494–1556), a two-volume edition of his works in the Uzbek language was presented as part of the event. The two-volume book was published under a project by the Azerbaijani Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev in Tashkent. The conference was attended by the Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli, the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Chairman of the Union of Writers of Uzbekistan, People's Poet Sirajaddin Said, as well as the prominent cultural figures of the two countries. Sirajaddin Said, the Chairman of the Writers' Union of Uzbekistan, pointed out that the Days of Azerbaijani Culture held in Uzbekistan significantly contribute to the development of literary relations. It was noted that Alisher Navoi, who was inspired by the works of the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, influenced the development of all-Turkic literary thought and served as a cultural and literary bridge between our peoples. S. Said thanked President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for initiating the 100-volume anthology “Pearls of Turkic Literature.“ Ozodbek Nazarbekov, the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, greeted the Azerbaijani delegation and expressed his satisfaction with the development of literary and cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan during his speech. The minister mentioned that every week various events related to the literature, culture, and science of the two brotherly countries are held either in Uzbekistan or in Azerbaijan. Each event strengthens the ties between our countries. He mentioned that the Days of Uzbek Culture were successfully held in Baku last year and expressed confidence that the Azerbaijani Days will be successful as well. The Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, Adil Karimli, welcomed the attendees of the conference, mentioning that it was not coincidental that the Days of Culture started with a literature conference. He emphasized that the cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are based among other things, on literary ties dating back to the Middle Ages. Stressing the importance of the friendship between our heads of state and the successful policy based on mutual trust for developing cultural relations between the two countries, the Minister expressed confidence in the sustainability of this policy. The Minister mentioned that the Azerbaijan Cultural Center, named after Heydar Aliyev in Tashkent, significantly contributes to the development of literary and cultural ties between our countries. Adil Karimli expressed his appreciation for the publication of Mohammad Fuzuli's collection in the Uzbek language, noting that the two-volume book will increase the recognition of the poet in Uzbekistan. The Minister assessed the restoration of the “Majlisi-faramushan“ literary event in 2021 in Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, involving young writers from both Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan after many years, as an important new contribution to the literary relations of our countries. Later at the conference, reports were presented by literary critic and professor Nurboy Jabbarov, the member of the Azerbaijan Milli Majlis and academician Nizami Jafarov, poet and translator Mirzo Kenjabek, the secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union Salim Babullaoglu, and the director of the Institute of Oriental Studies named after academician Ziya Bunyadov of ANAS, Ruhangiz Jumshudlu. It was mentioned that Alisher Navoi and Muhammad Fuzuli had an exceptional role in the development of not only the two nations but also of Turkic literary and cultural thought in general. This was followed by discussions centered around the reports. The event concluded with the presentation of a literary and musical composition with the participation of Azerbaijani art masters. ..

10.06.2024 17:07

Days of Azerbaijani Culture Kick Off in TashkentCulture is often seen as a reliable bridge between nations. Ancient customs, historical and cultural heritage, and various fields of art have always attracted people's attention. Relations between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have a deep and ancient history. Our peoples have been brought closer by Turkic identity, common cultural values, and centuries of literary and artistic exchanges. Deep cultural cooperation is manifested through high-level mutual visits, involvement in international projects, and tours of art groups. The Azerbaijan Days of Culture, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan from June 10 to June 14 in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, mark a new chapter in the development of cultural ties between our countries. The event with a rich program will be the next celebration of Azerbaijani culture and art in the brotherly country. On this occasion, art masters, art groups, writers, and media representatives from our country visited Tashkent. As part of the program of the Days of Culture, on June 11 at 10:30 a conference on “Mohammed Fuzuli and Alishir Navai: Our Common Literary and Moral Values“ will take place in the Writers' Union of Uzbekistan. The Azerbaijani corner will be opened on the same day at 16:00 in the National Library of Uzbekistan, named after Alishir Navai. A presentation of Azerbaijani pastries will be held at 18.30 in the Palace of Forums “Uzbekistan,“ followed by a gala concert of Azerbaijani art masters and art groups at 19.00. Days of Culture will be memorable with interesting activities on June 12. The Uzbekistan Fine Arts Gallery will host an exhibition titled “Azerbaijani National Heritage Living in Pearls of Art“ at 12:00. The play “It’s Me“ by the Azerbaijan State Yugh Theater will be performed at the Uzbekistan State Institute of Art and Culture at 15.00. On the same day, art lovers of Uzbekistan will watch the performance of “Arshin Mal Alan,“ an operetta by the legendary Uzeyir Hajibeyli. The Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater will stage this famous piece at 19.00 at Alishir Navai State Academic Theater. The presentation of the book “Sword and Pen“ by the famous historical novelist Mammad Said Ordubadi is scheduled for June 13 at the Azerbaijan Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev in Tashkent. The events and presentations of the Days of Azerbaijan Culture will create lasting memories for the brotherly Uzbek people, who always show interest in our literary and cultural treasures. It should be noted that the days of culture of our country were last held in Uzbekistan in 2022, and the friendly country demonstrated its cultural and spiritual treasures in Baku in 2023. ..

07.06.2024 15:41

The UN General Assembly Publishes the Declaration of the 6th Dialogue ForumThe final declaration of the sixth World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue on the theme Dialogue for Peace and Global Security, which took place in Baku from May 1 to May 3, was published as a document of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. The information was provided by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN. The “Baku Process“ initiative, proposed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, in 2008, has been highly appreciated as an important global initiative on intercultural dialogue in the speeches of the UN Secretary-General and in the official documents of this organization. This is a recognition of the contributions of the Republic of Azerbaijan, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, to world peace, prosperity, and intercultural dialogue. The sixth World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, organized by the Government of Azerbaijan in cooperation with UNESCO, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the World Tourism Organization, and ICESCO, was attended by high-ranking guests and experts from more than 100 countries. The forum included four plenary sessions and twelve panels on topical issues, several of which were held in Shusha and Aghdam. ..

07.06.2024 13:10

Minister of Culture listens to citizens' concerns in Imishli district In accordance with the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the heads of central executive authorities and other administrative bodies hold monthly meetings with citizens in various cities and districts. The aim of these meetings is to directly address the problems and suggestions of the residents and to forward appeals on other issues to the appropriate authorities. Minister of Culture Adil Karmli met with citizens in Imishli district on June 7. Prior to the event at the Heydar Aliyev Center, both the minister and the head of the district Elchin Rzayev paid tribute to the national leader by laying flowers at his monument. During the reception, which was attended by residents of Beylagan, Imishli, Saatli, and Sabirabad districts, the citizens' appeals were mainly focused on cultural proposals, employment, and other issues. After listening to the citizens' demands and suggestions on various issues, the minister instructed the relevant ministry representatives attending the reception to immediately examine each demand and resolve it in accordance with the law. During the meeting, each appeal was recorded and followed up to give special attention and ensure that the concerns of the martyrs' families and veterans are addressed promptly and objectively. ..

06.06.2024 19:02

New Exposition of 1920-1980s Azerbaijani Paintings and Graphics OpensThe opening ceremony of the new exposition “Azerbaijani Paintings and Graphics of 1920-1980s“ was held in the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan. Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli, members of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ambassadors of foreign countries, and well-known public and cultural figures were present at the event. Speaking at the event, People's Artist Farhad Khalilov, Chairman of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan, and Shirin Malikova, Director of the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan, Doctor of Art Sciences, emphasized that the progress of Azerbaijani painting and graphic art from the 1920s to the 1980s is thoroughly presented through the exceptional works of prominent artists featured in the exhibition. Later, the participants of the event got acquainted with the exhibition. At the exposition, 157 samples of painting, graphics, sculpture, and ceramics are on display. The first hall of the painting exhibition presents works by prominent artists from the 1920-1940s generation, including Salam Salamzadeh, Rustam Mustafayev, Alakbar Rzaguliyev, Ali Rasim Mukhtarov, Reyhan Topchubashova, Gazanfar Khaligov, Sadig Sharifzadeh, and Davud Kazimov. The later stages are exemplified by the works of well-known Azerbaijani artists such as Sattar Bahlulzadeh, Maral Rahmanzadeh, Khalida Safarova, Kamil Khanlarov, Toghrul Narimanbeyov, Nadir Abdurrahmanov, Buyukagha Mirzazadeh, and Tahir Salahov, which are distinguished by their different themes and styles. The exhibition also presents works reflecting the themes of the exhibition, created by famous sculptors Mirali Mirgasimov, Omar Eldarov, Hayat Abdullayeva, Elmira Huseynova, and Khanlar Ahmadov. The Azerbaijani graphics exposition covering 1920-1980 displays a series of works in various genres and techniques by distinctive artists including Bahruz Kangarli, Azim Azimzadeh, Alakbar Rzaguliyev, Elmira Shahtakhtinskaya, Mikayil Abdullayev, and Sanan Gurbanov, all of whom significantly contributed to the development of national graphic art. One of the intriguing aspects in the exposition is the first-time exhibition of the painting album of Bahruz Kangarli, the founder of Azerbaijani easel painting, and the inkwell reflected in his still-life composition. The exhibition also includes ceramic figurines and decorative plates by famous artists such as Yelena Orbeliani, Zivar Mammadova, Hayat Abdullayeva, Rasim Khalafov, Telman Zeynalov, Ogtay Shikhaliyev, Liya Aghamalova, Hasanagha Alasgarov, and Saleh Mammadov, created in different decades of the 20th century and designed to complement the graphic works. The exhibition is interactive. In each hall, visitors can indicate their age group and vote for their favorite piece using the QR code. ..

06.06.2024 18:22

Job Fair Organized in LachinThe State Employment Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, with the support of the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, organized another job fair in Lachin district. The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan also participated in the active employment event, and presented relevant vacancies. At the fair, residents were provided with information on vacancies and work requirements. Job seekers submitted their CVs, which were then reviewed, and suitable candidates were registered. ..

05.06.2024 17:02

Perspectives of Azerbaijan-Austria cultural relations discussedOn June 5, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli met with the Austrian Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Thomas Schuller-Götzburg. The Minister welcomed the diplomat and discussed relations between the two countries. He noted the good cooperation between Azerbaijan and Austria in various fields. The minister mentioned that our country was interested in developing relations in the cultural area. The possibilities of exchanging knowledge and experience in cinema, museum and library work, registration, preservation, and restoration of historical and cultural heritage, including creative industries, were discussed during the meeting. They also discussed student exchange programs in art education and the training of professionals in cultural heritage management. At the meeting, the Austrian side was invited to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be hosted by Azerbaijan in November this year. ..

05.06.2024 15:35

The Minister of Culture meets the German AmbassadorOn June 5, Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, had a meeting with Ralf Horleman, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to our country. Welcoming the Ambassador, the Minister spoke about the existing relations between Azerbaijan and Germany and noted that there are wide opportunities for the expansion of cultural cooperation between the two countries. German Ambassador Ralf Horleman extended his gratitude for the reception. He expressed high appreciation for the care and attention paid to the German heritage in Azerbaijan. The diplomat suggested a project on cultural tourism related to the German heritage in the country. The importance of developing relations between the cultural institutions of the two countries, such as libraries, museums, exhibition halls, theaters, and concert halls, was emphasized during the conversation. During the meeting, opinions were also exchanged on the involvement of relevant German institutions in the discussions on climate change and culture planned for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in our country in November. ..

04.06.2024 12:42

Guests of A-Hub Acceleration Program Tour Shusha CityAs reported earlier, as part of the Digital Creative Weekend Project, on June 3, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and New Space Open Innovation, a ceremony was held at the Shusha Hotel-Congress Center to award the winners of the 2023 A-Hub Acceleration Program. During the tour, the guests witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the thirty-year occupation on the city and learned about the historical monuments of Shusha, as well as the ongoing restoration and construction efforts. The guests visited the bullet-riddled statues of Khurshidbanu Natavan, Uzeyir Hajibeyli, and Bulbul and took pictures in front of the Shusha Castle (fortress walls). ..

04.06.2024 09:01

Winners of the "A-Hub Acceleration Program" awarded in ShushaAs reported earlier, the global finals of the “A-Hub Acceleration Program” for 2023 took place on June 2 at the Baku Crystal Hall, supported by the Ministry of Culture and in collaboration with ICESCO and “New Space Open Innovation” as part of the Digital Creative Weekend project. The winners of the program were awarded during a ceremony on June 3 at the Shusha Hotel-Congress Center. Over 11 innovative teams from 30 countries, including Azerbaijan, Djibouti, Tunisia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Libya, Senegal, Somalia, Egypt, Mali, and Sudan, participated in the world final. These innovators presented their concepts and competed for a $30,000 cash prize. According to the final results, “Snack Pack“ (Azerbaijan) took first place, “ReSkill“ (Tajikistan) took second place, “Biopols“ (Türkiye) earned third place, and “Caredify“ (Tunisia) earned fourth place. The respective cash prizes awarded were 10, 8, 6, and 6 thousand US dollars. The “A-Hub Accelerator“ is an initiative implemented by ICESCO and “New Space Open Innovation“ and established with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan. This program supports creative and technological startups by giving them access to essential resources and mentorship to develop their ideas. Launched as a pilot project in 2021, the accelerator now operates in 20 countries and continues to expand. ..

03.06.2024 18:28

Ninth Vocalist Competition Named after Bulbul Kicks OffThe opening ceremony of the 9th International Vocalist Competition, named after Bulbul, took place on June 3 at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic, named after M. Magomayev. Over 140 vocalists aged 18 to 36 compete for victory in the competition held by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Bulbul International Foundation. The competition includes a diverse group of participants. Along with Azerbaijan, over 25 countries, including Türkiye, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, and Macedonia, will compete for the prizes in the Bulbul competition over the course of a week. In line with tradition, before the opening ceremony, the organizing committee of the competition, representatives from the Ministry of Culture, jury members, and contestants gathered at the monument dedicated to the great artist, People's Artist of the USSR Bulbul (1897–1961). Polad Bulbuloghlu, Head of the International Bulbul Foundation and chairman of the competition, welcomed everyone, saying, “I am pleased to see young vocalists from various countries arriving in Baku today, all eager for an opportunity to reach the big stage. I am deeply grateful to national leader Heydar Aliyev for signing the order to hold this competition back in 1997.” The competition is now taking place for the ninth time. Previously, the gala concert for the eighth competition and the prize-giving ceremony were hosted in Shusha, Bulbul's small homeland. Staying true to our tradition, this year's event will also be held there. Shusha has been known as the “Conservatory of the Caucasus” for centuries, and the competition named after Bulbul justifies this name.” The Rector of the Baku Music Academy and People's Artist, Professor Farhad Badalbeyli, who has been the Deputy Chairman of the jury since the first competition, and Yusif Eyvazov, the newly appointed chairman of the jury and world-famous vocalist who won first place in the 4th competition named after Bulbul, extended their best wishes to the participants. The opening ceremony of the competition was held at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic. Polad Bulbuloghlu welcomed every member of the jury and mentioned the names of world-famous Russian vocalists such as Irina Arkhipova, Yevgeniy Nesterenko, and Sergey Leyferkus, who have chaired the jury in the competition named after Bulbul. He pointed out that the Azerbaijani vocalists who achieved success in this competition are now accomplished enough to evaluate new performers. Deputy Minister of Culture Murad Huseynov highlighted that numerous singers who won this competition are now performing on the big stages of the world and contributing significantly to the promotion of this art: “The musicians participating in this competition will also become outstanding musicians and artists in the future. This competition will hold a special place in their hearts, just as it does in ours. Today's event, much like previous competitions, is a distinguished musical holiday. The name of the great singer Bulbul is inscribed in golden letters in the annals of world musical culture. He made significant contributions to the development and promotion of national vocal art in Azerbaijan and founded his own school. I wish every participant great creative success. I hope each participant achieves creative success. I am certain that, like previous competitions, this event will go down in the history of outstanding international musical projects held in our country. People's artist Yusif Eyvazov, the chairman of the jury, gave a speech that was seen as valuable psychological guidance from a senior colleague to the younger participants: “The competition is an important event. I want the young artists here today to understand that if you don't win or don't make it to the next round, it doesn't mean that you can't have a successful career or that you are less capable than the winners. It's just that right now, when you're on stage, you're not at the level necessary to be a winner. So don't worry, keep trying, and most importantly, try to impress the judges with your voice. We will objectively choose the winners and finalists. Let a “star“ shine in this competition! After the opening ceremony, the first round of the competition started. Due to the high number of participants, the program allocated two days for this first round. The second round of the competition will take place on June 5. ..

03.06.2024 17:57

The International Forum of Entrepreneurs in Shusha continues with panel discussions on interesting topicsThe International Forum of Entrepreneurs in Shusha continues with panel sessions on interesting topics. The first panel session of the forum, moderated by Leyla Seyidzadeh, a consultant on innovations at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), focused on Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship: Digital Landscape, Trends, and Challenges. Jehan Ara, CEO and Founder of Katalyst Labs, spoke about their achievements in promoting the role of women in the digital business sector. Pegah Gol, a member of the Council of Best-Selling Authors and an investor in the AI Talent platform, mentioned that in her career she hasn't come across cases where women were paid less than men for their work. Vitalia Shutova, the CEO of DevCIT Acceleration, emphasized the importance of business skills for successful entrepreneurship. Innovation researcher Noshaba Awais highlighted the work being done in her country, Pakistan, to attain gender equality in the digital sector. Nargiz Amrahova, the director of FemTech, explained that members of the organization she leads now hold a variety of positions: Our main goal is to ensure that women have a fulfilling working life. A group photo was taken at the end. * * * ”Startup to Business: Decentralized AI at Entrepreneur Forum“ – the next panel of the International Forum of Entrepreneurs At the International Forum of Entrepreneurs in Shusha, the second panel session revolved around the topic “From Startup to Business: Decentralized Artificial Intelligence—Empowering Startups with Innovative and Collaborative Tools: Investors' and Venture Capitalists' Perspectives.“. During the session, moderated by Maria Marenco, a specialist in health, Sylvere Boussamba, founder and chairman of Ogooué Labs, discussed the benefits of artificial intelligence in today's world. He mentioned that artificial intelligence is currently helping to prevent the loss of information. Teymur Aliyev, head of SOCAR's Strategic Management and Innovation Department, emphasized the need for a cautious approach to the use of artificial intelligence: “The use of AI goes beyond the mere possession of the technology. It requires the acquisition of specific knowledge. If we apply this technology correctly, it can lead to positive results. According to content creator Stephanie Meisl, industries are changing and new trends are emerging. She pointed out that extensive training over many years is not necessary to use new technologies. After the presentations, questions from the audience were answered. ..

03.06.2024 16:17

Shusha Hosts International Business ForumAs reported earlier, on May 31, the Digital Creative Weekend event took place in our country from May 31 to June 3. On June 3, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and in collaboration with the Islamic World Education, Science, and Culture Organization (ICESCO) and New Space Open Innovation, an International Forum of Entrepreneurs was held at the Shusha Hotel-Congress Center as part of the project. The event began with the opening speeches by the Advisor to the ICESCO Science and Technology Sector, Rashad Azizov, Head of the Department of Creative Industries and Digital Development of the Ministry of Culture, and Elchin Babayev, Rector of Baku State University. Following that, the video of Lidia Borrell-Damian, Secretary General of “Science Europe,“ was shown. After the speeches, the forum continued its work with panel sessions. The panel discussion, chaired by Mohammad Sharif, Advisor to the Director General of ICESCO, focused on “The Importance of Start-ups and Inclusive Technologies of the Future.“ Professor Osama Rayis, from the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD), spoke about the problems of agriculture in African countries. Mohammed Ahmad Alaswad, former Deputy Prime Minister of Libya and Senior Advisor on Entrepreneurship, highlighted the existing gaps in the field of entrepreneurship. Shelli Brunswick, the General Director of Operations at the Space Foundation, shared her experience in the field of cosmonautics in a video format during the panel session. Rashad Azizov, Head of the Department of Creative Industries and Digital Development at the Ministry of Culture, emphasized the importance of expanding the startup space. He explained that the most important aspect of innovation is to ensure that an interesting idea, regardless of where it originates, can quickly reach a wider audience and broader geographic areas. This is the key to the success of a startup. According to Elchin Babayev, Rector of Baku State University, startups should first reach the project stage. The rector also mentioned, “We can share our knowledge of entrepreneurship, startups, and investment with other countries. ..

03.06.2024 15:10

The Date Set for the Minister of Culture Adil Karimli to Meet Citizens in ImishliThe meeting with citizens of Beylagan, Imishli, Saatli, and Sabirabad districts, which was originally scheduled for April this year by the Azerbaijani Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, will now be held on June 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Imishli district (address: 2 Hanuary 20 street, Imishli city). ..

03.06.2024 12:21

Choreographer Magsud Mammadov visited at home on the occasion of his 95th birthdayCelebrated ballet master and icon of Azerbaijani ballet, people's artist and presidential scholar Magsud Mammadov, celebrated his 95th birthday on May 30. On June 1, Deputy Minister of Culture Murad Huseynov and key ministry officials visited the artist at his home. The Deputy Minister congratulated the artist on his anniversary and wished him good health. It was noted that Magsud Mammadov, the first Azerbaijani ballet artist with formal education, began his career as a soloist at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. He quickly distinguished himself as a talented, hardworking and passionate artist, earning the affection of ballet lovers. Magsud Mammadov's contributions to Azerbaijani ballet have always been recognized by the state. He received the honorary title of “People's Artist“ in 1970 and was awarded the Order of Shohrat in 2019. Since 2002, he has also received a presidential scholarship. Later, an honorary diploma from the Ministry of Culture was awarded to the people's artist. The veteran artist expressed his gratitude for the recognition of his work. Born in Ganja in 1929, Magsud Davud oghlu Mammadov developed an early interest in dance, which led him to the Baku Choreographic School. Due to his remarkable artistic talent, he was later sent to the Moscow Choreographic School. Upon finishing his education there, he joined the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. He skillfully performed challenging roles from the works of world classics, including Siegfried in “Swan Lake,“ Desiré in “Sleeping Beauty,“ the Nutcracker in “The Nutcracker,“ Albrecht in “Giselle,“ and Basil in “Don Quixote.“ He also brought to life bright characters from Azerbaijani compositions, such as Polad in “Maiden Tower,“ Azad in “Gulshan,“ Manzar in “Seven Beauties,“ and Farhad in “Legend of Love.“ Throughout his career, Magsud Mammadov worked in various countries including Egypt, Yemen, Algeria, Turkey, and Sweden, and played a key role in promoting our national art of choreography. The ballets “Khazar Ballad“ by Tofig Bakikhanov, “Shadows of Gobustan“ and “Kaleidoscope“ by Faraj Garayev, “Azerbaijan Suite“ by Rauf Hajiyev, “Mugham“ by Nazim Alivedibeyov, and “Babek“ by Agshin Alizadeh (co-produced with his wife, the renowned ballerina and People's Artist Rafiga Akhundova (1931-2024)) brought great acclaim to the gifted choreographer. ..

02.06.2024 21:24

World Final of A-Hub Acceleration Program ConcludesAs reported earlier, the “Digital Creative Weekend“ project took place in Baku and Shusha from May 31 to June 3. As part of the project, the Baku Crystal Hall hosted the World Final of the “A-Hub Acceleration Program(2023) on June 2, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, ICESCO, and “New Space Open Innovation.” First, attendees listened to the video message from ICESCO General Director Salim bin Muhammad al-Malik. In his opening speech, Deputy Minister of Culture Farid Jafarov welcomed the guests. He pointed out that the Ministry of Culture is collaborating with ICESCO on this project. “We are happy that this platform has grown into a large-scale project. We plan to undertake new initiatives to further develop it in the future.“ Highlighting the collaborative efforts between Azerbaijan and ICESCO, the deputy minister noted that the country has had a productive partnership with the organization to date: “An example is the declaration of Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, as the 'Cultural Capital of the Islamic World' for 2024. Achieving 'cultural capital' status is a great honor. Tomorrow, you will witness firsthand the rich Islamic culture preserved in this ancient city.“ Mahammad Sharif, Advisor to the Director General of ICESCO on Science and Technology, thanked our country for its hospitality and wished success to the teams in the World Finals. He also expressed his confidence that the participants of the project will get acquainted with the rich culture of Azerbaijan during the event. Leyla Taghizadeh, the founder of “New Space Open Innovation,” provided information about the project. The project, which started in 2021, aims to support innovative development initiatives and is being implemented in ICESCO member countries. Its objectives include raising interest among businesses and young people in this field and coordinating cultural and private creative business entities. “Three years ago, when we launched this project, we couldn't have imagined such a grand world final involving more than 11 innovative teams from 30 countries. Azerbaijan, Djibouti, Tunisia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Libya, Senegal, Somalia, Egypt, Mali, and Sudan are participating in the world final. The total prize pool of the final is 30 thousand US dollars.” After the speeches, the startup teams introduced their ideas. The names of the winners will be revealed at the award ceremony to be held on June 3 in Shusha. The “A-Hub Accelerator“ is an initiative implemented by ICESCO and “New Space Open Innovation“ and established with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan. This program supports creative and technological startups by giving them access to essential resources and mentorship to develop their ideas. Launched as a pilot project in 2021, the accelerator now operates in 20 countries and continues to expand. ..

01.06.2024 20:28

Digital Creative Weekend hold in Baku and Shusha.As already reported, the project “Digital Creative Weekend“ was held from May 31 to June 3 in Baku and Shusha. As part of the project, the opening ceremony of the grand festival “Gamesummit - 2024“, supported by the Ministry of Culture, took place on June 1, 2024 at the Crystal Hall in Baku. The Deputy Minister of Culture, Saadat Yusifova, welcomed the participants. She noted that Azerbaijan is known for its colorful arts and innovative spirit: “From the ancient melodies of mugham music to the stunning architecture of Baku, Azerbaijan's cultural landscape is both ancient and diverse. Creativity and innovation play a key role in the development of our country. Our esteemed President, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, emphasized that Azerbaijan's future depends on its ability to innovate and integrate into the global technology landscape while preserving its rich cultural heritage. The concept perfectly embodies the essence of “Gamesummit“, blending tradition with cutting-edge advances. The festival celebrates the limitless potential of creativity, innovation, and technology for digital arts and entertainment enthusiasts. Our state's cultural strategy places a strong emphasis on nurturing talent and developing the digital arts. These activities are in line with the Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2022-2026, which promotes the development of creative industries and the establishment of new creative companies in this field.“ In her address, the Deputy Minister thanked the event's organizers, sponsors, and volunteers for their contributions and urged participants and visitors to fully immerse themselves in the celebratory atmosphere of discovery. “Explore the cutting-edge gaming technology, participate in the interactive areas, and take advantage of the networking opportunities on offer,“ she said. She emphasized that the event is more than just entertainment; it's about community, bringing people together, and sparking new ideas. It's an environment where artists, developers, and enthusiasts can collaborate, showcase their work, and inspire each other. The opening ceremony was followed by a concert program and presentations. The Gaming Summit attracted over 3,500 attendees, including video game enthusiasts, game developers, representatives from corporations, communities, IT startups, and various government agencies. The first day of the festival featured presentations in five key areas: technology, innovation, creative industries, agriculture, and the environment. In addition to the presentations, various company pavilions showcased competitive games and new games. The festival will include an international business conference with contributions from local experts, a competition for the best video game created by local companies, the establishment of the “yaradıcı“ brand, digital art and animation, and other exhibition pavilions. In addition, participants can enjoy various forms of interactive entertainment, including arcade machines, a VR zone, and demonstrations of games by independent domestic developers. The Games Summit will feature various competitions in the categories of “e-Sports“, “Cosplay“ (where amateurs portray special characters), and “K-Pop“ (Korean pop music) dances and performances, as well as unannounced games from the AzDimension studio. “Gamesummit“ will serve as a platform to showcase the latest advances in game technology, help independent game developers showcase their talents, and network with professionals. ..

30.05.2024 15:37

Digital Creative Weekend AnnouncedDuring the Digital Creative Weekend, scheduled for May 31–June 3, 2024, Azerbaijan will host the world finals of the large-scale games festival “Gamesummit 2024,“ supported by the Ministry of Culture and ICESCO's “A-Hub Acceleration Program“ (2023). The Gamesummit, which kicks off with a concert by world-famous pop star John Newman at the Baku Crystal Hall on May 31, will feature three main sections: a festival, a performance, and a games conference. The festival will bring together more than 3,500 game enthusiasts, developers, companies, communities, IT start-ups, and representatives of various government agencies. An international business conference with leading foreign and local experts will be organized as part of the event, along with a competition for the best computer game from local companies. It is also planned to set up “Yaradıcı“ branded pavilions to showcase digital art, animation and other exhibits. In addition to the conference, visitors can enjoy interactive entertainment such as arcade machines, a VR zone, and game demonstrations by independent local developers. The summit will feature competitions in categories such as “e-sports,“ “cosplay“ (where enthusiasts portray and display unique characters), and “K-pop“ (Korean pop music) dancing, as well as musical performances and presentations of unreleased games by “AzDimension“ studio. The Gamesummit will provide a platform for showcasing the latest advances in game technology, showcasing the talents of independent game developers, and promoting interaction between industry professionals and gamers. The World Final of ICESCO's “A-Hub Acceleration Program“ for 2023 is scheduled for June 2 at the Baku Crystal Hall, followed by the award ceremony in Shusha on June 3. Launched in 2021, the “A-Hub Acceleration Program“ is implemented in ICESCO member countries to support initiatives in the field of innovative development, raise the interest of business players and young people in this field, and connect private creative entrepreneurs with the cultural field. On June 3, Shusha will host the “International Forum of Entrepreneurs,“ which will consist of three panel discussions. Topics for discussion at the forum include “The Importance of Startups and Upcoming Inclusive Technologies“ and “Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship: Trends and Challenges.“ The events are being held to support the establishment of the cultural and creative field as an industry, as well as to support the efforts of market participants, as stipulated in the relevant paragraph of the Action Plan under the “Socio-Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022–22,“ approved by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Link to follow: www.gamesummit.ai ..