International Scientific Symposium commenced as part of the International Festival “The World of Mugham” starts

On 18 March, an international scientific symposium has commenced at the National Museum of Azerbaijan History of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan as part of the International Festival “The World of Mugham”.

Opening the symposium, President of the festival, First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva gave speech.

Then, participants saw film “The World of Mugham” presented by Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony representative of UNESCO, Professor of Paris National Scientific Studies Center Jean During highly valued the festival saying France admires mugham from the first familiarization. Vice-President of the International Council for Traditional Music Wim Van Zanten talked of mugham, studies held in this field. He said the reason to realization of the festival and the symposium is inclusion of mugham, one of the greatest values of Azerbaijan, in the world intangible heritage list. We believe Azeri music, culture will be studied more closely and loved by other nations.

President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Academician Mahmud Karimov said works started by President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva in field of promotion of mugham have become universal culture programme.

After the opening ceremony Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva saw exhibition of Azeri music instruments at the Museum.

Then a plenary session of the symposium was held. Scholars from Azerbaijan, Germany, China, Canada, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan delivered reports on mugham.

The symposium will end with a “round-table” meeting on March 20.