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
Azerbaijani Culture Days held at the European Parliament on the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation
November 10, inauguration of Azerbaijan Culture Days took place for the first time at European Parliament Head Office by the initiative of Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Attended by members of European Parliament, EU institutions, officials of Belgium authorities, employees of diplomatic mission in this country, delegates of local public and diaspora, the event was opened by Yevgeni Kirilov, the Bulgarian MP having contributed to the organization of Azerbaijan Culture Days at European Parliament. He said cooperation began this year with Azerbaijan within the Eastern Partnership Programme. The present event that is dedicated to Azerbaijan’s ancient history, rich culture, art and cuisine will provide us more detailed information on Azerbaijan, which has huge economic potential indeed. European Parliament gives special importance to cooperate with the powerful state of Azerbaijan in political, economic and cultural spheres and is interested in building multilateral ties.
Welcoming the guests Vice-President of European Parliament from Czechia Liber Ruchek said: Today’s ceremony shows Azerbaijan, which has ancient history, possesses rich culture and art, locates at the intersection of different civilizations. Culture of Azerbaijan reflects aspects specific to various civilizations such as Near East, Russians, Jews and other nations. Rich history, culture and cuisine of Azeri people prove its significant role in near neighborhood policy. To EU, it is necessary to develop all-round cooperation with a necessary country like Azerbaijan in political, economic spheres, in field of assurance of energy security, the number one problem in Europe, and in other spheres.
We want close cooperation and friendship between Azerbaijan and EU. We want Azerbaijan to be a close friend and partner to EU that unites 27 European countries. I think this event is one of steps taken in this course and deserves appreciation.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Head of Permanent Delegation to EU Emin Eyyubov talked of actions First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, MP Mehriban Aliyeva, who initiated the event, takes for development of education, culture and health in the country. Providing comprehensive information on works the Foundation carries out in field of propaganda of the Azerbaijani realities the Ambassador read the address by Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva to the participants of the event. The address says:
‘Ladies and gentlemen,
I have great honor to greet you in the Azerbaijan Culture Days. European Parliament’s hosting such an event is the proof of high value and real interest to the culture of Azerbaijan, the ancient country at the crossing of West and East civilizations. Along the rich history of the country, its unique geographic position has served creation of an exemplary culture here, formation of century-old environment of tolerance allowing nations of different ethnic, religious and cultural origins to equally use rights and freedoms.
Azerbaijan’s culture is considered one of the most ancient cultures in the world and unites different traditions of nations having lived in the country for centuries. Throughout centuries, these primary conditions have contributed to blossoming of philosophical-literary idea, poetry, architecture in the country, also the fine arts, the symbol of tangible and intangible heritage of the country. In frame of the event, various samples of Azeri culture, including music, fine arts, folk trade, folklore, national dance and cuisine will be introduced. So, dear guests, you will have opportunity to know cultural diversity of Azerbaijan at first hand.
Another aspect is that the forms of culture I counted above shape the basis of Azerbaijan’s specificity and are of great importance in life of Azeri nation. I hope all these plays and exhibitions will serve your familiarization with the culture of Azerbaijan.
I once again appreciate the strong and valuable support you render to development of culture and tolerance and express gratitude for the interest in Azeri culture. So, valuing your efforts to know and learn more about realities of the Azerbaijan culture, I with great pleasure invite you to Azerbaijan to see closer the grand culture you will be acquainted with today.
Mehriban Aliyeva,
First Lady of Azerbaijan,
President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation,
Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO’.
X X X
Concert featuring mugham, folk songs, jazz, national dances was presented in the event by Azerbaijani musicians.
Exhibition opened within the Azerbaijan Culture Days at European Parliament featured works by Honor Artist Sakit Mammadov, author of art miniatures and statues Elmira Abbasly, exhibits reflecting ancient applied and carpet-making arts of Azerbaijan, albums and booklets talking of works Heydar Aliyev Foundation did during its 5-year action in different fields.
Then, attendees tasted samples of the Azeri cuisine made under leadership of Tahir Emiraslanov, Director General of the Azerbaijan National Cookery Center and President of National Cookery Association.
Azerbaijan Culture Days at European Parliament as part of the huge activities Heydar Aliyev Foundation carries out towards promotion of the culture of Azerbaijan in the world, including Europe left rich impressions on attendees of the event.
Azerbaijan Culture Days will be closed November 13.