The Days of Azerbaijani Culture started in the French city of Cannes with the organizational support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Inauguration of the exhibition “Love Tandem”, comprised of works by noted Azerbaijani artists Latif Feyzullayev and Vajiha Samadova, took place in the Palace of Festivals and Congresses in Cannes in the framework of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture, July 14.
Deputy Mayor of the city of Cannes Frank Chikli, Assistant to the First Vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France Rahman Mustafayev addressed the exhibition’s inauguration.
F.Chikli, talking about the significance of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture, which have become a tradition in Cannes, emphasized that this project allows us to know each other’s cultural treasures and history more profoundly and enrich bilateral relations further, along with bringing these two peoples together.
A.Alakbarov said the Days of Azerbaijani Culture, which are held on such a significant day – 14th July, France’s national holiday – stems from the relations between the two countries relying on friendship, mutual interest and respect, covering various domains. The assistant to the First vice-president talked about the high-level political ties between the two countries, noting that all relations existing recent years between the countries have been of strategic nature.
Touching upon the significance of relations in the cultural sphere, the executive director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation brought to attention that First Vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has played a great role in reaching today’s level of cooperation in this sphere. He underscored that while acting as the head of the working group in the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Azerbaijan-France Interparliamentary relations, Mehriban Aliyeva, as the president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and now, as the First Vice-president, has always attached special importance to strengthening of the Azerbaijan-France relations. A number of large-scale projects have been successfully implemented thanks, namely, to her personal initiative.
“The year 2018 has been very significant for the people of Azerbaijan. This year, we have been celebrating the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the first parliamentary republic in the Muslim Orient – the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. 100 years prior, at the Paris Peace Conference, attended by a delegation led by head of the Azerbaijani Parliament Alimardan bey Topchubashov, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was recognized as an independent state. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been holding a series of events dedicated to this significant for our country and people day. It is no coincidence that the first event dedicated to this historical occasion took place in Paris” – said A.Alakbarov.
The exhibition “Love Tandem” is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Honoured Person of Art of Azerbaijan Latif Feyzullayev. The creative legacy of the couple Latif Feyzullayev and Vajiha Samadova reflects beautiful places of our country, and the lifestyle of the people. Over 50 works by the couple are displayed at the exhibition.
Ambassador Rahman Mustafayev talked about the projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in France, recalling the contributions made by First Vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva towards strengthening the relations between the two countries. Mentioning the significance the Heydar Aliyev Foundation - the basic core of Azerbaijan’s cultural diplomacy – has played in bringing the two peoples together, the diplomat talked about the contributions First Vice-president Mehriban Aliyeva has made towards the promotion of our culture in Cannes, and the advancement of the relations in this domain.
After the speeches, opening of the exhibition “Love Tandem” took place. Visitors viewed the exhibits.
Works by Latif Feyzullayev and Vajiha Samadova that reflect the beauty of our native land, the lifestyle of our fellow citizens, their concerns and labour were viewed with great interest. There was, in addition, shown a video footage about the artists’ life path.
Art lovers coming to the exhibition were presented publications by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation about our country’s history, culture and music in the French language.
The exhibition “Love Tandem” will continue to operate until August 4.
A dinner-party was arranged in the framework of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Cannes. A concert programme was presented at the evening, with participation of People’s Artist Anvar Sadykhov and Honoured Artist Emil Afrasiab, where treasures of our national music were performed.
Supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Days of Azerbaijani Culture have been held in Cannes since 2013. Various exhibitions and concert programmes are arranged regularly within the project, aiming to promote Azerbaijan’s history, culture and art, and strengthen the relations between the countries and peoples.
The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been traditionally holding events in various regions and cities of France to popularize Azerbaijan’s culture. Promoting our country, conveying the true facts about Azerbaijan, these events have aroused great interest.