A solemn ceremony devoted to the 20th anniversary of regain by the Republic of Azerbaijan of state independence was held in Paris
Solemn ceremony took place in Paris dedicated to the 20th anniversary of restoration of independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan and presentation of ‘Azerbaijan’ book, February 17. First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva attended the event organized under the initiative and support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Embassy of Azerbaijan to France.
Based on the order President Ilham Aliyev signed on marking the 20th anniversary of restoration of independence of Azerbaijan, the ceremony was an important step towards promotion of the Azerbaijani culture in Paris, the culture capital of the world.
Culture Minister of France Frederic Mitterrand delivered congratulations on the occasion. Assessing France as one of the closest friends of Azerbaijani culture, the Minister highly valued the contributions of Heydar Aliyev Foundation to the development of culture of Azerbaijan. He said Azerbaijan is the home to mugham and ashyg music. Works by Azerbaijani composers are much loved in France too and Azerbaijan has been described in works by French writers.
Frederic Mitterrand wished to more widely promote the cultural heritage of both countries. Highly valuing the works Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva does within UNESCO, he expressed satisfaction from expansion of cultural ties between the two countries.
First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the event.
She expressed thanks for the attention and value rendered to Azerbaijan and its culture and delight for realization of the first event dedicated to the 20th jubilee of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence in France. As an independent country Azerbaijan is too young, however, this country, which is called the Land of Fires, has an ancient history.
Informing the attendees of Azerbaijan’s history, the President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation talked about the fights took place in all times of history for Azerbaijan located at the junction of the East and the West. According to her, Azerbaijani nation managed to protect its history, language, religion, culture and national identity. M.Aliyeva mentioned the achievements of the People’s Republic of Azerbaijan.
The First Lady noted independence gained in 1918 lasted 23 months only, and over 70 years Azerbaijan existed under severe conditions of the soviet regime, but those years Azerbaijanis dreamt of independence, which was achieved lastly. Mrs Aliyeva said despite 20 years is not a big historical period, for this short time Azerbaijan obtained huge achievements, became the most rapidly developing country in the region.
Azerbaijani musicians presented a concert in the event. The Gara Garayev Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra conducted by People’s Artist Teymur Goychayev performed an overture from Koroghlu opera by Uzeyir Hajibeyli.
The concert also featured ‘Sen Gelmez Oldun’ song played by Shirzad Fataliyev in balaban to the accompaniment of the orchestra, overture from ‘Arshin Mal Alan’ musical comedy by U.Hajibeyli, part from ‘Min bir geje’ ballet by Fikret Emirov, dance, ‘Waltz’ by Gara Garayev, ‘Arzu’ by Niyazi, ‘Kuchelere Su Sepmishem’ folk song, ‘Azerbaijani Rhythms’ by Natig Shirinov, ‘Novruz’ jazz composition by Isfar Sarabsky, ‘Garabagh Shikestesi’ by Mirpasha Shukurov.
The ceremony was continued by the Azerbaijan exhibition, which included carpets of Garabagh, the historically integral part of Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani carpets are stored in famous museums of the world. ‘Sheikh Sefi’ carpet of XVI century is preserved in Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Also, ancient brazier wares were displayed in the exhibition.
‘Azerbaijan’ book in French language was presented in frame of the exhibition. The Azerbaijani version of the publication, one of the most significant projects of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, was presented early last year in Baku with participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.
The book contains photographs talking of the country’s history, culture, nature, people, regions and Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan uniting the colors of the East and the West.
The visitors tasted samples of the Azerbaijani cuisine.
