A ceremony of presentation of the publication "Azerbaijan"

Ceremony of presentation of publication “Azerbaijan” developed as part of project by Heydar Aliyev Foundation was held March 18 at Modern Art Museum. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, state and government officials, members of the Milli Majlis  and representatives of the public attended the ceremony.

First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the ceremony.

Address by Mehriban Aliyeva:

Ladies and gentlemen!

Dear guests!

I sincerely greet you. Welcome to Modern Art Museum.

The next project by Heydar Aliyev Foundation – book ‘Azerbaijan’ is presented today. 3 years ago Heydar Aliyev Foundation started this project governed by necessity for creation of the photo album reflecting a rich and unique nature of our country. A working group was created at the time. The group included both local and foreign experts, photographers. Photo shooting was done for 3 years in various regions, cities and villages, mountains and plains, forests and meadows, lakes and rivers of our country. Development of the book for such a long time was linked to identification of the most suitable time and weather for photo shooting. We have also tried to reflect the nature of our country in every season of year. In short, a huge and unique photo material was collected, nearly 5000 new photographs were acquired. The book is unique, because 80% of pictures in the book presented today are published for the first time. At the same time, among photographs there were so many real masterpieces that beside presentation of the book today we will open the photo exhibition dedicated to the nature of Azerbaijan, to Azerbaijan.           

Quite serious, varied work was done for 3 years. A number of photo and other materials were collected. Analysis of the obtained materials in the next phase generated a quite new concept of the book. We thought it would not be so purposeful to present the nature of Azerbaijan apart from its history, culture, past and present. Very powerful states and civilizations existed throughout centuries within Azerbaijan. Great Silk Road has crossed our country and of course, all these cultures, civilizations left vestige in our country. These vestiges, these ornaments are reflected in architectural, historical and religious monuments. This book covers unprecedented development of Azerbaijan for the past years, its new landscapes, modern buildings, sport and concert palaces, business and tourism centers, in a word, a present look of our country as well.    

In short, dear friends, book ‘Azerbaijan’ of a quite new format, which is presented today to you, is familiarization with our country’s nature, history, culture, past and present. The book comprises 11 chapters. The first chapter is dedicated to our lovely Baku, one of the nicest cities worldwide. Other chapters contain detailed information on Azerbaijan 10 economic-geographic regions and pictures showing regions’ nature, flora and fauna. The first version of the book has been published in Azerbaijani language with 2000 editions. In the near future, book ‘Azerbaijan’ will be published with a huge edition in several foreign languages, including English, French, German, Arab and Chinese. 

Developing this book, Heydar Aliyev Foundation cooperated with a number of state and government agencies. Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Geography and History institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, AzerTAg News Agency, Azerbaijan National Encyclopedia – I express my deep thanks to all these organizations for helping us. I express my gratitude to everyone involved in development of the book.

Mr President, as usual You help us a lot with Your recommendations, advices and I express my special thanks to You for having time on Your intensive work agenda and being with us today.

Dear guests, I believe you will also familiarize yourself with this book and decently assess that. Taking the opportunity, I cordially congratulate you all on Novruz Holiday, wish you good health, long life, happiness and love.

In the end, I would like to remind a saying by genius Heydar Aliyev: ‘I am proud of being Azerbaijani’. A very simple saying. But this saying said by the great personality who was infinitely devoted to his native land, sacrificed his life and soul for the motherland has went down in the history. I wish every Azerbaijani looking through this book to say to itself just this saying: ‘I am proud of being Azerbaijani’. Thank you so much.