Although Azerbaijan is a Muslim country, it is one of the secular states of our planet
The exhibition and concert held on the theme of “Cultural Values of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of Caucasus” in the cities of Reims and Châlons-en-Champagne of France within the framework of the project “Days of Azerbaijan” to promote our country in France with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in France have been widely covered by the French media.
The daily “L’Union” newspaper of the Champagne region printed articles about the visit by First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva to the city of Reims and her speech at the event held there. The articled entitled “Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Lady in Reims” underlines that the speech by First Lady of an independent young republic of Caucasus Mehriban Aliyeva, the interesting exhibition about her country and the concert have greatly impressed residents of Reims who had little information about Azerbaijan. The newspaper states that, getting to know the culture and art of Azerbaijan for the first time, residents of Reims were trying to receive more information about this sunny country.
It is underlined in the article that pieces displayed at the exhibition created a broad idea in the French about Azerbaijan’s being a country with a rich and historical culture.
In another article of the newspaper entitled “Reims received Azerbaijan”, it says: “Although Azerbaijan is a Muslim country, it is one of the secular states of our planet”.
In another article, its is noted that the concert of Azerbaijani musicians was successful and that interest to that concert was so great that the concert hall of the conservatory was full and even some viewers were standing on feet, and hundreds of residents of Reims were left behind the doors as they were not allowed in because of the hall being full.
In an article printed in the newspaper’s edition of October 19 entitled “Mehriban Aliyeva inaugurates the exhibition and concert in Reims devoted to Azerbaijan”, comprehensive information is given about our country, its economic development, old history, rich culture and moral values, as well as large-scale projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation headed by Mehriban Aliyeva in the spheres of science, education and culture, as well as humanitarian aids provided beyond the boundaries of the country.
In the edition of the newspaper of October 26, it is noted that the event on the theme of “Cultural Values of Azerbaijan-the Pearl of Caucasus” in Reims with participation of First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva had great success. Talking of Azerbaijan’s being an old country, the author provides the French readers with detailed information of Azerbaijan’s giving to the world literature persons of genius such as Mohammad Fuzuli, establishment of the first democratic state in the Oriental world at the beginning of the 20th century, granting first women the right to vote, richness of under- and over-ground resources, having tolerant culture, traditions, history and, finally, civilization.
Underlining that music too is treasury of this beautiful country, the author noted that mugham, which is widely disseminated in the Orient, was the oldest music genre of Azerbaijan, and that it was entered, in 2003, on the UNESCO’s List of Masterpieces of the World Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Referring to sayings of employee of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in France for economic affairs Elmar Mammadov, it is noted that, in 2004, following President Ilham Aliyev’s initiative and endeavours, implementation of the special State Program for development of the regions was started and development of the infrastructure was paid special attention.
Inviting French businessmen and travel-lovers to Azerbaijan-the pearl of Caucasus, Ambassador Elchin Amirbeyov’s sayings about Alexander Duma’s (father) travel to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan’s location between the East and West, on the way of the old Silk Way, were given in an article entitled “Azerbaijan in Châlons-en-Champagne”.
Weekly publication of the region “Vendredi” talks about the holding an exhibition and a concert in Châlons-en-Champagne after Reims, and each event’s having unbelievably great success. Referring to first secretary of the Embassy Elmar Mammadov, the newspaper notes: “With rich oil and gas resources, Azerbaijan has good relations with France in this sphere”.
The newspaper talks, in a separate article, about mugham and its history, and it states that Azerbaijan is also called as “The Land of Fire”.