It is necessary to raise influence of intellectuals, men of art and scientists in the society.
Heydar Aliyev
Ceremonial opening of “The Mugham World” International Festival was held at the International Mugham Center in Baku
Ceremonial opening of “The Mugham World” International Festival was held at the International Mugham Center in Baku, 20 March.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva, daughter Leila, Director-General of UNESCO Koichiro Matsuura, visitors from 17 countries took part in the opening.
Huge works are underway in Azerbaijan under patronage of President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva towards protection, development and propaganda of mugham. Inclusion of Azeri mugham in the UNESCO World Intangible Heritage List is result of these actions.
Held at the initiative of UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva “The Mugham World” International Festival aims promotion of Azeri culture and music across the world. Organizers of the Festival are the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Composers` Union of Azerbaijan. The Ministry of Education, National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan and the Foundation of Friends of Azerbaijani Culture support the Festival. President of the Festival is First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva.
To last till 25 March the Festival brings together singers from Azerbaijan, Turkey, France, Italy, USA, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, India, Germany and other countries. An international scientific symposium was held in frame of the Festival that will feature international mugham contest and a series of concerts too.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, Director-General of UNESCO Koichiro Matsuura and other guests familiarized themselves with the exhibition of ancient musical instruments of the participant countries.
Then, ceremony was held to open the Festival. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was warmly welcomed by participants.
