National revival, national rebirth and reanimation of the national spirit are necessary in order to gain national freedom.
Heydar Aliyev
A concert devoted to Nizami Ganjavi took place in Paris
A concert devoted to Nizami Ganjavi took place at the Azerbaijan Culture Centre, with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and assistance by Azerbaijan’s Embassy in France, November 13.
Host Allen Tremoliere brought to attention that world-renowned poet Nizami Ganjavi (1141-1209) was born into this world in the city of Ganja, the second biggest city of Azerbaijan, received perfect education in various spheres of science, in addition to literature, has made special contribution to the world literature by his five poems portraying high humane values, and that the poet’s 870th anniversary is celebrated.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to France Elchin Amirbeyov recalled the exhibition arranged in connection with the poet’s life and creativity a day earlier at the Museum of Letters and Manuscripts in Paris, emphasized that the poet has left rich legacy in literature, science and, especially, in the humanitarian sphere. The diplomat said although eight centuries have past since the creation of the “Khamsa”, so far it has not lost its urgency.
E.Amirbeyov noted that it is by no chance that the poet, who has created works rich in ethic ideas, is recollected in France, which is considered the cradle of the world culture. The Ambassador mentioned that ideas of freedom, equality and brotherhood that make up the basic content of Nizami Ganjavi’s poems are the main motto in France.
According to E.Amirbayov, holding of three events in France is planned to celebrate the 870th anniversary of Nizami Ganjavi: “An exhibition and a concert have already been held. In a few days, a grandiose ceremony will be held in Strasburg.” The Ambassador brought to attention that headed by Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has reprinted works devoted to the poet’s life and creativity.
In his speech, chairperson of Yon region’s Supreme Council Andre Villiers said that he had made several trips to Ganja, visited the mausoleum of Nizami Ganjavi, last year he had attended the events held in connection with the poet’s 870th anniversary, and that he witnessed Azerbaijanis, including the youth, having great respect for Nizami Ganjavi.
Andre Villiers said Nizami Ganjavi not only was a poet, but also a great philosopher and scholar and bestowed very valuables works upon the world, and thanked President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva for holding events devoted to the 870th anniversary of Nizami Ganjavi in France and publication of his works in French. He underlined that thanks to the project being implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in other regions of France, the French will have a chance to receive detailed information about the life and creativity of the great Azerbaijani poet.
Deputy chairperson of the Senate for the Caucasus Jeanny Lorgeoux talked of the significant role Nizami Ganjavi played in the Oriental literature. Bringing to attention that the poet was one of the personalities of the Eastern renaissance in the 12th century, the senator emphasized that the works created by Nizami Ganjavi has left valuable cultural legacy not only for his homeland Azerbaijan, but also for the whole world.
The senator appreciated the publications devoted to the poet’s life and creativity by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the French language. He believes the exhibition and concert organized in Yonne region within the framework of the project “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of the Caucasus”, with support from the Azerbaijani Embassy, have impressed the region’s residents.
At the end, a concert took place. At the concert, love songs and vocals composed by Azerbaijani composers to Nizami Ganjavi’s poems were performed by soloists Ramil Gasymov, Gulnaz Ismailova and khanendeh Arzu Aliyeva. They were accompanied by Elnara Kabirlinskaya in piano; Elchin Hashimov in kamancha. Young violin player Osman Eyyubov performed fragments from the ballet “Seven Beauties”.
The concert was attended by the mayor of the 7th region of Paris, senators, deputies, well-known actors, state officials, representatives of the French society, employees of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Azerbaijani Diaspora and students.
