011.JPG
July 19, 2018

An exhibition dedicated to Shah Ismail Khatai opens at the Heydar Aliyev Centre

On July 19, opening of the exhibition entitled “Literary Treasure”, dedicated to Azerbaijani people’s great son, commander and poet Shah Ismail Khatai, took place at the Heydar Aliyev Centre.

 

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella and his daughter Laura Mattarella familiarized themselves with the exhibition.

 

The exhibition was organized with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Uffizi Gallery of Florence, the Heydar Aliyev Centre, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Italy, and the Embassy of Italy in Azerbaijan.

 

Director of Uffuzi Gallery Heike Schmidt said the exhibition takes the audience back to the eras while Shah Ismail and his son and heir Shah Tahmasib ruled the country. Literature and art experienced flourishing while they were in power. Shah Ismail created a favourable environment for the advancement of Azerbaijan’s national culture, while Shah Tahmasib 1st preserved this environment. Those years have formed the scientific and creative potential of statehood, unification of Azerbaijani lands within the state of Safavids was accomplished, the Azerbaijani language started to have superior power in state affairs, and extensive trade ties were established with European countries. All these factors have been reflected in art works of that era. Among the exhibits are also imprints of seals of Shah Ismail and Shah Tahmasib, as well as a photo copy of the Decree issued in 1502 on regulation of economic works in one of the regions of the South Azerbaijan. A video projection with pictures of miniatures of the 15-16th - century Tabriz school, works by contemporary artists dedicated to Shah Ismail, photos of scenes from the opera Shah Ismail by eminent Azerbaijani composer Muslim Magomayev, as well as a video installation with contemporary interpretation of that era’s life - all these are possible to see among the exhibits. However, the genuine culmination of the exhibition is two original portraits of Shah Ismail and his son Shah Tahmasib brought for the first time by Uffuzi Gallery of Florence to Azerbaijan. Made by Christofano Dell ‘Altissimo and being the main exhibit of the exhibition, these portraits form the spirit of the whole exposition. Visitors are given a great chance to become acquainted with these magnificent art works.

 

Then, the exhibition “Mini Azerbaijan” at the Heydar Aliyev Centre was visited. This exhibition allows visitors to see rich architectural examples of our country through models of historical and architectural buildings of Azerbaijan.

 

One of the exhibits at the exhibition is the model of the territory of “Baku Expo 2025”. A layout of a 295-hectare territory is shown here.

 

Those becoming acquainted with the exhibition viewed also models of the State Flag Square, Baku White City, the Heydar Aliyev Centre, the Supreme Court, the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic named after Muslim Magomayev, the Government House, and the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum.

 

Exhibitions covering various themes are operating in the Heydar Aliyev Centre. One of the exhibitions arousing great interest is the Classic Automobiles Exhibition.

 

President of the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation Anar Alakbarov said that cars manufactured since the early times of car making – the end of the 19th century – in Germany, USA, Italy, France, the Great Britain and former USSR are demonstrated at this exhibition, a joint project of the Federation and the Heydar Aliyev Centre. By viewing the exhibition, visitors make a tour to the times of manufacturing the cars, and have a chance to become familiarized with different stages of the car manufacturing industry. This excursion also creates nostalgic feelings by bringing together car lovers.

 

Italian President Sergio Mattarella said he was pleased with becoming acquainted with the exhibitions at the Heydar Aliyev Centre. 


PHOTO