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The Eurovision Song Contest
in the Land of Fire
For ages, people speaking different languages, professing different religions, practicing different customs and traditions
and belonging to different cultures have been living side by side in Azerbaijan. The impact of centuries-old history and
cultural diversity influenced by various civilizations is sensed by anyone stepping into this land.
Numerous archaeological sites and architectural landmarks, ancient inscriptions carved into stone, rock carvings, historic
manuscripts, adorable musical legacy of mugham together with centuries-old carpet art and hundreds of local artworks
nowadays cherished in the world’s leading museums are just a part of an invaluable input to the global civilization con-
tributed by the Land of Fire. No surprise, Azerbaijan was home to the first opera, first ballet, first secular girls school and
Academy of Sciences in the Muslimworld. The fascinating music of Azerbaijan with centuries of history, genre versatility
and traditions passed over fromone generation to another has undergone a tremendous development. National dances,
folk songs, mugham and ashuq arts have a special place in Azerbaijan’s musical heritage.
Rock carvings with dancing scenes at the Gobustan State History and Art Reserve, a part of UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage
List as of 2007, provide another evidence of deeply-rooted musical traditions dating back to the times immemorial.
The art of mugham standing at the very foundation of Azerbaijan’s national musical heritage became a part of the
Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2003, whereas the ashuq art was granted this
status in 2009. The Eurovision Song Contest held in Baku became another proof of the city’s adherence to its centuries-
old traditions in culture and art. Media representatives and visitors from over 80 countries attending performances by
artists from 42 states could witness the high esteem towards human values and profound respect to other cultures
expressed by the Azerbaijani people.