An exhibition and a concert was organized in Strasbourg within the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in France

An exhibition and a concert was organized in Strasbourg within the project “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan- the Pearl of Caucasus” held in France, with organizational support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation  and assistance by Azerbaijan’s Embassy in France, February 9.

Days of Azerbaijani Culture started with inauguration of a corner related to our country at “Tussimo” exhibition hall.

Opening the event, Mayor of the city, Senator Roland Ries expressed gratitude for being at an exhibition, where Azerbaijan’s cultural rich  was demonstrated. The Mayor brought to attention that, having closely acquainted themselves with our country’s cultural heritage, they will have a chance to receive comprehensive information about Azerbaijan. While acquainting himself with the corner, R.Ries noted that our carpets were shown great attention by visitors.

Mentioning his trip to Azerbaijan with a group of senators, the Mayor said acquaintance with our country, in particular Icherisheher, which was entered on UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage, has greatly impressed him: “Azerbaijan’s cultural values talk of this country’s history and richness”. R.Ries said both sides were interested in developing relations between Baku and Strasburg, Azerbaijan and Alsace region further,  our country has built good relations with the Council of Europe, and good ideas could be found to ensure that these two nations knew each other better.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France Elchin Amirbayov mentioned that an exhibition reflecting our country’s tourism opportunities was first opened in Strasbourg, and thanked the city Mayor and other officials for assistance in organizing the event. Emphasizing that tourism in our country was developing, he said the exhibition would give a chance to residents of Strasbourg to receive comprehensive information about Azerbaijan.

The Ambassador noted that ethnic groups with different beliefs and cultures lived in young and independent Azerbaijan, with an old history, the country located between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains chain,  between the East and the West. The diplomat brought to the attention of the guests that the exhibition and the concert aimed to promote Azerbaijan and its rich cultural monuments in France was organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation headed by our country’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

It was noted that Azerbaijan is interested in building relations not only in cultural, but also in  economic spheres. 

Last year, the 20^th anniversary of building diplomatic ties between our country and France was celebrated. Azerbaijan is a secular and tolerant country. Tens of ethnic groups have been living in our country in a friendly and kind environment. There is a tourism itinerary called “Wine Ways”. A complex with all conditions for skiing lovers has been created in the country. Azerbaijan is a country rich in historical monuments attractive in terms of architecture, rich cuisine and nice nature.

First Deputy President of the Alsace region’s council Andre Richard emphasized in his speech that the exhibition organized in the city of Melouse, and now in Strasbourg, would play a significant role in residents of Alsace being acquainted with Azerbaijan. Saying our country was developing with rapid pace, the speaker emphasized that Azerbaijan was highly influential  in the Council of Europe. Azerbaijan is a country not only rich in pottery, carpets, cultural heritage, historical traditions, but also in subsoil resources. With strong economic potential, the country is rich in energy resources, its oil and gas industry has been developing with rapid space.

A.Richard said they were interested in developing partnership relations with Azerbaijan by holding an economic forum.

City Mayor and other officials viewed items of pottery, samples of coppersmithery, carpets, carpet-bags, old men’s and women’s garments.

France’s former trade minister Louis-François said: “Azerbaijan’s actions towards promoting the country in our region have aroused great interest in residents of Alsace. I personally know Azerbaijan very well. Acquaintance with sightseeing  and historical sites of Baku, in particular the Maiden Tower and Icheri Sheher, within my visit to your country while I was a minister, have left unforgettable impression in me. Carpets and miniature works I like the most. The “Eurovision-2012” Song Contest held last year in Baku Crystal Hall promoted Azerbaijan all over the world, including France. People in Strasbourg know and love Azerbaijan. There are great opportunities for cooperation in the economic spheres too. Much to my regret, there is no Azerbaijani restaurant either in Paris or Strasbourg to promote your country’s rich cuisine.”

While sharing his views, chairman of Strasbourg Tourism Department Jean-Jacques Gsell said the exhibition was very interesting: “I’m sure over 30 thousand people visiting the exhibition will have a chance to closely know your country. I should admit that I do not know Azerbaijan well. The only thing I can tell is that, being one of the former Soviet Union republics, Azerbaijan is located on the shore of the Caspian Sea, has common border with Russia, Georgia, Turkey and Iran. I have been told much about your country with marvellous  nature, hospitality of sincere and kind Azerbaijanis. I hope I’ll make a trip soon to your country. Primary reason for this comes from my being a skiing lover. I’ve heard a new skiing complex has been put into operation in Azerbaijan.”

On the same day Azerbaijan’s State Chamber Orchestra directed by Azerbaijan People’s Artist Teymour Goychayev performed with a concert program at Strasbourg’s famous “Music Palace”.

Delivering a speech before the concert, city Mayor Roland Ries expressed a hope that by the exhibition and concert of masters of art residents of Alsace region would know Azerbaijan better. Saying that during his trip to Azerbaijan he discovered our country as an independent country with rich cultural heritage and rapidly developing economy, the Mayor underlined the importance of relations with population in knowing our country better.  

Ambassador Elchin Amirbayov mentioned that exhibitions and concerts were organized in a number of French cities, with organizational support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, within the framework of the project “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan-the Pearl of Caucasus”. The diplomat noted that, with old and rich culture, our country was located on the Silk Way, it was not very well known in the east of France and, therefore, such an event was held in Alsace. The Ambassador said in 2003, the mugham, our people’s traditional music, was entered on UNESCO’s List of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage.