An exhibition “Azerbaijan: From Traditions to Contemporaneity” opens at UNESCO with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation
Inauguration of the exhibition “Azerbaijan: From Traditions to Contemporaneity” took place, May 13, at UNESCO headquarters with organizational support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s permanent representative office under the organization.
Delivering a speech at the opening ceremony, head of department of UNESCO foreign relations section Genc Seiti thanked the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and its president, First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva for the high-level organization of the exhibition.
G.Seiti appreciated the ancient archaeological items, samples of coppersmithery and carpet weaving art and contemporary art pieces displayed at the exhibition as a sign of sustainability of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.
G.Seiti emphasized Azerbaijan’s active participation in implementing UNESCO’s conventions related to culture, and protection of intangible cultural heritage in particular.
In his speech, permanent representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan under UNESCO Anar Karimov gave information about Azerbaijan’s rich history, based on the exhibits displayed here. He invited the guests to visit Azerbaijan to get closely acquainted with our country. The diplomat noted that, despite Azerbaijan’s suffering from a military aggression, it is trying to make steps forward towards restoring peace and security in the region. As a sign of these endeavours, he cited the 3rd World Intercultural Dialogue Forum and the First European Games. Anar Karimov underscored the services of Mehriban Aliyeva to organization of such events and talked about her activity as a goodwill ambassador of UNESCO.
In the corner “Azerbaijan: From Traditions to Contemporaneity” of the exhibition are displayed archaeological finds, coins, jewellery, copper wares and samples of pottery used in Azerbaijan before and in the Middle Ages, as well as old women and men’s wears, national music instruments, embroidery and carpet products.
In the section devoted to the Baku-2015 First European Games, works made by talented young artists of Azerbaijan, along with well-known sculptors, on 20 types of sports included in the Games are displayed.
In the section “Contemporary Art of Azerbaijan”, works by such eminent artist as Toghrul Narimanbeyov, Altay Sadykhzadeh, Ashraf Murad, Leyla Aliyeva, Museyib Amirov, Mammadkerim Gouliyev, Ahad Mammadov, Darvin Valibeyov, Sabir Chopuroghlu, Aliyar Alimirzayev, Niyaz Najafov, Orkhan Huseynov, Faig Ahmad etc. are demonstrated.
Chovken, an old Azerbaijani horseback played game, is also presented at the exhibition.
A concert programme entitled “New Generation of Azerbaijani Jazz” was presented at the inauguration of the exhibition. At the concert, participant of international Jazz festivals, virtuosic musician Shahin Novrasly performed, in addition to his own compositions, works by Azerbaijani and European composers, as well as popular songs in piano. He was accompanied by Ari Hofeing (percussion instruments), Natan Pek (double-bass), Arslan Novrasly (tar), and Nurlan Novrasly (kamancha).
During the event, works by great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi in the English and French languages, published by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, as well as music discs were presented to participants.
The exhibition will continue until May 20. And on May 16, an “open door” will be announced at the exhibition until 00:00.
