An event was held within the framework of the project “Cultural Values of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of Caucasus” in the city of Châlons-en-Champagne of the Champagne-Ardenne region

Another event was held within the framework of the project “Cultural Values of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of Caucasus” in the city of Châlons-en-Champagne of the Champagne-Ardenne region with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s Embassy in France, October 26.

The event started with opening of an exhibition associated with Azerbaijan’s culture. Opening the exhibition, Mayor of the city Bruno Bourg-Broc noted that, located between the East and the West, on the shore of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan has been a full-right member of the European Council since 2001. Emphasizing that carpets and musical instruments being displayed at the exhibition talked of this country’s culture with old history, the Mayor said our country is the pearl of Caucasus not only with its oil and gas, but also with rich cultural heritage. Bruno Bourg-Broc noted that mugham, as Azerbaijan’s historical and classic music, was entered in 2003 on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage  List, and said such events have played a significant role in nations’ knowing each-other more closely and development of cultural relations between countries.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan to France Elchin Amirbeyov recalled the first event held under the slogan of “Cultural Values of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of Caucasus” in the city of Reims with participation of Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva. Talking of the developing relations between Azerbaijan and France, the Ambassador noted the visit by President Ilham Aliyev to France on invitation of French President Francois Hollande during September 18-19, both heads of state’s participation in the inauguration of the Islamic Art Department at the Louvre Museum and the meeting of the presidents at the Elyse Palace, and emphasized that the inauguration of our Embassy’s cultural centre in Paris on September 19 would be of special significance in development of bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and France.           

Underlining developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and France in all spheres, including culture, E.Amirbeyov noted cultural events regularly held in Paris in connection with our country, organization of exhibitions, festivals and concerts, and teaching of the Azerbaijani language at some universities of France.

The Ambassador noted that Azerbaijan has, in addition to its subsoil resources, rich historical cultural heritage. Mugham, which today Azerbaijani musicians would present to French viewers, has been registered by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the World Intangible and Cultural Heritage.

Elchin Amirbeyov wrote his heartfelt words in the Guest Book of the Municipality.

Visitors viewed Azerbaijan’s historic pottery and copper works, old garments for men and women and carpets with great interest.

At the end, a mugham instrumental group performed with a concert program at grandiose Notre-Dame-en-Vo Church. Viewers warmly greeted performances by Azerbaijani singers and musicians.