An exhibition is held, at the headquarters of the European Council, within the framework of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s project “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of the Caucasus”

On May 28, an exhibition was held, at the headquarters of the European Council, within the framework of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s project “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of the Caucasus”. The exhibition took place with the organizational support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and assistance by the Permanent Representative Office of Azerbaijan under the Council of Europe.

Delivering a speech at the event, head of the Representative Office Emin Eyyubov noted that Azerbaijan is a democratic and secular state governed by the rule of law, and that high level of tolerance is shown in the country towards the culture and religion of various ethnic minorities, and all conditions have been created for the development of their language, religion and culture.

The diplomat mentioned that the exhibition “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of the Caucasus” had been organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, headed by First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva. He noted that various exhibits displayed at the exhibition reflect Azerbaijan’s old history and rich culture: “These works picture Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage and cultural diversity. Such exhibitions organized, since late 2012, in various regions of France gives the French a chance to receive comprehensive information about Azerbaijan and enrich their ideas of this country”.

Emin Eyyubov talked about the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s significant role in promotion of Azerbaijan’s culture in the world, and said a number of historical and cultural monuments have been restored at the Foundation’s initiative.

In his speech, deputy Secretary General of the European Council Battoni-Dragoni mentioned that, until 2011, he had headed the cultural division at the Council and, during that period, projects between cities were held in Baku and various event associated with cultural heritage held in Baku together with Azerbaijan. In December 2008, a significant conference was organized with the participation of culture ministers of the Council of Europe member countries, representatives of the European Union and UNESCO, countries of the Arab League and other international organizations.

Noting that he got more closely acquainted with Azerbaijan’s culture and art  during the conference, the deputy secretary general said a collection of carpets, music instruments, ancient arms and art works being exhibited at the exhibition had special impression on him, and that these exhibits testify to Azerbaijan’s being a country with rich cultural treasures. “Azerbaijan’s rich cultural treasures are an example to the whole world” – he said: “I have witnessed a number of civilizations having left their traces in Azerbaijan. Of course, these civilizations have had their on influence on today’s Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage is diverse and colourful. Its cultural treasures may not be compared to those of any other country. The Icherisheher State History and Architecture Reserve’s architecture, as well as monuments such as Gobustan and Atashgah, Gabala archaeological finds are among the most valuable cultural heritages of the world.”