A conference devoted to the 900th jubilee of Mahsati Ganjavi at the Upper Alsace University of France

June 20, 2014


With the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and assistance by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in France, a conference on the theme of “A universal bridge linking the 12th ans 21st centuries: Mahsati Ganjavi, a philosopher, writer and poetess of the Oriental Renaissance (12th century)” devoted to the 900th anniversary of great Azerbaijani poetess Mahsati Ganjavi took place at the department of literature, languages and humanitarian sciences of the Upper Alsace University in the city of Melouse. 

 

Dean of the department Greta Komur-Thilloy noted that Mahsati Ganjavi has been known to the Eastern world not only as a poetess, but also a philosopher, chess player and musician, and that her works personify pure and free love, and freedom of woman.

 

Greta Komur-Thilloy underscored that naming the hall, in which the conference took place, after Mahsati Ganjavi was another contribution to the cooperation between the two countries and, due to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, this cooperation has developed  further.

 

The University’s rector Christine Gangloff-Ziegler said the Mahsati Ganjavi legacy has shown what high values, what ancient and rich literature Azerbaijan had.

 

Christine Gangloff-Ziegler noted that they were interested in creating a department associated with Azerbaijan’s literature and culture at the university she heads. The rector said even she herself started learning the Azerbaijani language.

 

The rector thanked the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for the support provided to creation of the Mahsati Ganjavi hall.

 

Delivering a speech at the conference, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France Elchin Amirbeyov described Mahsati Ganjavi as a shining star of the Eastern world, and mentioned that a special event at UNESCO and conferences in a number of countries devoted to the poetess took place.

 

Talking about the relations between Azerbaijan and France, the ambassador underscored significant projects implemented following the initiative of President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva towards promoting Azerbaijan’s cultural treasures in France - a cradle of the world culture.

 

Speeches were made at the event: by chairperson of the Ganja Department of the Azerbaijan Writers Union Mammad Alim on the theme of “Mahsati Ganjavi – world’s unfading flower of art”, employee of the French International Academy of Diplomacy, scholar-orientalist Shirin Melikova on the theme of “Stars of medieval lyrical poetry – Mahsati Ganjavi and Mary de France”, director of the Manuscripts Institute under the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences named after Fuzuli, corresponding member of the Academy Teymour Kerimli on the theme of “Mahsati Ganjavi – as a representative of the Azerbaijani school of poetry”, teacher of the Azerbaijani language at the French State Oriental Languages and Cultures Institute (INALCO) Aygun Eyyubova on the theme of “11th – 12th centuries Azerbaijani poetess Mahsati Ganjavi as a promoter of universal ideals and women’s rights”.

 

Within the framework of the conference, a Protocol of Understanding for cooperation was signed between the Upper Alsace University and the Ganja State University.

 

After the conference, opening of the hall named after Mahsati Ganjavi at the Upper Alsace University’s literature, languages and humanitarian sciences took place.

 

At the opening ceremony, dean of the department Greta Komur-Thilloy, city mayor Jean Rotner, rector of the university Christine Gangloff-Ziegler, senator Jean-Marie Bockel and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France Elchin Amirbeyov delivered a speech.

 

Speakers emphasized the hall’s restoration by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and underscored the significant contribution made by the Foundation to the cooperation between the two countries.

 

Books printed by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in connection with the life and creativity of Mahsati Ganjavi were also placed in the hall.

 

At the end of the event, Azerbaijani and European composers’ classic works were performed by masters of art.