A nation is known, recognized and distinguished among the world nations by certain characteristic features. The highest and the greatest of these features is culture.

HEYDAR ALIYEV
16.05.2024 18:01
Baba Vaziroghlu Receives the "100th Anniversary of Heydar Aliyev" Jubilee MedalAs previously reported, several cultural and literary figures from our country were awarded the jubilee medal “100 years of Heydar Aliyev (1923–2023). Among the awardees is Baba Vaziroghlu, a renowned poet, translator, and Honored Art Worker. The poet received the jubilee medal at the Ministry of Culture on May 16. It was noted that Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of our people, always valued the creativity of poets and gave them considerable attention and care in both periods of his leadership. Today, literary and cultural figures in Azerbaijan are under the care of President Ilham Aliyev, who follows the path of the national leader. Baba Vaziroghlu's creativity has always been valued by our state, and he has received numerous high state awards. Baba Vaziroghlu thanked President Ilham Aliyev for appreciating his creative work. The poet also expressed great satisfaction at receiving the award named after a great leader Heydar Aliyev. Following this, the badge and certificate of the jubilee medal were presented to the poet, and a commemorative photo was taken. ..
16.05.2024 17:55
The 3rd Regional Choir Competition Wraps Up with Gala ConcertA gala concert of the 3rd Regional Choir Competition “Azerbaijan full of flowers“ took place at the Saatli District Culture Center, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and under the joint organization of the Central Aran and Mil-Mughan Regional Culture Departments. The event was dedicated to the “Green World Solidarity Year.“ 16 choirs from children's music and art schools from both regional administrations successfully participated in the 3rd Regional Choir Competition. Among the jury members of the competition were People's Artist Gulbaji Imanova, artistic director and conductor of the Azerbaijan State Choir Chapel, honored art worker Dilara Aliyeva, director of the Azerbaijan State Children's Philharmonic, and an associate professor at the Baku Music Academy, honored teacher Agil Gafulov. The concert part of the event presented captivating musical performances by the winning choir groups, children's music, and art school ensembles of folk instruments. At the same time, the Saatli district “Adıgun“ Turkic Folklore group demonstrated its dance performances. ..
16.05.2024 16:36
Azerbaijan State Theatre of Young Spectators and Ganja State Drama Theater Granted National Theatre StatusLike other sectors in our country, President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan always pays special attention to the cultural field, particularly theater, the main branch of art. At the same time, with the initiative and support of the First Vice-President, and the head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, important work is being done to improve the social conditions of cultural figures and expand creative opportunities. As part of this policy, the Cabinet of Ministers has elevated the Azerbaijan State Theatre of Young Spectators and the Ganja State Drama Theater to “national“ status. This is viewed as the next step towards the development of theatre in our country and raising the reputation of this field. The new status will provide a viable incentive to improve the financial well-being of individuals working in these long-standing theaters with their own artistic traditions, and will also stimulate creative endeavors. Currently, efforts are underway to reinforce the material and technical resources of state theaters, alongside changes in both institutional and content aspects within this field. ..
16.05.2024 15:57
Meeting with People's Artist Abdul Mahmudbayov at the Ministry of CultureOn May 16, at the Ministry of Culture, a meeting was held with the prominent actor, director, and national artist Abdul Mahmudbeyov on the occasion of his 80th birthday. The actor received congratulations and good wishes on behalf of the staff of the Ministry of Culture and the cultural community of our country. It was mentioned that the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the First Vice-President, head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, remain dedicated to the development of cinema, alongside other cultural sectors in our country. Those who have greatly contributed to the growth of our national cinema industry are highly respected and rewarded with the most prestigious recognitions and awards. Abdul Mahmudbeyov was also awarded the honorary title of “People's Artist“ and an individual scholarship of the President for his achievements in this field. It was noted that the characters, whom he portrays with great skill in the films, are perceived with interest by the audience. His films are also shining examples of Azerbaijani cinema. Honored artists Jamil Guliyev, Baba Vaziroghlu, Orhan Fikretoghlu, and other participants of the meeting spoke about the creative path of the artist and the merits of the films in which he acted and directed. Later, the artist was awarded the honorary diploma of the Ministry in recognition of his contribution to the development of Azerbaijani culture. People's artist Abdul Mahmudbeyov expressed his gratitude for the appreciation of his work and congratulations. During the conversation, perspectives about the potential development of the cinema industry were shared. It should be noted that Abdul Mahmudbayov was born on May 15, 1944, in Hajigabul district. From 1962 to 1966, he studied acting in the class of Adil Iskenderov at the Azerbaijan State Art Institute, named after M. Aliyev. Later, in 1973, he graduated from the director's department of the Moscow Higher School of Directing and Scriptwriting. ..
13.05.2024 17:41
The Minister of Culture meets his Maldivian counterpartOn May 13, a bilateral meeting took place between Adil Karimli, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Adam Naseer Ibrahim, the Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage of the Republic of Maldives, who is visiting our country for the official opening ceremony of the year “Shusha, the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024.“ Welcoming the guest, the Minister conveyed his gratitude for his participation in the official opening ceremony of the year “Shusha, the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024.“ Speaking about the historical and cultural treasures of Shusha city in Azerbaijan, the Minister gave information about outstanding figures of culture and literature whom this ancient city presented to our people. The Minister noted that this year Azerbaijan was expected to host a globally important event: the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). He mentioned that special discussions on the impact of climate change on culture and the role of culture in environmental protection were to be held at COP29. The Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage of the Republic of Maldives, Adam Naseer Ibrahim, conveyed his satisfaction with his visit to our country and congratulated his counterpart for the high-level organization of the official opening of the year “Shusha, the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024.“ The visiting Minister expressed his interest in cultural cooperation with our country, and ideas were shared about the organization of cultural days. ..
13.05.2024 10:29
Shusha hosted opening ceremony of 7th “Kharibulbul" International Music Festival and “Shusha - the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024”The opening ceremony of the 7th “Kharibulbul“ International Music Festival and “Shusha - the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024” was held at the Jidir Duzu plain in Shusha. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the event. The head of state addressed the event. Speech by President Ilham Aliyev - Dear Director-General of ICESCO, Mr. AlMalik. Dear guests, dear friends. As you are aware, the city of Shusha has been designated as the cultural capital of the Islamic world. I would like to express my gratitude to ICESCO, its leadership, and member countries – our brotherly nations - for this decision. Shusha has been bestowed with this prestigious designation, and we see it as a sign of the Islamic world's continued support and respect for Azerbaijan. This isn’t the first time an Azerbaijani city has been honored with this prestigious title. In 2009, Baku and in 2018, the city of Nakhchivan were also declared as the cultural capitals of the Islamic world. This time, Shusha, the cultural capital Azerbaijan, will carry this prestigious title. We are consistently working towards Islamic solidarity. Azerbaijan is making great efforts for the unity of the Islamic world and to strengthen Islamic solidarity. Our country hosts many international events, music festivals, and cultural activities. Of course, the declaration of the city of Shusha as the cultural capital of the Islamic world will provide us with additional opportunities to showcase our culture both to Muslim communities and the global community. Shusha is the homeland of many distinguished cultural figures of Azerbaijan. The renowned and genius cultural figures who were born in Shusha and grew up here are a source of pride for us. Shusha was historically known not only as a cultural center in Azerbaijan but also in the entire Caucasus region and a broader geographic area. The activities of Shusha's cultural figures always attracted great attention. For 28 years, we lived without Shusha. Both the people of Shusha and all the Azerbaijani people remember and will continue to remember these years as years of spiritual suffering. Yesterday, another step was taken towards the revival of the city of Shusha, as the first residents returned to their native city after a long break and settled here. Active efforts are underway to restore the historical image of Shusha. Shusha is experiencing a true revival. Many historical and religious sites of Shusha were completely destroyed by the invaders during the occupation. Currently, four mosques are undergoing reconstruction, and repair and restoration works are in progress on others. Despite the occupation, Shusha managed to preserve its spirit - the Azerbaijani spirit. When we returned to Shusha after its liberation, each of us witnessed this again and again. Every person coming to Shusha clearly sees that the Azerbaijani spirit is present here. Shusha did not succumb during the occupation and oppression. As representatives of the Azerbaijani people, we had to reclaim Shusha, and we did so with bloodshed and sacrifices, may Allah rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace. The liberation of Shusha through urban battles is a bright chapter in our history. As I mentioned, while Shusha is renowned as a cultural hub, it now also symbolizes heroism, victory, and peace. Following the liberation of Shusha, the occupiers realized that resistance would lead to nothing for them. Therefore, today we rightfully regard Shusha as a symbol of peace. I extend a warm welcome to our foreign guests. This year's “Kharibulbul“ festival is dedicated to the declaration of Shusha as the cultural capital of the Islamic world. Today, performers from numerous Muslim nations will showcase their talents in the sacred Jidir Duzu plain. It will be a festival of unity and solidarity. This place, which embodies the unwavering spirit of the Azerbaijani people, is dear and precious to each of us —both before, during, and after the occupation. Our heroic soldiers and officers, look, by scaling steep cliffs, liberated the city from the enemy with light weapons. I am confident that peace will always reign in Azerbaijani lands from this point forward. My wish – I am confident, the wish of all the people of Azerbaijan - is that under this sky, the sounds of cannon fire will never be heard again. May only the sound of music resonate here henceforth. Thank you. x x x Then, ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik delivered a speech. x x x Following the speeches, the event continued with a concert. ..
26.04.2024 11:19
The 6th World Forum of Intercultural Dialogue will be held in Azerbaijan on May 1-3The 6th World Forum of Intercultural Dialogue will be held in Azerbaijan on May 1-3, under the theme 'Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Interconnectivity.' The forum is a part of the Baku Process, initiated by Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in 2008. The main goal of this year’s forum is to strengthen the role of the Baku Process as an important international platform for promoting intercultural cooperation and dialogue. The forum will be held in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and the UN World Tourism Organization. During the three-day forum, attendees will engage in 12 panel discussions and 4 plenary sessions. Topics to discuss will include education, youth, climate change, artificial intelligence, protection of cultural heritage, illegal migration, and other areas. Leading international organizations, members of governments, chairmen of parliaments, deputies, representatives of international media, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations from more than 100 countries will discuss challenges and problems relevant to the world. As part of the forum, there will be a plenary session 'Confidence building through Interfaith Dialogue' will welcome more than 100 religious leaders from several countries. On the third day, it is planned to visit the territories liberated from occupation and hold two special panel sessions in Agdam and Shusha. The First World Forum for Intercultural Dialogue was held in Baku in 2011, and was later organized in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019. Over the past period, the forum has expanded significantly, and the number of countries and organizations participating in the event has increased. More than 10,000 participants took part in the forums so far - government officials, leaders, and representatives of international organizations and institutions, on more than 200 events of various formats and scales. Discussions and the documents prepared during the last Forums were the main reference book for international organizations. The 'Baku Process' has been recognized as a key platform for promoting intercultural dialogue by the United Nations General Assembly. ..
15.03.2024 15:16
Exhibition Clothing and Jewellery Culture of the Turkic Peoples is open at the Azerbaijan National Carpet MuseumOn March 15, the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum held the opening ceremony of the exhibition Clothing and Jewellery Culture of the Turkic Peoples. The exhibition dedicated to the 15th anniversary of inscription of Novruz Festival in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is organized jointly by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. The exhibition showcases the traditional women’s costumes and jewellery items of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Turkiye and Turkmenistan. The patterns and material of these artworks aim to create a rich perception of the unique national features, customs and traditions, natural and geographical conditions of the habitat of the Turkic peoples, their mindset and lifestyle. The presented exhibits are preserved in the collections of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Association of Hungarian Folk Artists and private collector Virginija Morgan-Hayat’s. The exhibition is on until March 31 and includes a master-class and a lecture. ..
28.02.2024 18:01
“Hello, Novruz!” 28 February – 15 AprilOn February 27, an exhibition named ‘Hello, Novruz’, dedicated to the arrival of spring to our native homeland, was opened at the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art. The exhibition, the opening of which took place on Su Charshanbasi (Water Tuesday), the first harbinger of the spring holiday, and was presented based on about 80 exhibits, including decorative-applied and fine artworks selected from the collection of the museum, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art.The curator of the exhibition is Shirin Malikova, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor. With an exciting concept, the exhibition space is divided into five thematic halls dedicated to the Tuesdays of Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, and Novruz holiday, the beginning of the astronomical new year. At the entrance of the exhibition, visitors are welcomed by an interactive tree of dreams. While writing their wishes and hanging them on it, they transform it into a tree with green leaves, and by this, they contribute to the design of the exhibition personally. In Su Charshanbasi Hall, there are ceramic dishes with geometric ornaments from the Bronze Age which semantic meanings are related to water, dolcha, sahang, aftafa-layan, water bowl, chiljam (forty keys basin) distinguished by their beauty of the form and exquisite patterns, artistic metal samples of the 19th century are displayed. In the next hall dedicated to Od Charshanbasi (Fire Tuesday), an ancient ceramic example reflecting the ideological views of our ancestors connected with the faith in fire and sun, fine artistic embroideries in different techniques of the XIX century with the beautiful colour solution, decorated with ornaments and images representing the sun, examples of artistic weapons like helmets, shield and other unique art samples are presented to the visitors. In Yel Charshanbasi (Wind Tuesday) hall, among the decorative art examples related to the element of air, elegant kelaghayi, delicate fans, and wind instrument- ney are displayed. Interactive methods were used to bring dynamism to the hall, a specific atmosphere to this Charshanba (Tuesday). Continuing the theme, Torpag Charshanbasi (Earth Tuesday) hall is decorated with ornamented carpets representing land, abundance, and fertility, artistic embroiderysamples and other types of folk art, as well as exhibits related to folk beliefs carried out in “Ilakhir Charshanbasi” (the last Tuesday). The fifth hall reflects the astronomical New Year, the equalization of day and night, winter's end, and spring's arrival. In this hall, where a holiday atmosphere is created, a colourful ‘interactive khoncha’ decorated with the main attributes of Novruz is presented to the audience. In the exposition of the exhibition, as well as through photo and video projection, Novruz elements are revived with image and sound effects, and spring ceremonial songs are performed by folklore groups. Before entering the thematic halls in the exhibition of ‘Hello, Novruz!’, paintings and graphic works of A. Azimzadeh, S. Bahlulzadeh, E. Shahtakhtinskaya and other prominent Azerbaijani artists reflecting this ancient spring holiday are also presented. In general, the exhibition, which has the bright colour of the holiday and includes all the attributes and symbols of Novruz, invites the viewer to travel within the frame of time and space. It should be noted that the performances of the ‘Nene-qizlar’ (‘Grandmother and Girls’) folklore ensemble which took part in the opening ceremony, added a special colour to the exhibition. The exhibition will continue until April 15, 2024. ..