Gala concert held in Ashgabat within the framework of the Cultural Days of Azerbaijan
The gala concert marking the Cultural Days of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan commenced with a visit by guests to the photo exhibition entitled “Karabakh: The Memory of National Heritage,” organized by the Azerbaijan Photographers Union in the foyer of the venue.
Visitors were informed that the exhibition features photographs documenting the condition of historical and cultural monuments, as well as other infrastructure facilities, which were subjected to extensive destruction during the thirty-year occupation of Azerbaijani territories and were subsequently liberated during the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020 and the anti-terror measures conducted in 2023.
The exhibition also presented visual documentation of the large-scale reconstruction and restoration projects currently being implemented by the Government of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories.
Following the exhibition, the gala concert commenced in the Grand Hall of the Mukam Palace.
The gala concert was attended by the Deputy Chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Bahar Seyidova Bahar Seyidova, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Adil Karimli Adil Karimli, representatives of the cultural authorities of both countries, distinguished figures from the fields of culture and science, and members of the public.
In her remarks, Bahar Seyidova noted that relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are rooted in a deep and rich history. She emphasized that while the two countries are united by many common factors, culture occupies a particularly significant place among them. She also wished the Azerbaijani artists continued success in their creative endeavours.
Addressing the audience, Minister Adil Karimli expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of Turkmenistan for the warm hospitality extended to the Azerbaijani delegation.
It was noted that cooperation between the two countries continues to develop successfully across all fields, including culture. Particular emphasis was placed on the important contribution of reciprocal cultural days to further strengthening and deepening bilateral cultural ties.
The artistic programme then featured performances by distinguished Azerbaijani artists, including People’s Artists Azer Zeynalov, Teyyub Aslanov, Gulyaz Mammadova, Gulyanag Mammadova, Faiq Aghayev, Honoured Artist Gulustan Aliyeva, and soloists Narmin Narimanli, Ravana Gurbanova, Samira Rajabli, Emrah and Aisha Orujov, Fatima Jafarzade, Roya Mursalova, and Sahib Ismiyev.
The evening was further enriched by performances from the Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments named after Fikret Amirov, the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra named after Gara Garayev under the baton of Mustafa Ashurov, the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble under the artistic direction of People’s Artist Rufat Khalilzade, and the Savalan Group.
The programme, which also featured beloved Turkmen folk songs, was met with enthusiastic and sustained applause from the audience.
Showcasing the richness and diversity of Azerbaijan’s musical and dance heritage at the highest artistic level, the gala concert provided Turkmen audiences with a memorable cultural experience and served as a vivid reflection of the enduring friendship and cultural affinity between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.
