Azerbaijan and Tajikistan share a strong bond of friendship that
has spanned centuries.
The two countries established diplomatic relations on May 29,
1992.
The cooperation between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan reached a new
level in 2008, when an intergovernmental commission on trade and
economic cooperation was launched.
Today, cultural exchanges between the national masters of
classical music and the symphonic orchestras of the two countries
have become traditional.
Numerous events, including cinema weeks and an international
conference dedicated to the 600th anniversary of the great Tajik
Persian poet, scholar, and thinker Mavlono Abdurakhman Jami, were
held within the framework of the fruitful cooperation.
Days of Tajik Culture is another significant event that further
strengthens the Azerbaijani-Tajik cooperation.
In 2007, the Days of Culture of Tajikistan were successfully
held in the cities of Baku and Ganja, while the Days of Azerbaijani
Culture were held in Dushanbe in 2008.
This annual event showcases the vibrant cultural heritage of
Tajikistan through exhibitions, performances, and other
projects.
Days of Culture of Tajikistan 2024 have been declared open in
Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku.
The guests of the ceremony viewed an exhibition of paintings by
Tajik artists, samples of folk crafts, and got acquainted with the
traditional costumes and cuisine of Tajikistan.
Speaking at the ceremony, Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil
Karimli noted that he is sincerely glad to welcome all participants
of this evening with the grand opening of the Days of Tajik Culture
in Azerbaijan.
“We are confident that holding the Days of Tajik Culture in
Azerbaijan is a significant event for all art connoisseurs. For
centuries, strong ties have existed between Azerbaijan and
Tajikistan, based on historical, cultural, and spiritual ties.
These ties continue to create unique prospects for cultural
exchange and joint initiatives. A special role in the development
of bilateral cooperation is played by friendly relations between
the heads of our states – the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham
Aliyev, and the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon,” the
minister said.
Noting the active cooperation of the two countries in both
bilateral and multilateral formats, the Culture Minister emphasised
that events dedicated to outstanding representatives of culture are
organised at the bilateral level, as well as the exchange of
experience and translation of literary works from Azerbaijani into
Tajik and from Tajik into Azerbaijani. In Tajikistan, the work of
the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, whose works are included
in the school curriculum, is highly respected.
“I am very glad to see in the exhibition the outstanding
creation of the wonderful Azerbaijani sculptor Fuad Abdurakhmanov,
created in 1964. I would also like to note the importance of
strengthening cooperation between the two countries within the
framework of international organizations,” he added.
Adil Karimli said that Tajikistan Culture Days are organized in
Baku and Ganja, which makes it possible for the general public to
become familiar with the ancient history, rich culture, traditions,
and spiritual values of the fraternal Tajik people.
He stressed that multiple events will be organized within the
Days of Tajik Days, including the closing gala concert at Ganja
State Philharmonic Hall.
Tajikistan Culture Minister Matluba Sattoriyon welcomed the
participants of the opening ceremony on behalf of cultural figures
of Tajikistan.
“Taking advantage of this pleasant opportunity, first of all I
want to say that thanks to the support of the governments and
leaders of our two states, the President of Tajikistan Emomali
Rahmon and the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, our bilateral
relations are developing year after year, especially cooperation in
the field of culture,” the minister said.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations,
Tajik-Azerbaijani cooperation has traditionally been built in line
with a mutually beneficial and equal partnership and, in general,
has successfully developed in political, trade, economic,
humanitarian and other fields. It is noteworthy that it is in the
sphere of culture that the ties between Tajikistan and Azerbaijan
are becoming more noticeable, broader and closer. Tajikistan and
Azerbaijan have carried out quite intensive cultural exchanges in
recent years,” she added.
In her speech, Matlubakhon Sattoriyon touched upon the legacy of
the Azerbaijani philosopher and poet Nizami Ganjavi:
“A striking example of strong cultural ties between our peoples
is Nizami Ganjavi, the great Azerbaijani sage, poet and outstanding
philosopher of the 12th-13th centuries, whose name both Tajiks and
Azerbaijanis are proud of. Nizami’s Khamsa, that is, his five
dastans, is an excellent example of literature. In Tajikistan, the
original national culture of the Azerbaijani people, famous for its
ethnic uniqueness, is well known, loved and appreciated.”
“Over many centuries, the Azerbaijani people have created a
rich, diverse traditional culture and achieved enormous creative
success. It is worth noting that holding Days of Culture is a great
holiday that decorates the cultural heritage of our peoples. Of
course, Culture Days promote friendship between our countries. Let
me once again express our gratitude for the opportunity to
introduce the noble Azerbaijani people to the culture and art of
Tajikistan.”
Tajikistan Culture Minister said that Days of Tajik Culture
features vibrant concerts, an exhibition of artists and craftsmen,
film screenings and display of national costumes, which provide
insight into the history, culture and customs of the Tajik
people.
In conclusion, Matlubakhon Sattoriyon expressed her gratitude to
the Azerbaijani government and Azerbaijan Culture Ministry on
behalf of the Tajikistan Culture Ministry for their support,
showing sincere respect for the people of Tajikistan.
The event was followed by a colorful show with the participation
of masters of art from Tajikistan. The musical and dance numbers
presented by Tajik performers were met with a storm of
applause.
The Days of Tajik Culture in Azerbaijan will end on May 23.
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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
