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Baku marks 200th birthday anniversary of Lermontov

23 December 2014 18:42 (UTC+04:00)
Baku marks 200th birthday anniversary of Lermontov

By Nigar Orujova

A musical night marking the 200th birthday anniversary of the great Russian poet, Mikhail Lermontov, was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center on December 22.

Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, Vice President of the Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, and Arzu Aliyeva attended the event.

The presidential family members and Mikhail Lermontov, President of Lermontov’s Legacy Association also visited an exhibition held on this occasion.

The exhibition put on display reproductions of Lermontov’s paintings, artistic images of the poet through the children eyes and presentation of the personality and literary creativity of Lermontov by students and professors of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts. The exhibition also contributed to the cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Leyla Aliyeva addressed the event, saying that Azerbaijan has always paid respect to Russia's culture and literature.

“Lermontov’s poetries revolve around social, philosophical and love themes. Everyone knows that Lermontov wrote many of his works in exile in the Caucasus. He, as an artist and poet, was highly inspired by bright colors of the Caucasus mountains, forests and rivers. He filled his works with a flavor of local traditions and customs. Even many of his heroes are the real residents of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Chechnya and Dagestan. He has shown us the importance of cultural diversity,” Aliyeva stressed.

Lermontov studied Azerbaijani language viewing it as an important element in Asia as the French in Europe, she said.

The eminent Azerbaijani educator, philosopher and founder of the Azerbaijani dramaturgy, Mirza Fatali Akhundzadeh was Lermontov's teacher, Aliyeva added.

"They were connected by a warm and sincere friendship on one side and a great love and respect for the great talent of Pushkin on the other side. In my opinion, it once again underscores how ancient and deep are the roots connecting Azerbaijan and Russia together. Today in Azerbaijan many are very fond of Lermontov. One of the main streets in Baku is named after him, and there is a museum in Gusar city named after Lermontov. This is the same house where the poet stayed," she added.

President of Lermontov’s Legacy Association thanked the organizers of the event on behalf of his family.

He noted that for the first time an event dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the Russian poet was held outside of Russia at such a high-level.

One part of the event featured recitation of Mikhail Lermontov’s works and poems by Azerbaijani and Russian artists and culture figures. Then Azerbaijan State Symphonic Orchestra named after Uzeyir Hajibayli and Azerbaijan State Choir Capella played some pieces inspired by Lermontov's works.

The participants also watched the premiere of Mikhail Lermontov’s poem “Angel”.

During the event, Mehriban Aliyeva met prominent art figures including Pyer Sheremetyev and Kolett Tolstaya. They thanked the first lady for excellent organization of events marking the bicentennial of Mikhail Lermontov.

Moreover, a round table was held at the center dedicated to the artistic legacy of Lermontov as part of the world literature.

A number of reports were read out during the event. Rector of Baku Slavic University, Professor Asif Gadjily in his report "Lermontov and Azerbaijan: from perception to the interpenetration of cultures" noted that people in Azerbaijan remember and love the great Russian poet. The love is evident in the high-level celebrations of his 200th birthday anniversary. Meanwhile, Azerbaijani writers and poets have translated most of his poems.

Lermontov can be called one of the most popular Russian writers in Azerbaijan, whose works have had a strong influence on the literatures of the Caucasian nation, including Azerbaijan.

The poet repeatedly visited the Caucasus and Azerbaijan. These journeys helped the poet to become acquainted with the peoples of the Caucasus, its nature, and rich folklore.

The Caucasus is significantly touched upon in such great works of the poet as "Ismail Bey", "The Novice", "Demon", "Valerik", "Hero of Our Time", "Gifts of the Terek", "The Fugitive" and others.

Caucasian impressions are also evident in paintings and graphic heritage of Lermontov as 10 of his 13 paintings are dedicated to the Caucasus.

Corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of the Institute of Russian Literature of RAS, Doctor of Philology Vsevolod Bagno, Director of the State Literary Museum, Professor Dmitry Bak, and Head of the House Museum of Lermontov Valentina Lentsova expressed gratitude to Heydar Aliyev Foundation for organizing the event.

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