Strasbourg hosts int'l conference on Nizami Ganjavi
By Nigar Orujova
An international conference devoted to Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi was held at the Rhine Palace of Strasbourg on February 14.
The greatest representative of the Eastern Renaissance in the 12th century, Nizami has expressed man's inner world, feelings, and thoughts in his immortal works.
Nizami's poems played a great role in the enrichment of the theme of love with social and universal ideals and humane contents.
Nizami's creativity included a strong "Azerbaijanianship" ideology which reflects his love for his country and people.
The event was organized with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the assistance of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in France.
Opening the conference, Administrator of the Strasbourg National and University Library Robert Poirot stressed that Azerbaijan has made significant contributions to intercultural dialogue.
Presenting Nizami Ganjavi as a source of inspiration for literary figures, Poirot emphasized that the poet has been highly valued in Europe too.
Speaking about the poet's creativity, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to France Elchin Amirbeyov said Nizami has left a great legacy not only in literature, but also in science and human values.
Amirbeyov said his work "Khamsa" which consists of five poems is a collection of literary and philosophical ideas.
"Nizami Ganjavi's works and humanistic ideas are a unique source of literary and philosophical thoughts for the world, particularly, France," he said.
He noted that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a Decree to mark the 870th jubilee of Nizami Ganjavi in 2011, and that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, headed by Azerbaijan's First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, was in the process of translating and publishing the poets' works in several languages.
Corresponding member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Teymour Kerimli gave a speech on "Nizami Ganjavi's Love Philosophy", while head of the Azerbaijani Writers Union's Ganja branch Mammad Alim spoke about "Nizami Ganjavi; a Poet of All Times and Places".
Alsace district's Regional Director for Cultural Affairs Allen Hauss said they felt honored that a exhibition devoted to Nizami Ganjavi was organized in Strasbourg, adding that the conference, attended by well-known scholars, proved once again that the poet's works were studied all over the world.
The conference was also marked with remarkable speeches such as "Nizami in Strasbourg" by head of the Strasbourg National and University Library's Manuscripts Preservation and Heritage Section Frederic Blin, and "Nizami Ganjavi - A Poet of Soul" by Professor of Princeton University's Middle East Studies Department Michael Barry.
Nizami Ganjavi's creativity was also evaluated in "Originality of Nizami Ganjavi's Manuscripts being Preserved in Strasbourg" by Research Director of the Languages and Civilizations Library Francis Richard, "Oriental Studies of Goethe and Nizami" by Professor of Berlin-Humboldt University Eva-Maria Auch, and "Story as a Psychological Therapy: Seven Beauties" by Professor of the Napoli University of Oriental Studies Michael Bernardi.
Head of the Permanent Representative Office of Azerbaijan under the Council of Europe, Ambassador Emin Eyyubov, orientalists from the U.S., Italy, Germany, and other countries, and the representatives of the Strasbourg general public attended the conference.
The participants acquainted themselves with the exhibition devoted to Nizami's life and creativity, and were presented with the works of the poet published by the Foundation in various languages.