Imishli welcomes Baku 2015 flame
By Nigar Orujova
The Flame of the first European Games which continues its journey around the south of Azerbaijan, reached Imishli region.
Baku 2015 torch was welcomed by thousands of locals with applauses. Imishli sugar factory worker, Mammad Abiyev was the first torchbearer at a distance of 4.1 kilometers. Following, the torch was passed on to 10 torchbearers to finally reach the central square.
Here, residents greeted the athletes who took the torch relay of the first European Games with ovations.
The event saw a video presentation of the ceremony of the inaugural lighting of the torch in the Ateshgah temple in Baku which took place on April 26.
Close fight champion Jafarov Gadir lit the lamp of the Games that will stay lightened until the end of the competition on June 28.
Resident of the region, Rustam Valiyev named the torch ceremony a significant event for Imishli sporting life.
Imishli region is situated on both sides of the Araz River on built-joints of Mugan and Mil plains.
The climate in that area ranges from moderate up to hot semi desert. The region is famous for hunting, having such shoots lands as "Sherbet-Gobu" and "Saru-Su".
Once upon a time, the region was a non-edged steppe being used as a winter pasture. Today, this winter grasslands turned into favor-accommodated villages.
The region holds many interesting features: monuments of culture telling the historical past of its people like the Mukhurtape, Giziltepe and Garatepe barrows. Earthen dishes and other domestic articles, dating back over 3,000 years have been discovered in the region.
One of the most beautiful places in the region to visit is Bakhramtepin water basin.
After Imishli the torch ceremony will head to Fizuli region.
Baku 2015 European Games will gather over 6,000 athletes from 50 countries to compete in 20 sports, including 16 Olympic.
The Journey of the Flame is bringing the spirit of Baku Games across Azerbaijan from April 26. In some 48 days, the spirit of Baku 2015 will inspire 60 regions across Azerbaijan, to finally arrive in the magnificent Baku National Stadium on June 12.
To follow the Journey of Flame please visit: baku2015.com/flame.
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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar
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