Azerbaijan names folk art capitals
By Nigar Orujova
The towns of Khachmaz, Zagatala and Goygol have been named folk art capitals of Azerbaijan in 2013.
The measure aims to preserve Azerbaijani intangible cultural heritage, achieve international recognition of folklore bands and performers, craftsmen, national traditions and customs, and support Azerbaijani regions and cities, as well as to develop domestic and international tourism.
Speaking at the ceremony held in the Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Ministry's Museum Center on Tuesday, Culture Minister Abulfas Garayev said festive events, research and scientific conferences of nationwide and international scale, roundtables, concerts, contests, festivals, and exhibitions will take place in the Khachmaz, Zagatala and Goygol regions during the year.
Taking into account developed countries' experience in the area of cultural policy, the culture ministry has started implementing reforms to maintain and support Azerbaijan's intangible cultural heritage, Garayev said.
The minister said a state project on the conservation of Azerbaijani intangible heritage has been prepared and presented to relevant bodies.
Besides, it was noted that work is underway on preparation of a catalog of Azerbaijani intangible cultural heritage. Furthermore, a portfolio bank of such heritage is being created along with a state cadastre of its infrastructure units; tours on folk music Mugham, national carpets and national holiday Novruz will be conducted as well.
Addressing the event, representatives of the Khachmaz, Zagatala, and Goygol towns' executive bodies informed participants about the work done there under the project.
Khachmaz, named the Azerbaijani capital of legends in 2013, is situated 157 kilometers north from the capital Baku. The town is known for its thermal and mineral water springs. The well-known Shollar water pipeline, which comes from the Shollar village, still plays an important role in drinking water supply to Baku.
More than 60 historical and cultural monuments have been preserved in the region. Carpet weaving is the most developed among the traditional folk crafts in the region. One of the ancient fortress towns, Khudat (meaning "God's wealth"), is located there as well.
Zagatala, which was named the Azerbaijani folklore capital in 2013, lies 372 kilometers north-west of the capital city. There are numerous historical and cultural monuments in the region. The most interesting sights to visit there include 18th century mosques, an Albanian tower of the 12th century, an Albanian tower dating back to the 13th century, two monuments of the 14th century, Peri Tower, and Chingozqala Tower of the 14th century.
The town of Goygol, 364 kilometers to the west of Baku, was named the craftsmanship capital.
The regional center of Goygol was built in the 19th century by German immigrants settled in the ancient Khanliqlar village, which was then renamed Yelenendorf.
A lot of historical monuments, including the Zurnabad tower of the 12th century, a castle of the 12th century, a Lutheran church built in the 19th century, Gabriel Church built in the 17th century, White Bridge built in the 12th century, Ikigozlu bridge built over Ganjachay river in the 17th century and Uchgozlu bridge of the 19th century attract tourists visiting the region.