First Motofestival thrills up Shaki
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijan's northern city of Shaki hosted a grandiose motofestival on August 29-30.
Caucasus Moto Fest, the first such festival in the Caucasus was co-organized by the Chingiz Mustafayev Foundation, executive powers of Shaki, Baku HOG Azerbaijan and CAUCASUS MOTO FESTI Harley-Davidson. It involved bikers from Europe and the U.S.
The festival was dedicated to the birth anniversary of Azerbaijan's National Hero Chingiz Mustafayev. It was held at Ashagi Karvansaray complex that dates back to 19th century.
TV reporter Chingiz Mustafayev was born in Shaki. He filmed and documented scenes of atrocity of Armenian armed forces during the Nagorno-Karabakh war, and fell on duty during the battles in 1992.
Son of the national hero Fuad Mustafayev compared the festival in the country with those held in Europe and highly appreciated festivals in Azerbaijan. Mustafayev also praised the higly festive athmoshere of the event.
The two-day event included motoparade, exhibition, fair, and test drives and moto competitions.
Bikers from the U.S., UK, Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Croatia, and Iran attended the festival, drove the streets of Sheki.
About 200 bikers showed their proficiency and then along with other guests of the festival enjoyed a concert program with the participation of singers and DJs and other cultural events.
Famous Azerbaijani biker Ilqar Ismayilov also higly appreciated the fest and said the guests are very happy and did not want to leave the ancient city.
The special guests of the event tribute bands Rolling Stone, Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, and AC/DC rocked the city.
Member of the festival Chris Dickson said he loves the city. "This is my fourth visit to Shaki. Comparing these visits, I can say a lot of interest in these types of festivals has grown in recent years. I love Shaki for historic places and delicious food."
The show ended with gifts presenting ceremony to the guests of the festival.