Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Shamakhi, “the capital of Azerbaijani literature” in 2015, hosted the “Maestros of Azerbaijani literature in the collection of the National Museum of Art” exhibition on October 29.

Taking place at the Culture Palace, the event was organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry as part of the “From the capital to the regions” project.

Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev attended the event, where he talked about the project’s goals.

He said the project aimed to introduce the regions’ residents with the exhibits, stored in the collections of leading museums and galleries of the capital.

The minister reminded that the country hosts numerous local and international festivals and events, one of which is the “From the regions to the capital” project, organized by the Ministry.

The event was aimed at familiarizing Baku residents and guests with social and economic development, the ancient and rich culture and traditions of the region and to promote the country’s tourism potential. And so far, the project has already covered Masalli, Gabala, Guba, Sheki, Gadabay, Ismayilli and Shamkir regions.

Head of the Shamakhi Region Executive Power Asif Agayev, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Artists Union, People's Artist Farhad Khalilov, Secretary of the Azerbaijani Writers Union Rashad Majid and Director of the Manuscripts Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences also visited the exhibition and praised the event.

Portraits of such great Azerbaijani writers and poets including Nizami Ganjavi, Fuzuli, Nasimi, Khagani, Molla Panakh Vagif, Mirza Shafi, Natavan, Mirza Fatali Akhundzade, Mirza Alekber Sabir were featured at the exhibition.

The impressive artworks have been created by outstanding artists like Sattar Bahlulzade, Tahir Salakhov, Najafgulu, Mikayil Abdullayev, Sadig Sharifzade, Oktay Sadigzade and Gazanfar Khaligov.

Located in a region 135km from Baku, Shamakhi used to be a capital city itself centuries ago. The ancient city found of the 5th century BC was the center of the powerful Shirvan kingdom in 11-16th centuries.

Once a main stop along the Great Silk Road, Shamakhi is home to famous Azerbaijani poets, philosophers and thinkers, which is why choosing the region as the host is not by accident.

Shamakhi has always attracted people for its flamboyant nature. Exceptional nature and mild climate adorn the city and its suburbs, which are famous for their shady forests and green meadows. The region is also well known as a center for winemaking and carpet weaving.

Despite being located on an active seismic zone, the city retains its many historical monuments. The "must see" attractions in Shamakhi are Juma mosque with its two minarets, the mausoleum of Shahihandan and Diri-Baba, the tomb of the Shirvan Khans, the ruins of the Gulistan citadel and the Gala-Bugurt fortress.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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