Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attended a ceremony dedicated to the 91^st anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev and the 10^th anniversary of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation on May 10.

Azerbaijani First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and members of their family also attended the ceremony.

First, a film dedicated to the 10-year activity of the Foundation was shown.

Addressing the event, President Aliyev welcomed the guests, and said the Foundation has been managed by Mehriban Aliyeva for 10 years.

"Under her leadership, the Foundation has become the largest non-governmental organization by volume of the work not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the region," the president said.

"Under Mehriban Aliyeva's guidance, specific programs have been implemented in some areas. In many cases, the Foundation's initiatives were supported by both public organizations and government agencies after some time, and turned into a kind of state programs. Particularly, 'A new school to renew Azerbaijan', initiated by the Foundation, has gained wide scope today, and the state has managed to build about 3,000 new schools in the past ten years through this program. The 'Justice for Khojaly' campaign was also launched at the initiative of the Foundation. This initiative was joined by state and social structures, and, ultimately, more than ten countries have already officially recognized the Khojaly genocide as an act of genocide."

He said the Foundation played an irreplaceable role in preserving and promoting Azerbaijani culture heritage, adding that the art of mugham was included in the list of World Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

President Aliyev also spoke about the creative work done under Heydar Aliyev's leadership, noting that Azerbaijan has managed to reach the highest peaks.

"Today, on the birthday of the great leader, we look back at our recent history again, seeing what great and historic work was done by Heydar Aliyev for the Azerbaijani people. That's why Azerbaijani people cherish Heydar Aliyev's memory in their hearts. And we, the followers of his cause, remain committed to his political course and take our native homeland forward," the president said.

Speaking at the event, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva talked about the organization's activities and thanked everyone involved in the Foundation's projects.

"During the past ten years, much has been done and excellent results have been achieved. Factors that unite the members of our Foundation are very simple - patriotism, charity, kindness, and delivering service to our people and country. Today, I would like to thank all the Foundation employees for their efficiency, professionalism, kindness, and patriotic qualities shown over ten years. Today, I wish to express my deep appreciation for each structure, organization, and person who cooperates with us and supports and helps us. New challenges, goals, and achievements lie ahead of us, and I am confident that we will cope with all the difficulties and achieve new successes together," the first lady said.

The winners of the International Award "Gizil Chinar", founded by Heydar Aliyev Foundation, were announced afterwards.

The prize was awarded to conductor Teymur Goychayev, Azerbaijan's People's Artist and the artistic director of the State Chamber Orchestra named after Gara Garayev, for his active participation in promoting Azerbaijani musical culture, while Hungarian Ambassador to the country Zsolt Chutora was awarded for contributing to strengthening friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary and developing cultural exchange between nations.

People's Artist of Azerbaijan and folk (mugham) singer Alim Gasimov was awarded the International Prize for his unique performance which made millions of people in the world love the Azerbaijani mugham. French Senator Nathalie Goulet was also awarded for bringing Azerbaijan's realities to the attention of the world community and his active participation in projects implemented by Heydar Aliyev Foundation in France.

Azerbaijan's State Chamber Orchestra named after Gara Garayev led by Teymur Goychayev and the instrumental ensemble "Dan Ulduzu" continued performed at the ceremony.