Azerbaijani Camp kicks off in Paris
By Nigar Orujova
The Place Saint-Sulpice in Paris hosted the opening ceremony of the colorful Azerbaijani Camp.
The event organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was attended by of Azerbaijan's First Lady and President of the Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva.
The camp gives a chance to French people and other nations to get acquainted with the history, culture and tourism of Azerbaijan through various exhibitions until September 28. The camp will also have stalls promoting national cuisine, sweets, drinks, and folk arts of Azerbaijan.
The event is aimed to make Azerbaijan recognized internationally. Such events could continue in the future in France and its capital.
Addressing the event, Mayor of the 6th arrondissement of Paris Jean-Pierre Lecoq said that Paris residents would be able to get substantial information about Azerbaijan and its rich culture during the 10-day event.
He noted that a number of similar events had already been held in recent years at the initiative of the first lady of Azerbaijan.
Addressing the opening ceremony, First lady Mehriban Aliyeva pointed out that projects implemented in France play an important role in promotion of Azerbaijani history, culture and arts.
She underlined that Azerbaijan places huge emphasis on bilateral relations with France and noted that such events help build ties among NGOs and business sectors of two sides.
Aliyeva stressed that the Azerbaijani camp will tell a story of Azerbaijan's past, present and future, history, culture, art and music. It will also present traditional and classic music, jazz concerts, dance ensembles.
President of the Association of Azerbaijani Friends in France Jean-Francois Mancel underlined that such events help cultivate relations between the two nations.
He touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict saying the leadership of Azerbaijan puts all efforts into finding a peaceful solution to the dispute.
The event will provide enthusiasts with information about centuries-old culture of Azerbaijan.
The exhibition will also familiarize visitors with material associated with the creative activity of Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi, coins, jewelry, reproductions of paintings by Azerbaijani medieval artists, chinaware, carpets, porcelain miniatures, carpets and batik reflecting the poems of "Khamsa."
The participants can also attend the "France through the eyes of Azerbaijani artists" exhibition that displays over 50 paintings.
A presentation of the preparations for the first 2015 European Games in Baku is also being held at the event through a tourism exhibition called "Travel to Azerbaijan."
Moreover, State Dance Ensemble, "Natig" rhythm group, State Ensemble of Folk Musical Instruments, Ensemble of Ancient Musical Instruments and other musical groups will welcome residents and tourists with a variety of concert programs, Azerbaijani classical, jazz and folk music Mugham.
The opening event was followed by a concert of famous jazzman Isfar Sarabsky.
On the next day, Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble gave an impressive concert in the camp.
The Ensemble within 44 years has been a striking promotion of Azerbaijan choreography based on national dance traditions.
The repertoire of the ensemble includes colorful dances inspired by the music of outstanding Azerbaijani composers. It has performed in many countries across the world.
The performance was so attractive that even heavy rains could not stop visitors who were interested in Azerbaijani national dance.
On the third day of the event, Azerbaijani masters of art have
performed with
concert programs.
"Natig Rhythm Group" led by people's Artist of Azerbaijan Natig
Shirinov performed before the French audience. The Group performed
the dance music pieces "Coming to life", "Five Lovers",
"Arabesque", "Jazz" and "Atashgah".