Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

A photo-exhibition devoted to Azerbaijan by world-renowned photographer Reza Deghati was held in Paris on November 28. Two books containing photos by Deghati were unveiled during the exhibition.

Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva and Foundation’s Vice-president Leyla Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

Held at the Petit Palais Exhibition and Museum Complex of Paris, the exhibition attracted cultural celebrities of France. The visitors were informed about Azerbaijan, its rich culture and history.

Director of the Petit Palais Exhibition and Museum Complex Christophe Leribault noted that photos by Reza Deghati are famous all over the world.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan to France Elchin Amirbeyov noted that, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has its own place in Deghati's works. He noted that photos by Reza Deghati reflect the tragic events of Nagorno-Karabakh War and Khojaly Genocide.

Mayor of the 8th District of Paris Jeanne d'Hauteserre, in turn, said Azerbaijan has become famous in the world for its culture and art. She underscored that relations between France and Azerbaijan are expanding particularly in the field of culture.

Addressing the visitors, Chairperson of the Friends of Azerbaijan Association in France Jean Francois Manselle also talked about the France-Azerbaijan relations. He noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been showing special attention to promoting the Azerbaijani culture in France.

Reza Deghati thanked President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva for the organization of the exhibition.

He noted that Azerbaijan was a tolerant, beautiful and rich country: “Most of my life was spent in conflict zones. Every photo I took during the conflicts has made me live that conflict. What I experienced during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is also one of the bitter moments of my life.”

Deghati underscored that, as a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, part of the Azerbaijani territory was occupied by Armenia and Azerbaijanis have been displaced from their fatherlands. He talked about the Khojaly Genocide adding: “What I’ve seen in Khojaly have permanently remained in my memory and made me convey this tragedy to the whole world. Victims and martyrs of the Khojaly tragedy are main characters of my creativity”.

Two books by the photographer were also unveiled as part of the exhibition. Published with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the books “Elegance of Fire” and “Massacre of the Innocent” contain photos by Reza Deghati.

The book “Elegance of Fire” presents photos taken by Reza Deghati since 1987 during his trips to Azerbaijan. Regions, remote villages of Azerbaijan, lifestyle of common people, their traditions have been reflected in the book. At the same time, the author has tried to show the Azerbaijani culture to the world by photos taken during national dances, concerts, exhibitions and other events.

The book “Massacre of the Innocent” contains photos taken by the photo-correspondent during the Khojaly genocide committed by Armenia against Azerbaijanis in 1992. The book also shows photos from events held in various countries of the world aiming to get the Khojaly tragedy recognized in the world, and from a township for refugees and IDPs.

The famous photojournalist Reza Deghati has traveled the world bearing witness to moments of war and peace for the past 30 years.

Deghati is also committed to training women and children, through worldwide workshops, in visual media and communications to help them strive for a better life.