The opening ceremony of a Culture Center established with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijani Embassy in France has been held in Paris.
The ceremony was joined by President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva.
The head of state and his wife reviewed the center.
It was indicated that the Azerbaijani Culture Center established in the heart of Paris, near the Eiffel Tower, is one of the most important steps to promote our country in the capital of world culture. This cultural event is of particular importance. It serves to promote Azerbaijan at the highest level as a country that has entered the global agenda as a platform of intercultural and inter-civilizational dialogue. The Center, which exhibits items of the ancient and rich history and culture of our country, also opens up opportunities for supporting the activities Azerbaijan has been carrying out in the cultural life of Paris. The Azerbaijani Culture Centre also embodies the immense interest in our country.
Carried out by First Lady of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, a significant portion of the activities to promote our country abroad is connected with the cultural life of Paris. The new culture center will open opportunities for stepping up work in this area, managing it from a single center and organizing activities in a more efficient manner.
It was indicated that the building of the Center is a historic site built in 1904. Covering an area of 3,000 square meters, it will serve as an Azerbaijani culture center and will open up opportunities for organizing various humanitarian activities associated with our country.
President Ilham Aliyev raised the national flag of our country in the courtyard of the Center.
It was noted that the Center has all the conditions for hosting meetings and events. The rooms are fitted with the necessary equipment. The main feature of the Center is that it demonstrates items of Azerbaijani culture. The Center has exhibition halls displaying items that reflect the history of Azerbaijan. Starting from archaeological findings to ancient coins, weapons to copperware – everything reflects the long and rich history of Azerbaijan.
It was mentioned that Azerbaijani carpets are placed among the most precious jewels at the Center. Examples of all national carpet schools are on display, reflecting a wide range of centuries-old carpets and rugs. Information is provided on the history and development of Azerbaijan’s carpet-weaving schools. Azerbaijani miniatures provide detailed information on the country’s miniature school – the art of painting that emerged in Azerbaijan, a country of the East, in ancient times. The Center also displays various jewelry items, samples of all folk arts, the art of wood carving, etc. It also focuses on Azerbaijani national costume. Of particular interest are dolls and bronze statues which represent the national spirit.
It was indicated that the Azerbaijani Culture Center has a library with a large collection of Azerbaijani literature translated into French. The library, which has an extensive collection on the various areas of Azerbaijani culture, allows visitors to obtain information about our literature, art, music and other forms of art.
It was noted that works of young artists are on display at the Center. Therefore, the establishment of this Center is very important for informing the French public about contemporary art in Azerbaijan, a country in development. It is also an indicator of the assessment Azerbaijan is giving to contemporary art.
President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva were informed that the Center also focuses on promoting Azerbaijani music. A mugham room has been set up and an exhibition of ancient musical instruments organized. The Center will also operate courses on Azerbaijani cuisine.
President Ilham Aliyev watched the views of Paris from to the top floor of the Center.
The head of state signed the guest book of the Azerbaijani Culture Center.
Then a picture was taken.
