“The Land of Fire” showcases its culture at the SCO headquarters in Beijing

Azerbaijani Day of Culture was held at the SCO headquarters in Beijing on 11 May 2018.

"Supporting and developing the uninterrupted dialogue of cultures and discovering its inexhaustible potential is the SCO's priority goal. Spiritual traditions and historical links between countries and peoples of the SCO area play an essential role in reaching this important goal. Mutual respect for the diversity of cultures and civilisations and taking the time to learn about them lie at the foundation of mutual trust, equality and our commitment to joint development. The Azerbaijani Day of Culture carries on the tradition of learning about the rich cultures of the SCO member-states," SCO Secretary General Rashid Alimov said welcoming the guests. He continued: "Azerbaijani soil is rich and fertile. Azerbaijani culture is diverse, as luscious as pomegranate and as colourful as spring, and Azerbaijani people are generous and talented. Envoys of the Land of Fire welcome us to an earthly paradise of pomegranate," Mr Alimov said.

"My country's Day of Culture at the SCO headquarters is a clear indication of the great importance that we attach to our cooperation with this organisation, seeing ourselves as a full-fledged member of the SCO family," Azerbaijan's Ambassador to China Akram Zeynalli said. "We believe that holding cultural events like this helps bring SCO member-states together and strengthens the Shanghai spirit in us."

The highlight of the event was a concert of traditional Azerbaijani music, featuring the enchanting voices of People's Artist of Azerbaijan and UNESCO International Music Prize winner Alim Gasymov and Ural Mono international singing competition prize winner Ulkar Aliyeva, as well as the emotional tar playing of Mugam International Contest prize winner Shahriyar Imanov. The Mirvari Dance Group represented the Land of Fire with moving melodies and lively dances.

Guests also saw stunning samples of skilled Azerbaijani rug makers. There was significant interest in the exhibition of Azerbaijani folk art known as shabaka*, which showcased Azerbaijan's ancient and rich history and culture. Works by 20-year old Azerbaijani artist Fidana Kim (Nowruzova) was the highlight of the exhibition. Her distinctive pictures tell her life story naturally and brilliantly with the help of ornamental patterns and motifs representing her native land's rich history and culture.

Participants of the Day of Culture could also sample authentic Azerbaijani food.

Visitors of the event included Ambassadors of the Republic of India, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Austria, Bangladesh, Georgia, Ireland, Kuwait, Malta, Senegal, Slovenia, Syria, Chile and the United Arab Emirates, and high representatives of the diplomatic missions of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia and other countries, as well as representatives of Chinese academic, cultural and business circles and Chinese and foreign journalists.

The Azerbaijani Day of Culture was held as part of the SCO Is Our Common Home project. The organisers were the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Azerbaijani Embassy in China and the SCO Secretariat.

The day before the Azerbaijani Day of Culture, SCO Secretary General Rashid Alimov met with Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to China Akram Zeynalli.