The country of fire, wonderful nature, places of worship of numerous religions, the meeting point of the East and West, showed its true magnificence at the event entitled “Azerbaijan – the Land of Fire” which was organized at the Madlena Art Palace within the Days of Azerbaijani culture in Belgrade, between 18 and 20 April. Dedicated to Azerbaijani cultural heritage, presenting some of the pearls of culture of this Euro-Asian country, the event incited a great deal of interest and brought together an impressive number of visitors.
The event was opened with a short documentary entitled “Azerbaijan – the Land of Fire” and the speech of Azerbaijan Ambassador, His Excellency Kamil Khasiyev, who expressed his gratitude to associates who helped organize the exhibition.
This was followed by a concert of the Azerbaijani State Ensemble of Folk Dances and Songs with a production by Fikret Amirov. Combining folk music, choreography, and story-telling, this ensemble presented the deep roots of ancient Azeri tradition and history.
Following the music part of the programme, the guests had the opportunity to watch another short documentary on the ancient carpet-weaving tradition in Azerbaijan. The history of carpet manufacturing in this Euro-Asian state dates back from the bronze era, i.e. for longer than 5,000 years. This art, which brings together the nature, history, and lifestyle, contributed to the inclusion of Azerbaijani carpets on the UNESCO List of intangible heritage in the end of 2010.
Another pearl of Azerbaijani culture and, according to UNESCO, masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage of mankind – Mugham – was also presented. This very complex musical form, performed at the Madlena Art Palace by the “Mugham” trio and the opera diva Jasmina Trubetaš, is one of numerous classic compositions which bring together classic poetry and specific local musical improvisation.
The guests had the opportunity to enjoy several exhibitions organized within the event “Azerbaijan – the Land of Fire”, such as: exhibition of traditional Azerbaijani Azerkalcha carpets, Karabah – exhibition of national Azeri costumes by designer Gulnara Halilova, “Gurama” exhibition of patchwork by Leyla Hasieva, exhibition of pen-and-ink drawings and abstract paintings inspired by the architecture of Baku and the beauty of Absheron Peninsula by artist Jevgenia Turkoglu, who lives and works in Belgrade, and, particularly interesting for the youngest visitors, exhibition of handmade toys inspired by Azeri folk stories by artist Diana Isaeva.
In the course of the event “Azerbaijan – the Land of Fire”, visitors of the Madlena Art Palace could also taste Azeri tea and “pahlava”, the best-known national sweet made of thin layers of pastry with honey and chopped walnuts.
