SUSHA, Azerbaijan, May 12. A performance of
remarkable musical duets has been held in Azerbaijan’s Shusha
during the 7th Kharibulbul International Music Festival,
co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of
Culture from 11 to 13 May, Trend reports from the site of the event.
Clarinetists Husnu Shenlendirici (Türkiye) and Huseyn
Mehemmedoglu (Azerbaijan), Serkan Cagri (Türkiye) and Orkhan
Musayev (Azerbaijan), vocalists Sanam Abdolazimzadeh (Iran) and
Rashad Ilyasov (Azerbaijan) performed ethno-folklore concert
programs.
“This marks my debut at the International Kharibulbul Festival,
and it fills me with immense joy. My heart swells with pride! These
are truly glorious times, gifted to us by the Supreme
Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, and our
heroic army, the brave defenders of our homeland. Let us honor the
memory of the martyrs. Azerbaijan stands as a beacon of strength
and prosperity, and events like these festivals serve to enrich our
musical heritage and proudly showcase our ancient land and culture
to the global stage once more,” Honored Artist, singer and qanun
musical instrument performer Rashad Ilyasov said.
Guests of the festival shared their impressions with Trend.
“Stepping foot in Azerbaijan for the first time, I am truly
struck by the hospitality of its people and the breathtaking beauty
of Shusha city—words fail to capture its magnificence. The majestic
mountains here are unlike anything we’ve ever seen before! This
international festival has provided us with the opportunity to
immerse ourselves in the rich cultures and traditions of various
nations. Additionally, we’ve had the pleasure of learning the
Azerbaijani ‘Yalli’ dance. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan share a deep
bond as brotherly nations, and we stand united, committed to the
success and prosperity of our countries,” soloist of the Uzbeki
Navbahor song and dance ensemble Kendzhaber Sherzodaliyevich
said.
“Visiting Azerbaijan for the first time has been a delightful
experience, especially due to the captivating program of the
festival. We were thoroughly entertained by the Azerbaijani
compositions and were deeply fascinated by the enchanting nature of
Shusha. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the invitation and
sincerely hope to revisit your beautiful country again in the
future,” the soloist of the Indonesian Sendja Community ethno-group
Faris Bindaryani commented.
“Organizing the international Kharibulbul festival in liberated
Shusha holds significant importance in promoting our national
culture and showcasing the beauty and grandeur of Karabakh, as well
as highlighting the high moral values of the Azerbaijani people to
the world. With numerous foreign guests participating in the
festival, the intercultural dialogue for progress sets a shining
example for nations and peoples, uniting them in the pursuit of
humanism and the highest human ideals,” Hamida Omarova, People’s
Artist, member of the Board of the Azerbaijan Union of Filmmakers
said.
“The Great Leader Heydar Aliyev once said: ‘Shusha is the eyes
of the Azerbaijani people. We will reclaim Shusha. The time will
come when Azerbaijan will ascend like a sun over the world.’ This
prophecy has come true. Shusha holds our soul and heart, while
Karabakh stands as the cradle of our national music and poetry. I
recall forty years ago, my initial visit to Shusha was adorned with
vibrant national celebrations, echoing with songs, dances, and
folklore that depicted our rich ancient culture. Over the decades,
Shusha endured occupation, its essence marred, yet today,
painstaking efforts are underway to rebuild what was lost. Karabakh
is once again blossoming into a land of prosperity, ushering
happiness back into homes, rekindling the fire in our hearts,” said
People’s Artist, Deputy Chairman of the Union of Theater Workers
Haji Ismayilov.
“Recently, we had the privilege of attending a grand evening at
the Heydar Aliyev Center, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the
Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The event was held with remarkable
precision and grandeur. Now, we find ourselves immersed in a
splendid music festival within the ancient land of Karabakh,
liberated Shusha, where a beautiful exchange of cultures is
unfolding. Witnessing the monumental transformations here is
awe-inspiring. Under the leadership of First Vice President
Mehriban Aliyeva, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation is diligently
restoring our architectural marvels and mosques ravaged during the
occupation. Numerous significant events across various domains are
a testament to this vibrant revival. This collective creative
endeavor, dedicated to our people and future generations, under the
guidance of President Ilham Aliyev, aspires towards a robust and
sovereign Azerbaijan, evoking profound admiration,” People’s
Artist, singer Natavan Sheikhova said.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the festival, spanning
three days in Shusha and Lachin. Notably, Shusha has been declared
as the “Cultural Capital of the Islamic World” for 2024, as decreed
by President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan last
November. The Kharibulbul International Music Festival boasts the
participation of esteemed masters of arts, alongside emerging
talents, encompassing musicians, vocalists, mugham performers, as
well as representatives from classical and folk music and
choreographic groups. The festival’s lineup features performers and
creative ensembles from member countries of ICESCO, including
Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan,
Qatar, Guinea, Morocco, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan.
Since 1989, the Kharibulbul International Music Festival, named
after the flower symbolizing Shusha city, has been a cherished
tradition. Its inception in May of that year, at Abdal Gulabli
village in the Aghdam district, commemorated the 100th anniversary
of the renowned khananda, teacher, and People’s Artist Seyid
Shushinsky. The festival commenced in Shusha and culminated with a
concert in Aghdam. By 1990, the Kharibulbul festival had attained
international acclaim. Throughout the Karabakh conflict, primary
concerts were hosted in Aghdam, with additional performances in
Barda and Aghjabadi. Following the liberation of Azerbaijani
territories during the Second Karabakh War, culminating in the
nation’s historic victory, the festival returned to Shusha. This
year, the festival expands its reach to include Lachin city as
well.
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