Visit to France

Days of Azerbaijani Culture have been held during 4-7 July 2013 in the city of Cannes of France within the framework of the project “Azerbaijan in Cannes” with organizational support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s Embassy in France. Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the events organized within the framework of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture.

Inauguration of the 4^th “Maiden Tower” International Art Festival

On July 4, inauguration of the 4^th International “Maiden Tower” Festival took place in La Croisette Boulevard. President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, the Foundation’s Vice-president Leyla Aliyeva, mayor of the city of Cannes, a deputy, Bernard Brochand, deputy UN Director General, head of UNITAD Philippe Douste-Blazy were present at the inauguration ceremony.

Delivering a speech at the event, mayor of the city of Cannes Bernard Brochand said he was pleased with demonstration of the Azerbaijani culture in this city, and welcomed Mehriban Aliyeva, who arrived in Cannes to participate in the events. He expressed confidence that the events to be held in the following days will have success.

Greeting the guests, Leyla Aliyeva said our country’s old history, rich culture and traditions will be presented during the Days of Azerbaijani Culture launched in the city of Cannes. Leyla Aliyeva noted that the days of culture started with the exhibition of Maiden Tower.

Inauguration of the exhibition “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of the Caucasus”

The inauguration of the project “Cultural Treasuresof Azerbaijan – the Pearl of the Caucasus” took place at the Palace of Festivals, 4 July.

At an exhibition attended by Mehriban Aliyeva and mayor of Cannes Bernard Brochand, exhibits related to our country’s old and rich history and culture were displayed.

Mayor of the city of Cannes Bernard Brochand said this exhibition once more proves that Azerbaijan was a secular state with rich culture. According to him, the inauguration of the exhibition in Cannes has aroused much interest towards Azerbaijan – the pearl of the Caucasus.

Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the ceremony.

Inauguration of the International Pyrotechnics Festival

On July 4, inauguration of the International Pyrotechnics Festival took place in the city of Cannes. Official opening of the Festival this time was done by Azerbaijan. Having been held since 1967, grandiose fireworks in this festival are accompanied by music and colours.

The presentation of the show “Azerbaijan in music and colours” was accompanied by a waltz from Gara Garayev’s “Seven Beauties” ballet, “Rast” symphonic mugham by Niyazi, “Shur” symphonic mugham by Fikret Amirov and other classic and composer’s songs. The fireworks started with sounding of the State Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and finished by Muslim Magomayev’s “Azerbaijan” song.

A dinner was given at the end of the ceremony on the occasion of the inauguration of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Cannes.

Meeting with mayor of the city of Cannes Bernard Brochand

Mehriban Aliyeva met, on July 5^th, with mayor of Cannes Bernard Brochand. Significance of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture was once more emphasized at the meeting, and satisfaction  was expressed with the impression that this event has made upon the city public and tourists.

Bernard Brochand noted that thousands of people watched the pyrotechnic festival he opened on July 4^th in Cannes.

Significance of continuing relations between Azerbaijan and the city of Cannes in future was underlined, and it was noted that implementation of some projects is under consideration.

Bernard Brochand presented a diploma of an honoured citizen of Cannes to Mehriban Aliyeva.

Decorated with the Azerbaijani flag, a statuette made in honour of the participant-countries during the summit of the Great Eight held in this city was presented to Mehriban Aliyeva.

Inauguration of a photo-exhibition and Jazz concert devoted to Azerbaijan

On July 5, inauguration of a photo-exhibition devoted to Azerbaijan took place in Cannes. This exhibition, first of all, presents our people’s old traditions, its past and present. The objective is to deliver Azerbaijan’s cultural values and their richness to the European audience.

Then a Jazz concert by Azerbaijani masters of art took place.

An evening of classical music

On July 6^th, another ceremony was organized in the French city of Cannes within the Days of Azerbaijani Culture.

Delivering a speech at the ceremony, mayor of the city of Cannes Bernard Brochand talked of the significance of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture being held here, and said this project of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation serves the development of relations between France and Azerbaijan.

Saying “Azerbaijan is a democratic and secular state”, Bernard Brochand noted that our country had unique culture, and today’s event once more testified to it.  The mayor thanked Mehriban Aliyeva for the support provided to the organization of the event.

Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the ceremony.

Then a concert by the Azerbaijan State Symphonic Orchestra named after Uzeir Hajibeyli took place under the direction of Honoured Artist Fakhraddin Karimov.

At the “Day of National Cuisine” after the concert, the guests were presented samples of the Azerbaijani cuisine.

Concert by “Natig” Rhythm Group and the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble at La Croisette Boulevard

On July 7, a concert by “Natig” Rhythm Group and the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble took place at La Croisette Boulevard.

Lasting four days, the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Cannes were finalized by this concert.

4-7 July, 2013