Official opening of the "Azerbaijani Village" takes place in Paris

On September 3, official opening of the “Azerbaijani Village” took place on famous Palais Royal Square before the Louvre Museum.

Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva and Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the ceremony.

It is for the second time that the “Azerbaijani Village” takes place in Paris. The primary objective of organizing the village was to better promote Azerbaijan abroad, and ensure the regularity of such events of publicity nature both in France and its capital. 

Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the ceremony.

Mayor of the 1st Arrondissement of Paris Jean Francois Legaret said organization of such a high-level event in the centre of the French capital, before Louvre Museum, arouses more interest towards Azerbaijan. Highly appreciating the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s activity in this job, the mayor said such events would play an essential role in extending the cultural exchange between our countries. 

Chairperson of the Friends of Azerbaijan Association in France Jean Francois Mansell congratulated Mehriban Aliyeva on such a high level event organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. He emphasized the first European Games held in our country and said this sports event demonstrated to the whole world Azerbaijan’s might. Jean Francois Mansell brought to attention that  the holding of this sports holiday – a significant event in Europe’s life - was a great success of President Ilham Aliyev and chairperson of the Organizing Committee Mehriban Aliyeva.

While becoming acquainted with the Village, the guests watched the performance by the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble. 

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Our country’s history, culture, folk art, traditions and national cuisine are demonstrated in the “Azerbaijani Village”. Called “Azerbaijan in the heart of Paris”, the village has been arranged with a unique design, surrounded by fortification walls. In the village, a wide network of carpet-making, pottery and other art products, national garments and music instruments related to Azerbaijan has been arranged. Visitors have a chance to make themselves closely familiarized with the process of creating these samples of art in the “Workshop” section.  Artisans from our country, making copper dishes, shebeke (lattices), carpets and other art samples, present Azerbaijan’s ancient and rich art traditions and their niceties to visitors. 

Moreover, a photo-exhibition comprised of works by famous Azerbaijanis living in France and Frenchmen living in our country has been arranged in the village. Called “Azerbaijanis and Frenchmen: the history of acquaintance”, this exhibition praises the life of our country and people.

Stands demonstrating our national cuisine have been built in the “Azerbaijani Village”. At the same time, national sweets, drinks, and samples of folk art are presented in the stands related to various local companies operating in Azerbaijan. Delicious dishes of our national cuisine are made for the guests of the village. Publications of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation covering various spheres are presented in the village.

Concert programmes are arranged on a scene built in the “Azerbaijani Village”.

 The “Azerbaijani Village” will function until September 9. 

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Then a concert programme comprised of Azerbaijan’s ethno-jazz music was presented under the leadership of tar player Shahryar Imanov.