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The first event took place in the recently opened House of Azerbaijan in the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague. Thus, an art exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the national poet Nabi Khazri opened here.
According to Day.Az, the opening ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora Fuad MuradovAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the Czech Republic Adysh Mamedovrepresentative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, former ambassador of this country to Azerbaijan Milan EckertAmbassador of Kazakhstan to the Czech Republic Bakyt Dyusenbaevrepresentatives of the Azerbaijani community in the country and the local public.
Coordinator of the Coordination Council of Azerbaijanis of Eastern Europe for the Czech Republic, founder of the Natavan Society and head of the House of Azerbaijan in Prague Leila Begim Jafarova spoke in detail about the exhibition and noted that the inspiration received from the legacy of Nabi Khazri “Planted a Pomegranate Tree” prompted the decision to organize such exhibitions.
The works of Azerbaijani artists are presented here; works with a deep philosophical meaning aroused great interest among the participants.
It should be noted that the House of Azerbaijan in Prague was opened on November 6 this year. Azerbaijani houses are already functioning in 18 countries. The analysis shows that they play a special role in communicating our realities to the world community, suppressing misinformation related to our country, studying by compatriots their history and culture, their native language, as well as intensifying ties between the diaspora and local societies.
How can cultural diplomacy enhance the visibility of Azerbaijani art and literature on the global stage?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Art historian Dr. Elif Mehta
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Mehta! It’s a pleasure to have you here today. I wanted to discuss the recent art exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the celebrated Azerbaijani poet, Nabi Khazri, which took place in Prague. What do you think made this event significant?
Dr. Elif Mehta (EM): Thank you for having me! This exhibition is monumental not only because it commemorates a centennial but also because it showcases the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan in a European capital like Prague. Khazri’s poetry transcends languages, and his influence resonates with many audiences, which is wonderfully reflected in the setting of this exhibition.
TNE: Absolutely! The House of Azerbaijan in Prague serves as a perfect backdrop. How do you think the choice of location impacts the reception of Azerbaijani culture in Europe?
EM: The House of Azerbaijan acts as a cultural bridge, introducing Azerbaijani arts and traditions to a broader audience. Prague, a city known for its vibrant art scene and multicultural heritage, provides an ideal platform for such cultural exchange. Events like this help foster greater understanding and appreciation of Azerbaijan’s contributions to literature and art.
TNE: We saw reports of a significant turnout at the opening ceremony. What does this tell us about current interest in Azerbaijani culture in the region?
EM: There is a growing curiosity in Eastern European history and culture, especially in relation to post-Soviet spaces. The attendance at the opening signifies that people are eager to explore and engage with diverse narratives. It shows a shift towards inclusivity in cultural offerings, allowing various artists and poets like Khazri to gain the recognition they deserve.
TNE: I also heard that there were discussions and performances during the exhibition. How do you view the integration of multimedia and performances in such exhibitions?
EM: Integrating multimedia presentations and live performances significantly enhances the experience. It allows visitors to not only see the art but also connect with the emotions and stories behind it. In Khazri’s case, hearing his poetry recited or performed can bring his words to life, creating a deeper understanding of his themes and the cultural context in which he wrote.
TNE: That’s an interesting point. We know that Nabi Khazri’s poetry reflects a blend of personal and national themes. How do you think this duality resonates with audiences today, especially in contexts outside Azerbaijan?
EM: Khazri’s work often grapples with universal themes—love, identity, and the struggles of his homeland—which resonate with people across different cultures. Today, as societies grapple with their own identities in a rapidly changing world, Khazri’s poetry can provide solace and insight. His ability to articulate the intricacies of national and personal identity makes his work particularly relevant.
TNE: what do you see as the next steps for promoting Azerbaijani art and literature internationally?
EM: Continued cultural diplomacy is key. More exhibitions, literature translations, and collaborations with international artists can help elevate Azerbaijani voices. Furthermore, educational initiatives, such as workshops and exchanges, can nurture interest in Azerbaijani culture among younger generations worldwide. As we build these connections, the global art community will truly benefit from the richness of Azerbaijan’s artistic heritage.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Mehta, for your insightful thoughts. It’s refreshing to discuss the impact of art and literature on society and culture. We look forward to seeing how Azerbaijani culture continues to unfold in future exhibitions.
EM: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for art and culture, and I am looking forward to more such discussions.