Category: Azer News

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The musical comedy “If Not That One, Then This One” by the
outstanding Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, has been
presented at Baku Music Academy’s Opera Studio,
Azernews reports.

First premiered in 1911 at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera
and Ballet Theater, this timeless work has endured for over a
century, continuing to captivate audiences with its vibrant
portrayal of Baku life at the beginning of the 20th century.

Directed by the Honored Artist Hafiz Guliyev, this new
production masterfully balances the spirit of the original with
dynamic modern staging. Guliyev’s direction emphasized the lively
dialogues and the fast-paced, engaging nature of the narrative
while preserving the essence of the classic.

Honored Artist Sevil Hajiyeva took charge of the musical portion
of the performance, leading the ensemble through Uzeyir Hajibayli’s
unforgettable melodies.

The story follows Meshadi Ibad, a wealthy yet miserly man who
hopes to marry the beautiful Gulnaz. However, Gulnaz’s heart
belongs to Sarvar, a poor but educated and honorable man, creating
a dramatic conflict. Amidst this love triangle, the audience is
treated to a series of comedic schemes, misunderstandings, and
witty exchanges. Each character brings a distinct personality to
the stage, and every scene feels like a vivid snapshot of life.

Despite the play’s century-old origins, its themes remain
strikingly relevant today. The timeless conflict between love and
materialism, tradition and progress resonates with modern
audiences, who laughed and applauded throughout the
performance.

The musical comedy affirms that true feelings transcend
calculations, and that progressive ideals are stronger than rigid
traditions.

The performance featured prominent soloists and emerging talents
from the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater,
including People’s Artists Azar Zeynalov (Meshadi Ibad) and Akram
Poladov (Rustam Bay).

The cast also included Honored Artists such as Gulustan Aliyeva
(Senem), Jahangir Gurbanov (Gochu Asgar), and Alakbar Aliyev
(Hasanguli Bay), as well as talented soloists like Atesh Garayev
(Sarvar) and Gunel Hajiyeva (Gulnaz).

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On November 18, “Azerkhalcha” OJSC, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in
Albania and Tirana Art Gallery, with the support of Tirana City
Municipality, held the next exhibition of Azerbaijani carpets in
Europe at Tirana Art Gallery.

The exhibition is dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the
inclusion of the traditional art of carpet weaving in the UNESCO
Representative List of intangible cultural heritage with the direct
initiative and support of the first vice-president of the Republic
of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva. The next day, on November 19, a
meeting and master classes were held between students of art
faculties of various educational institutions and Azerbaijani
artists.

The special event organized to mark the opening of the “May your
hands remain well!” exhibition was attended by officials of
Albanian state institutions, members of parliament, representatives
of the diplomatic corps in Tirana, media representatives,
representatives of science and academic circles, artists and
cultural figures, as well as members of Azerbaijani, Turkish and
other communities living in Albania.

The “May your hands remain well!” carpet collection includes
traditional carpets from the Karabakh, Guba and Shirvan carpet
weaving schools woven in the workshops of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC, as
well as works from various special collections. These include one
carpet from the “44” collection of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC in
collaboration with Rashad Alekperov, two carpets from the
“Architect of Memory” and “Woman” collections with Aydan Salahova,
one carpet from a joint project with Faig Ahmed, three exclusive
carpets from the “Pomegranate Symphony” collection with young
artist Samira Allahverdiyeva, and two – “Nakhchivan” and “Qarabagh”
carpets by Rufat Ismayil in collaboration with “AFFFAIR”. In
addition, the exhibition will feature two carpets by the Albanian
artist Xhevahir Kolgji, who in his works connects East and West and
thus tries to destroy the borders.

The exhibition was declared open by the Azerbaijani Ambassador
to Albania, Anar Huseynov. The Diplomat informed about the history
of carpet weaving, which is one of the vivid examples of
Azerbaijan’s ancient and rich cultural heritage, and the state’s
care for the development of this art in our country. The ambassador
noted that the purpose of the exhibition is to convey the culture
and truth of Azerbaijan to local residents through art. The
two-month exhibition will contribute to the rapprochement of the
peoples of Azerbaijan and Albania. He thanked the municipality of
Tirana for the conditions created for the exhibition.

During his speech, Chairman of the Board of Directors of
“Azerkhalcha” OJSC, Honored Artist Emin Mammadov congratulated the
event participants on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the
November 8 Victory Day and the magnificent victory, which we
recently celebrated and which is written in golden letters in the
centuries-old history of our people, and spoke about the history of
the organization. The Chairman said that the main goal of
“Azerkhalcha” OJSC is to preserve the tradition of carpet weaving
and further develop this art. He stressed that Azerbaijani
folk-applied art and its branch, carpet weaving, occupy a special
place in the history of the national culture of our people.
E.Mammadov spoke about the short history of various carpets
displayed at the exhibition and spoke about the future plans and
main goals of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC.

Then, Director of The Art Gallery of Tirana Edith Pula and
Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Azerbaijan
Besart Kadia, who visited his homeland for this exhibition,
continued the event with their speeches.

In order to promote the art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan to
the world, protect our national spiritual heritage, adapt it to the
modern era and pass it on to future generations, and support the
promotion of the art of carpet weaving, the “Qarabakh” and
“Nakhchivan” carpets, belonging to the joint “A New Look at
Cultural Heritage” collection of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC and “AFFFAIR”,
were donated to the Tirana Art Gallery by “PASHA Holding” and
“PASHA Bank”. These carpets will continue to be displayed in the
gallery’s permanent collection. At the same time, another example
of ”Nakhchivan“ carpet was presented by ”Pasha Holding” to the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania as a gift.

The process of weaving a real Azerbaijani carpet was
demonstrated and master classes were held for the visitors of the
exhibition. Participants of the exhibition have the opportunity to
make their own loops on the carpet. A special certificate of
“Azerkhalcha” OJSC was also presented to everyone who participated
in the weaving process of the Azerbaijani carpet. The exhibition
will last until January 20.

The International Mugham Center (IMC) has hosted another
spectacular event within “Azerbaijani Mugham” project,
Azernews reports.

The music evening themed “Destgah Mugham”, focused on the
performance of “Shur”, one of the most classical and beloved
mughams in Azerbaijani music.

The concert featured performances by Rauf Jafarov, Sarhan
Mirzoyev, and Yusif Jafarbayli, all of whom are laureates of the
Mugham Television Contest. The event was accompanied by the IMC’s
musical ensemble, under the direction of tar player Rashad
Ibrahimov. The concert program aroused great interest among the
k

Being one of the oldest musical styles in the East, mugham music
never ceases to amaze music enthusiasts around the globe, serving
as a major element in uniting people.

The mugham contains seven main modes – Rast, Shur, Segah (are
especially common), Shushtar, Bayaty-Shiraz, Chahargah, Humayun,
and three collateral kinds – Shahnaz, Sarendj, and Chaargah in some
other form.

“Shur” is considered one of the fundamental mughams in
Azerbaijan’s professional musical tradition, known for its ability
to express a wide range of emotions, including joy, light sorrow,
nostalgia, and spiritual depth. It is often described as the
“mugham of heartfelt warmth” and is frequently associated with
feelings of love and emotional connection.

The “Azerbaijani Mugham” project’s primary objective is to
preserve and develop the classical tradition of Azerbaijani mugham,
ensuring its legacy is passed on to future generations. In today’s
rapidly changing world, the importance of such initiatives is
especially profound.

For young performers, participating in these programs provides
them with a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind mugham,
helping them master its intricate stylistic elements while
maintaining a living link between tradition and modernity.

Through this project, emerging talents are given a platform to
grow, and audiences have the opportunity to immerse themselves in
the richness of Azerbaijan’s national musical heritage time and
again.

The International Mugham Center (IMC), a prominent cultural
landmark in Baku, has become a symbol of the city’s identity,
distinguished by its unique architectural design and prime
location.

The center was established on the initiative of the First
Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, in accordance with the presidential
decree dated April 6, 2005.

The center, which laid its foundation that same year and is
known as one of Baku’s unique architectural projects, opened its
doors in 2008.

The Mugham Center regularly organises large-scale music
festivals and concerts by highly acclaimed cultural figures.

The Center also takes important steps towards bolstering
cultural ties with Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco,
and other countries.

The International Mugham Center is determined to further expand
its work and promote Azerbaijani musical culture.

Numerous projects are being carried out by the center in the
direction of studying and promoting mugham art.

In 2025, the Mugham Center became the first cultural institution
in Azerbaijan to be awarded “international” status by
legislation.

This new status contributes to improving the financial
well-being of the people working at the center, which has been one
of the leading concert institutions in Baku for many years.

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In today’s complex global landscape, small states often face the
challenge of navigating international norms while advancing
national interests. Azerbaijan presents a compelling example of
strategic diplomacy, balancing adherence to global standards with
the flexibility to set its own terms when necessary—a hallmark of
professional statecraft.

Azerbaijan’s nuanced diplomacy is reflected not only in its
bilateral relations but also in its active engagement with regional
and multilateral initiatives, such as the D-8 Economic Cooperation
Organisation. Currently, the D-8 Media Forum on “Promoting
Dialogue, Cooperation, and Regional Solidarity” is underway in
Baku, bringing together heads of media agencies, leading media
organisations from D-8 member states, high-ranking officials, and
renowned experts. The forum represents Azerbaijan’s proactive
approach to fostering collaboration in areas that extend beyond
traditional diplomacy, emphasising the strategic role of media in
shaping public opinion, building trust, and promoting regional
cohesion.

Azerbaijan was unanimously elected as a member of the D-8
Economic Cooperation Organisation during the 11th D-8 Summit in
Cairo, Egypt, on December 19, 2024. Subsequently, on March 19,
2025, the country officially submitted the ratification documents
of the D-8 Charter to the Secretariat in Istanbul, thereby
attaining full membership. This milestone reflects both the trust
of existing member states and Azerbaijan’s growing role in
multilateral economic cooperation.

President Ilham Aliyev has highlighted that the D-8, operating
for nearly three decades, is now expanding—a testament to
Azerbaijan’s strong diplomatic ties, credibility, and cooperative
engagement with all member states. By hosting the Media Forum,
Azerbaijan signals its commitment to strengthening dialogue and
developing a reliable information environment, which is essential
for fostering mutual understanding and regional solidarity.

It is also worth noting that last week, Azerbaijan was accepted
as a full member of the Central Asian “G6” format based on a
decision by the Heads of State of the region. This milestone
reflects Azerbaijan’s growing integration into regional
multilateral platforms.

Joining such organisations offers Azerbaijan strategic
advantages. Instead of acting alone, the country can amplify its
voice and influence by participating in collective frameworks.
Currently, Azerbaijan implements a balanced and exemplary foreign
policy, taking into account both geostrategic considerations and
broader international factors. This approach strengthens ties not
only with immediate neighbours but also with countries spanning
from East to West and North to South. Through these relationships,
Azerbaijan not only fosters its own development but also enhances
its regional power and global influence.

Multilateral engagement also contributes to regional
development. The D-8 countries, for example, with a combined
population of 1.2 billion and substantial economic potential, are
capable of supporting one another. At the same time, political
divergences among these nations can pose challenges to economic
integration. Yet, shared interests—such as common religion,
culture, and historical ties—can serve as powerful drivers of
cooperation and economic growth. In this sense, regional unity is
both a source and measure of regional power.

As President Ilham Aliyev emphasised, the D-8 platform, now
spanning three continents, offers significant opportunities to
promote development in critical areas, including sustainable
economic growth, digital transformation, artificial intelligence,
global climate change mitigation, and energy security.
“Azerbaijan has transformed into an important actor of regional
and international cooperation by building multifaceted partnerships
with D-8 countries in energy, transportation and communication
spheres,” the President noted.

It is also important to recall Azerbaijan’s proactive role in
climate initiatives. During COP29 in Baku, the country stressed the
importance of accessible climate finance, particularly for small
island states facing critical environmental threats. This
commitment continues at COP30 in Brazil, building on the legacy of
Azerbaijan’s initiatives. Even prior to these events, during its
chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, Azerbaijan provided
financial and humanitarian support to more than 80 countries,
including 20 small island nations. This approach underscores a
broader principle: developed countries, particularly those with a
colonial past, have a responsibility to provide financial and
technical assistance to nations most affected by climate change,
rather than allowing the costs of global development to fall
disproportionately on smaller states.

Beyond climate and economic development, Azerbaijan recognises
the strategic importance of media in shaping regional cooperation.
As President Aliyev stated, “The information cannot rest as a
mere news in the contemporary world as it plays an important role
in shaping confidence and understanding between peoples by turning
into a main driving force of international relations, public
opinion and economic development.”

Azerbaijan has consistently hosted prestigious international
media events, establishing itself as a hub for dialogue and
exchange. Since 2023, the Global Media Forum has been held annually
in Shusha, attracting representatives from over 50 countries.
Following this model, the D-8 Media Forum brings together public
and political figures, communication experts, and media
professionals from member states to address emerging challenges in
the global information space and advance shared objectives.

The forum aims to establish reliable collaboration among media
organisations to create an accurate, impartial, and responsible
information environment. In today’s world, information drives
international relations and economic development and plays a
central role in fostering mutual understanding among nations. For
the D-8 countries, this shared media cooperation can strengthen
regional cohesion and trust.

Azerbaijan’s experience demonstrates the stakes involved: during
the 2020 Patriotic War, the country was targeted by disinformation
campaigns that distorted the facts. Nevertheless, the truth
prevailed, and the Azerbaijani Army achieved victory, liberating
occupied territories despite significant external pressures. This
experience highlights the necessity of cross-border media
collaboration to counter disinformation effectively.

To this end, the Centre for Media Excellence is being
established under the initiative and guidance of President Aliyev.
As Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development
Agency, explained, the centre will combat fake news, enhance media
professionalism, organise training programs, and implement
media-related projects across D-8 countries.

Azerbaijan’s engagement with the D-8 reflects a
multi-dimensional approach to foreign policy that uses multilateral
platforms to support regional development and advance cooperation
in areas such as energy, transport, climate action, and media
governance. Through initiatives like the D-8 Media Forum, which
aims to strengthen collaboration, enhance information security, and
promote professional media standards among member states,
Azerbaijan contributes to the creation of a more cohesive and
resilient D-8 community while supporting efforts to address
emerging challenges in the global information environment.