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Culture | Public Affairs | Business

(Photo: Hufton+Crow)

HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTRE BY THE LATE ZAHA HADID – NOMINATED FOR RIBA INTERNATIONAL PRIZE Also in this issue: Ronaldinho soccer academy – ­ coming soon to Baku Khojaly tragedy highlighted to UN representatives in Geneva Tourism potential in the spotlight The Azerbaijani–UNESCO alliance – shared values, shared objectives TEAS Literary Competition – now open for prose and poetry

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Enter the TEAS competition and win £100 of Amazon vouchers

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Welcome to the TEAS Magazine The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) is a UK-registered pan-European foundation dedicated to raising awareness of Azerbaijan and fostering closer economic, political and cultural links between that country and the nations of Europe.

As well as promoting the positive aspects of Azerbaijan, TEAS also highlights the plight of the 875,000 refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the country. These people are unable to return to their homes and lands because of the illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts by Armenia’s armed forces – in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions.

TEAS has three main facets to its operations: • Culture – TEAS raises awareness of Azerbaijan’s rich and vibrant culture to a worldwide audience by organising cultural events and operating as a networking centre.

• Business – TEAS supports its membership of European and Azerbaijani businesses. It provides a platform for organisations to establish links and strengthen their existing business relationships via a programme of networking opportunities across the regions.

• Public Affairs – TEAS works to increase awareness about Azerbaijan amongst key opinionformers, key decision-makers and other political, academic and civil society stakeholders.

In pursuit of its objectives TEAS: • Organises meetings with interested parties, opinion-formers and decision-makers • Arranges roundtables, seminars, lectures and conferences • Publishes pamphlets, reports, bulletins, books and produces films • Facilitates fact-finding trips by politicians and business people.

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The TEAS Facebook page is your chance to learn about the latest news, events, campaigns and other Azerbaijan-related items. Visit and ‘like’ our page at: http://bit.ly/TEASFB.

Membership and Sponsorship TEAS offers a range of corporate and individual membership packages, providing such benefits as advertising, trade missions, networking, business sector advice and hotel discounts.

TEAS also offers numerous sponsorship opportunities throughout the year for its events and conferences. To find out more, e-mail: membership@ teas.eu.

Win £100 of Amazon vouchers!

Firstly, our congratulations go to Murad Muradov, winner of the competition in the October 2016 edition.

To stand a chance of winning £100 of Amazon vouchers, simply answer the following 10 questions, the answers to which will be found in this issue of the magazine. In the case of a tie, a draw will be made. Previous winners are ineligible to enter, as are TEAS employees and their families. Please send all entries to editor@teas.eu by 17.00hrs (GMT) on 5 December: 1.

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Which Brazilian football legend is currently establishing his soccer school in Baku?

Which Lithuanian war reporter is featured in the documentary Endless Corridor?

Who is the editor of the Belgian magazine entitled Travel?

When did Azerbaijan initiate its collaboration with UNESCO? How many countries participated in the 42 nd Chess Olympiad in Baku?

Can you name one of the judges for the Khojaly Literary Prize?

Which jazz pianist and composer is the subject of a new BP-produced documentary?

Which Arabic budget carrier is launching flights from Sharjah to Baku?

What is the Azerbaijani ranking in the Doing Business 2017: Equal Opportunity for All report by the World Bank Group?

Who is the new Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy for Azerbaijan, Iraq and Turkmenistan?

Upcoming Events For full details of all TEAS events, go to www.teas.eu/upcomingevents 24 November: Private View: Five Roads Back Home exhibition (London) Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL. 18.30hrs. RSVP via EventBrite at http://bit.ly/frbhlondon Public opening hours: 25–29 November; 10.00–17.00hrs In July 2012, photographer Philipp Rathmer visited four camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Azerbaijan, who are the ongoing victims of the Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding regions. He met the people and heard their stories. Solely using his camera and a black background, he captured the scenes he saw and tells the story of these people’s fate.

This private view will be held in the presence of the photographer.

24 November: Miri-Yusif in London (with support from DJ China) The Qube Project, 191 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5NE 20hrs. Book tickets via EventBrite at http://bit.ly/miriyusif In conjunction with Balo Events and Caspian Khazri, TEAS is pleased to support a concert by the legendary Azerbaijani R’n’B megastar Miri-Yusif, with support by D.J. China.

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Politics and News

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Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS

From the TEAS Director This month saw the 25 th anniversary of Azerbaijan gaining independence from the Soviet Union. The country had been briefly independent before from 1916–18, but the arrival of the Bolsheviks put an end to that early experiment in democratic government, which had seen women given the vote before they had been granted the franchise in the UK or USA.

This month’s magazine features interviews with Ambassador Anar Karimov, Permanent Azerbaijani Representative to UNESCO, and with female Chess Grandmaster Nargiz Umudova. In Geneva, there was the launch of the landmark TEAS publication Khojaly Witness of a War Crime – Armenia in the Dock and a screening of the awardwinning independent Jeremy Ironsnarrated documentary Endless Corridor, also focusing on personal testimonies from the Khojaly Massacre.

In Brussels, an event promoting Azerbaijan as a tourist destination was held at the Brussels Press Club Europe for an audience of tourism professionals. This focused on the wide range of holidays and facilities that are now available in the country.

The popularity of the country as a tourist destination has grown rapidly as security concerns have caused tourists to turn away from long-established destinations.

Azerbaijan will be ranked 65 th in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2017 Guide.

Meanwhile the prospective launch of hybrid power plants across Azerbaijan – harnessing the power of biogas, solar and wind energy – has been announced.

On the sporting front, it has been announced that Ronaldinho will be opening a football academy in Baku. Karabakh FC – the world’s only football team that always away from home, due to the Armenian occupation of Agdam – beat PAOK 2–0 in the Europa League.

The Khojaly Literature prize – launched to complement the Khojaly Arts Prize – has now been extended to include poetry entries, providing more potential for creative writers to apply their imagination.

Lionel Zetter Director, TEAS

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Brazilian footballing ace Ronaldinho unveiled his plans alongside Tale Heydarov, Chairman, Qabala FC

Ronaldinho soccer academy to come to Baku The Azerbaijani team Qabala FC and Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho are joining forces to open a Soccer Academy in Baku. Speaking during a press conference in the capital, Ronaldinho said: “The main goal is that those children who join the academy bearing my name will be more responsible football players. If they become professional football players in the future, I will regard this as my success. I will help them if they are selected to join big clubs.

“It is anticipated that the summer football school, seminars, and courses in my language – Brazilian Portuguese – will

result in higher-quality, more disciplined Azerbaijani footballers of tomorrow. This will also serve to further develop and popularise the ‘beautiful game’ in the country.”

Tale Heydarov, Chairman, Qabala FC, commented: “We hope that the Ronaldinho Football Academy will stimulate young people’s interest in football. Ronaldinho will develop the philosophy of the academy by forming his own team, and will personally participate in its development. The academy will certainly be based in Baku, and we would like all different age groups, from U-11 onwards, to participate in the national championship.”

Karabakh FC thrashes PAOK FC: 2–0

The Azerbaijani team Karabakh FC – who have been unable to play at home since the occupation of Agdam by Armenian forces in 1993 – have resoundingly defeated Greek team PAOK in the third round of Group J in the Europa League. Playing at their temporary home of the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, goals were scored by Dani Quintana in the 56th minute and Rahid Amirkuliyev in the 87th minute.

Azerbaijani peacekeeping role hailed Earl Howe, British Defence Minister and Deputy Leader of the House of Lords has hailed the Azerbaijani contribution to peacekeeping operations, particularly in Afghanistan, during a meeting with ColonelGeneral Zakir Hasanov, Azerbaijani Defence Minister, on the sidelines of the

UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Meeting in London. The sides exchanged views regarding the development of UN peacekeeping activities and the burgeoning role of Azerbaijan in this. They also discussed military co-operation between the two countries.

EU to continue to closely co-operate with Azerbaijan On the 25 th anniversary of Azerbaijan regaining its independence from the Soviet Union on 18 October, the website of the European External Action Service (EEAS) stated: “The EU congratulates Azerbaijan and its people on the 25th anniversary of the restoration of state independence. Azerbaijan has developed profoundly over the course of these years. The EU will continue to co-operate closely with Azerbaijan in support of developing strong democratic institutions, the rule of law, and economic prosperity for the benefit of all Azerbaijanis.

“This year also marks the 25th anniversary of EU–Azerbaijani relations, and 20 years since the signing of the EU–Azerbaijan Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA). The EU looks forward to the launching of negotiations on a new agreement with Azerbaijan, replacing the 1996 PCA and serving to further develop our bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest, aligned with the principles of the recently reviewed European Neighbourhood Policy, in addition to international law.”

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Politics and News

Khojaly horror comes to the bastion of neutrality – Geneva

The Khojaly Massacre – the worst single atrocity of the ongoing Armenian– Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh that claimed the lives of 613 civilians – was highlighted during a landmark event in Geneva on 13 October, attended by 120 diplomats, representatives of NGOs, researchers and members of the Azerbaijani diaspora. This was jointly organised at the Grand Hotel Kempinski by the Azerbaijani Permanent Mission to the UN Office and Other International Organisations in Geneva and TEAS France.

The death toll of the Khojaly Massacre on 26 February 1992 included 106 women, 63 children and 70 elderly people. This event comprised a screening of the award-winning independent documentary Endless Corridor and the Swiss launch of the book Khojaly Witness of a War Crime – Armenia in the Dock, a landmark TEAS Press publication.

Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov, Permanent Representative of the Azerbaijani Mission to the UN Office and Other International Organisations in Geneva, commented: “Endless Corridor is not a conventional type of documentary and does not deal with statistics, but instead touches upon the soul of the people impacted by the war. Every death has a personal story behind it. This film tells the stories of some of those who escaped the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly.

In one night, the town was wiped out. The massacre coincided with the genocides in Srebrenica and Rwanda, and largely went unnoticed by the international community.

I recall the visits of reporters for Reuters, AFP, Human Rights Watch and the New York Times who investigated Khojaly and tried to bring it to the attention of the public.

“The negotiations have continued for 25 years. I joined the Azerbaijani diplomatic service just after these started, and I will retire quite soon, yet the process continues.

TEAS is doing a marvellous job in putting Azerbaijan on the radar screen of the world, and I express my gratitude as an Azerbaijani citizen.”

Lithuanian war reporter Ricardas Lapaitis – whose testimony is central to Endless Corridor ­– recalled the horrific scenes of the massacre

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Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Director, TEAS France, said: “One of the military leaders at the time was Serzh Sargsyan, the current Armenian President. This massacre is not yet recognised by the Armenian side, but there is indisputable proof that it occurred. At TEAS, we think that it is only by remembering and recognising that which happened, that a negotiated peace can be reached.”

Lithuanian war reporter Ricardas Lapaitis painfully recalled: “I am the living witness of these terrible events that still haunt me and changed my destiny. At Agdam Mosque, I saw the victims as they were brought in.

Many of the dead were without shoes. The head of one dead girl showed signs of burns and bullet wounds. One six-year-old girl had part of her head missing, and there was a deep wound below her waist. Some of the dead displayed signs of torture, including broken teeth, cut fingers and ears. Doctors said they had treated girls aged 13–16 years who had been raped. Many Khojaly victims suffered amputations, or had been shot.

“The Armenians and their accomplices who participated the Khojaly Massacre were in contravention of the Geneva Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergencies and Armed Conflicts and many other articles adopted by the UN General Assembly.

“There should be a trial at the International Criminal Court of The Hague to judge those responsible for the Khojaly Massacre. The criminals include Serzh Sargsyan, the current Armenian President and Seyran Oganyan, Armenian Defence Minister.

The Khojaly inhabitants now live in camps across the 48 Azerbaijani regions, and await the cessation of Armenian aggression. I regularly visit the areas near the ‘contact line’ between Azerbaijan and the territories occupied by Armenia. Night attacks, sabotage, and the burning of houses and agricultural land by the Armenian military continues to this day, as does firing on schools.”

Ian Peart, who co-edited Khojaly Witness of a War Crime – Armenia in the Dock in collaboration with the late Scottish writer Fiona Maclachlan recalled: “Yasemen Hasanova was 12 years old at the time. The attacks that had continued for six months took on a different character in February 1992. Yasemen’s father was part of the local defence force that had expected an attack.

It soon became clear that survival was

Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov, Permanent Representative of the Azerbaijani Mission to the UN Office and Other International Organisations in Geneva commented on the uniquely personal, emotional nature of the documentary

only possible if they escaped. Her mother refused to leave without her husband, so Yasemen escaped Khojaly with her uncle.

After passing through streams and snowcovered forests, they came to a clearing, and were met by a hail of bullets. Yasemen survived, physically unscathed.

“The body of Yasemen’s father was only found some years later. He is now buried in Martyrs’ Lane, overlooking Baku, as a national hero. The fate of her mother was unclear for some years. She then saw some television footage and recognised her mother’s body lying in their garden, near the well. Yasmen said: ‘I never thought any daughter would be glad that her mother was dead. At least, she had not been tortured by the Armenians.’

“Yasemen is now a teacher in a school for Khojaly survivors. When I asked her what she tells her pupils about Khojaly, she replies: ‘I tell them how beautiful Khojaly was’. The book is as objective as possible, and contains reports from foreign media, together with analysis from foreign academics and human rights activists.”

Mr Peart then read the text of UN Security Council resolution 822 – one of the four resolutions stressing the need for immediate Armenian withdrawal from the occupied territories. He concluded: “This demand for the withdrawal of Armenian troops was passed in 1993. I ask those working for the UN who are present tonight – what is the value of a UN Security Council demand?”

Ian Peart, who co-edited Khojaly Witness of a War Crime – Armenia in the Dock, questioned the validity of the UN Security Council resolutions passed against Armenia that have remained unimplemented since 1993

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Politics and News

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Azerbaijan – the next great tourism destination showcased in Brussels Azerbaijan was placed firmly in the tourism spotlight during the inaugural Azerbaijan Tourism Forum Brussels, aimed at industry professionals and hosted by TEAS Benelux on 20 October at the Brussels Press Club Europe, in the heart of the European quarter. Attendees included H.E. Khazar Ibrahim, Azerbaijani Ambassador to NATO, and the sponsors and partners were Azerbaijan Business Hub Netherlands, Dentons, and Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT).

The forum came in the wake of the passing of a Presidential Decree on diversification of the economy in March 2016, which identified tourism as one of the eight priority sectors for development, and a Presidential Executive Order, passed in September 2016. This has paved the way for the foundation of a Tourism Council, the determination of new air routes, expansion of seaside and budget tourism and the development of tourism educational centres. It is now projected that more than 1.5bn tourists per year will visit the country by 2020, as the country has now signed tourism co-operation agreements with 28 nations.

Keynote speaker Marc Verwilghen, Director, TEAS Benelux and former Belgian Minister for Foreign Trade, commented: “Even in the Benelux countries, where travelling is part of our lifestyle, we are unaware of the glories of Azerbaijan. The country lies on a crucial geographical location at the intersection of multiple crossroads – between Europe and Asia, and between East and West.”

H.E. Fuad Isgandarov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU reflected: “Azerbaijan is coming closer to Europe and reflects European values. I urge our friends from Belgium and other EU countries to think about the tourism possibilities of my country. We are working towards the signing of a free aviation agreement next year. This will facilitate new tourism opportunities. All those in attendance are very, very welcome to visit Azerbaijan.”

The message from the panel of tourism experts was resolutely upbeat

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Farid Isayev, Director, Head of Legal Services, KPMG Azerbaijan and Head of the Tourism Committee at the Azerbaijan– US Chamber-of-Commerce (AMCHAM), said: “AMCHAM has recommended that the list of countries qualified for the issuance of ‘visas upon arrival’ should be increased to include European countries and the US. We have also recommended that an ‘Open Skies’ policy should be implemented, enabling an enhanced range of air carriers to operate flights, thereby increasing competition and reducing prices.”

Issa Smatti, Area Manager, Nomade Aventure, who has made a full-length film about the splendours of the Azerbaijani regions that will soon be broadcast on TV5 Canada and Voyage, commented: “For the programme, I visited Khinalug, situated around 200km from Baku. The population of this town speak a unique language, and are very proud of their unspoiled heritage.

There are no hotels, so living in a homestay is essential. These are very comfortable, and the people are very pleasant and welcoming, and their cuisine is wonderful.

Azerbaijanis in this region are delighted to greet foreigners – for them, this something new.”

Robrecht Willaert, Guest Professor, University of Leuven and Founder and Chief Editor of Travel magazine for 25 years, imparted some advice: “In my view, Azerbaijan is completely unknown in Belgium. Travellers want a new experience – Azerbaijan must focus on the unique strengths of its country, culture and the people, above all else. If a promotional structure is implemented in the Benelux countries, then visitors from there will surpass all others in five years.”

Elgun Mammadov, CEO, Gilan Hospitality Group, explained: “A decade ago, Azerbaijan only received business travellers. Until 2014, tourists were predominantly from the CIS countries, Turkey and Europe. Tourism really spiked when Azerbaijan hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, when over 50m tourists entered the country during a twoweek period. The European Grand Prix will continue to be hosted in Baku over the next five years.

“Gabala has the best tourism infrastructure of all the Azerbaijani regions, offering holidays ranging from skiing to medicinal oil treatments, trekking and the Gabaland children’s amusement park. Gilan operates a number of top-quality hotels in Gabala, Baku and other parts of the country.”

Issa Smatti, Area Manager, Nomade Aventure, spoke affectionately of the hospitality that awaits the intrepid traveller in the Azerbaijani regions

James Hogan, Managing Partner, Dentons Baku has spent over 25 years in Azerbaijan.

He reflected: “The greatest Azerbaijani resource is its people, who rank amongst the most hospitable, accommodating and interesting in the world. A new law on tourism is currently awaiting ratification by the Mill Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament).

This will define the role of the State in determining its role in developing tourism, together with regulating tour operators and agencies and expanding international relations.”

The US-based Azerbaijani journalist Nikki Kazimova, author of Azerbaijan – Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture, said: “Younger travellers are more likely to be staying in homestays in the regions, so it is important that western tour operators have local partners on the ground that can help place culture in context. Hospitality is sacred in Azerbaijan, and traditional houses have rooms dedicated to guests. One essential phrase in Azerbaijan is ‘be my guest.’

Tourism also brings new influences into the country, and that is wonderful. Many of the misconceptions about my country, particularly regarding the role of women and religion, need to be abandoned.”

Mr Verwilghen summed up by saying: “The future for Azerbaijan is brilliant, particularly in the tourism sector, and this will play a very important role in the future of the nation. TEAS always aims to place Azerbaijan on the map, and that has been the objective for today.”

The renowned travel journalist Robrecht Willaert, Chief Editor of Travel magazine, outlined some inspirational strategies for promoting Azerbaijani tourism

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Personalities – Ambassador Anar Karimov

The importance of glorious, passionate, poetic Azerbaijani mugham – seen here performed by a youthful Malik Mansurov (tar), Alim Qasimov (khanende and daf), and Elshan Mansurov (kamancha) – has also been recognised by UNESCO

Supporting world culture – the pivotal role of Azerbaijan at UNESCO H.E. Ambassador Anar Karimov was appointed as Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2014, having previously been Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Delegate to the Organisation since 2009. A career diplomat, he was Second Secretary and First Secretary at the Department of Human Rights, Democratisation and Humanitarian Affairs at the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and before that worked in the Azerbaijani Embassy to Belgium and Mission to the EU. Neil Watson spoke to him in his Parisian office to find out more about the Azerbaijani–UNESCO relationship.

H.E. Ambassador Anar Karimov is playing an integral role in promoting Azerbaijani culture at UNESCO and ensuring that the country plays an active role in achieving its aims and objectives

Azerbaijan began to collaborate with UNESCO in 1992, soon after restoring its independence. Why was it necessary to establish UNESCO–Azerbaijani relations so expediently?

As you may be aware, UNESCO is a specialised UN agency contributing to peace and security by promoting international collaboration in the areas of education, science, culture, communications and information, and holds unique expertise in those areas. For over 70 years, UNESCO has been renowned for its technical and expert support, new technologies and innovations, and strategic planning. It is the only UN agency with a mandate that encompasses all educational aspects, ranging from inclusive education to lifelong learning. Furthermore, existing UNESCO Conventions in the cultural domain are unique, determining the nature of those legal instruments that regulate such aspects as the protection of culture and nature, the safeguarding of intangible and underwater heritage, promotion of cultural diversity and prohibition of illegal restitution. Furthermore, UNESCO is the sole global agency dealing with preservation of the oceans and the maintenance of biodiversity.

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UNESCO does not solely focus on its mandate, programmes and projects, but also on intellectual reference. Here, numerous intellectuals, experts and scientists meet and discuss important topics of vital importance, and it is unsurprising that it is unofficially known as ‘the laboratory of ideas’.

UNESCO is therefore extremely important, and hence Azerbaijan became a member country and established a fully-fledged relationship in 1992, soon after regaining its independence.

Since then, Azerbaijan has benefited in myriad ways from its rich and comprehensive experience, particularly regarding technical expertise.

How would you describe the current state of UNESCO– Azerbaijani relations?

Since joining UNESCO, our relationship has expanded exponentially, particularly since 2004 with the nomination of the Azerbaijani First Lady, Mehriban Aliyeva, as the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. This constitutes an essential page in the annals of the UNESCO–Azerbaijan relationship. Due to the wide-ranging activities by the First Lady at a national and international level, aimed at promoting UNESCO values, the level of Azerbaijani– UNESCO co-operation has become increasingly intensive and dynamic, reaching new horizons of partnership towards the advancement of the ideals of peace and solidarity.

Another landmark event was the signing on 18 July 2013 of the Framework Agreement on Azerbaijani–UNESCO Co-operation in the spheres of education, science, culture and commutation. In line with the spirit of this agreement, Azerbaijan has become committed towards providing financial contributions to UNESCO in support of its global mission in such areas as girls’ education, the protection of the Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, gender equality, intercultural dialogue, and natural disaster prevention.

By signing this agreement, Azerbaijan supported UNESCO throughout its financial challenges and became a donor country supporting its efforts to raise the quality of education in the leastdeveloped countries.

I would describe our co-operation with UNESCO as twofold.

First and foremost, Azerbaijan seeks to contribute towards the

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Personalities – Ambassador Anar Karimov UNESCO mission of international co-operation, advancing the ideals of peace and sustainable development through education, culture, science and communication. Secondly, it serves to benefit and share in the expertise of UNESCO, using this platform to represent its own rich culture and experience.

We are more than confident that Azerbaijan, which is imbued with a rich and unique cultural heritage, has much to offer the international community in terms of intercultural dialogue and tolerance. Due to its location on the crossroads of civilisations, cultures and religions, Azerbaijan has inherited very strong traditions of cultural diversity and multiculturalism. Since regaining its independence, these positive ideals and values have been strengthened, and no alternative is apparent.

Today, we are aiming to share our experiences with the members of the international community. Our experience emanates from the fact that numerous different ethnic groups and religions have peacefully coexisted in Azerbaijan for centuries. We perceive the notion of ‘unity in diversity’ as an asset that serves to contribute towards the development of our country.

These are not merely empty words – a comprehensive policy and concrete actions support our vision and commitments.

What work does the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to UNESCO undertake?

The Permanent Delegation is responsible for the overall coordination of the work undertaken between UNESCO and its national stakeholders. The representatives of my Delegation attend all the committee meetings organised by the different Conventions, conferences, and seminars organised at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, and sometimes abroad.

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cultural heritage on this list, including the Azerbaijani carpet, tar, Kelaghayi scarves and Mugham. I would like to dwell a little more on one remarkable example of Azerbaijani heritage – Chovqan, a traditional Karabakh horse-riding game – which was added to the list of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity in need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2013. That was an important step, bringing the reality of intangible heritage facing the threat of disappearance due to military conflict and occupation to the attention of the international community. I firmly believe that inscription of this element on the UNESCO list will raise awareness of issues regarding the extinction of the unique Karabakh horse breed and mobilise the international community in working towards safeguarding of this for future generations.

A pivotal role in achieving this listing has been played by the Azerbaijani First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, who initiated the submission and supported nominations throughout the whole process. In conjunction with her leadership of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mrs Aliyeva is undertaking much to safeguard our precious intangible heritage by supporting young artists and craftsmen. For instance, the beautiful Mugham Centre, which features high quality acoustics, practice rooms and recording equipment, and the extraordinary Carpet Museum – which itself is in the shape of an unfurling carpet – have been opened in Baku under her initiative, the objective being to preserve and maintain this rich national heritage.

To achieve successful evaluation by the Intergovernmental Committee preceding inscription on the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it is necessary to prepare comprehensive nomination files of the highest quality. These should describe the important role and social functions of the proposed element in the life of several communities, and within the intangible cultural heritage of Azerbaijan. We closely

During such meetings, we deliver our position on various aspects of UNESCO work, and address the contemporary challenges of promoting international cooperation and solidarity in conjunction with other member states. Our Permanent Delegation also works towards the implementation of the aforementioned Framework Agreement, and co-ordinates the work of Steering Committee, established with the aim of supervising Fund-in-Trust projects between Azerbaijan and UNESCO. Here, I would also like to highlight the important role played by the Azerbaijani National Commission for UNESCO, created in 1994 and chaired by H.E. Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister. These serve to promote UNESCO values and objectives on a national and local level.

Azerbaijan is very successful at adding cultural elements to the UNESCO List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity, including the Copper Craftsmanship of Lahij, Azerbaijani carpets, the Azerbaijani tar, Kelaghayi and Mugham. What are the challenges in making submissions for this list?

Since the ratification of the Convention on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003, Azerbaijan has become committed to its principles and values, and held membership of the Intergovernmental Committee of this Convention from 2010– 14. During this period, we spared no efforts to contribute towards the effective implementation of the 2003 Convention. In 2013, we hosted one session of this Committee in Baku.

Azerbaijan has a rich intangible cultural heritage, and our objective is to preserve and share its culture with the international community. The UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity provides a unique opportunity in this regard. Azerbaijan has inscribed several elements of its intangible

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A carpet from the Armenian-occupied Karabakh region – Azerbaijani carpets are now included on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity

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Personalities – Ambassador Anar Karimov

collaborate with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism, whose experts work very hard to prepare nominations in line with the spirit and criteria specified in the Convention.

I would also like to emphasise the importance of multinational nominations that provide cross-border co-operation and contribute towards intercultural dialogue. There are certain achievements of which we are proud. For example, we closely collaborate with neighbouring Turkey and Iran, together with the Central Asian republics to present our common and shared heritage on the UNESCO list.

Has the Permanent Mission of Armenia been obstreperous in trying to stop certain elements from being added to the list?

Naturally, when it comes to intangible heritage, there are some attempts to misappropriate or make claims regarding alleged ‘monopolistic ownership’, which we always condemn as they contradict the letter and spirit of the Convention and international co-operation. Armenia is regrettably trying to use this cultural platform for its political purposes by claiming ownership or denying certain cultural elements to the Azerbaijani people.

However, these efforts have failed to derail us from our objectives and have not detracted from our purpose and goals regarding the safeguarding of our precious intangible cultural heritage.

Emanating from the Armenian-occupied Karabakh region, the Azerbaijani horse-riding sport of Chovqan was added to the UNESCO List Intangible Heritage of Humanity in need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2013 (Photo: Eldar Farzaliyev)

What is UNESCO doing to preserve Azerbaijani heritage in the occupied territories?

This is a very painful and sensitive subject for all Azerbaijanis.

Since the 1990s, virtually all cultural sites, mosques, cemeteries and museums have been destroyed or damaged by the occupying Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding regions. Furthermore, not a single monument testifying to the centuries-old cultural and religious presence of Azerbaijanis in the modern territory of Armenia escaped desecration or complete destruction. I can mention dozens of mosques located in Yerevan, and numerous cemeteries.

There is only one phrase to explain all this – ‘cultural terror’.

Nowadays, the international community faces the deliberate and barbaric destruction of cultural heritage in Middle East, and more frequently uses the terminology of ‘cultural cleansing’. We have had first-hand experience of the pain and suffering of such cultural cleansing for over 25 years.

Naturally, we are continuously informing the international community, including UNESCO, about these facts. On several occasions, we have proposed the despatch of monitoring missions, within existing institutional mechanisms, to UNESCO. However, despite our efforts, such missions have not been realised due to the position of Armenian side.

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We work actively within the relevant UNESCO platforms to draw the attention of the international community to gross violations of the norms and principles of international humanitarian law. In this context, I would like to highlight our membership of the Committee of the Second Protocol of the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (The Hague, 1954).

This has enabled us to promote the adoption of a strategy on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Occupied Territories. This document identifies the occupying power as being responsible for the destruction of cultural property in the occupied territories.

Furthermore, the issue of organisation of the monitoring missions to the occupied territories has also been brought to the Committee Agenda.

I would also like to use this opportunity to mention another important issue. Through its Fund-in-Trust, the Azerbaijani Government has funded the UNESCO project – now almost finalised – regarding the preparation of a Military Manual on the Protection of Cultural Property. We are very proud to provide our modest contribution towards the realisation of this project, as the protection of such cultural heritage has never been so timely and imperative. I believe this constitutes yet another step, and clearly demonstrates our strong commitment towards the protection of cultural heritage.

In which international restoration projects has Azerbaijan been involved?

Alongside the protection and preservation of its national tangible and intangible cultural heritage, Azerbaijan contributes to the protection and restoration of cultural heritage in the international arena. The role of Mehriban Aliyeva, Azerbaijani First Lady and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation should be especially emphasised. Under her leadership, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has supported the restoration of Strasbourg Cathedral, together with the restoration of several art objects of universal value in the Vatican, the protection of cultural heritage in such disasteraffected regions as Haiti and across Africa, construction of the Department of Islamic Art at the Louvre Museum in Paris and restoration of the Trapezitsa Architectural Museum Complex in Bulgaria.

How do you see the UNESCO–Azerbaijani relationship developing?

As previously stated, the UNESCO–Azerbaijani relationship is constantly developing, and significant progress has been achieved, to date. However, there is no room for complacency, and we are keen to continue and develop our mission. There is still considerable untapped potential at UNESCO that is worthy of exploration, and many projects and initiatives need to be implemented in this regard.

Furthermore, we will continue our active work within the Intergovernmental Committees that represent the interests of my country. It should be mentioned that, in 2015, Azerbaijan – for the first time in its history – was elected as a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for four years. We hope to bring our expertise to the work of the Committee and contribute towards implementation of the 1972 Convention. The Framework Agreement was signed for five years, and we will be considering funding new projects within our Fund- in-Trust in the future.

Visit www.unesco.mfa.gov.az for more information on the work of the Azerbaijani Permanent Delegation to UNESCO.

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Personalities – Nargiz Umudova

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Checkmate: Grandmaster Nargiz Umudova reflects upon the glories of chess Born in 1989, Nargiz Umudova is one of the brightest stars on the women’s chess scene. Ranked by world chess governing body FIDE as a Woman Grand Master, she is rated as 2267 in the standard game; 2154 in the rapid game; and 2218 in the blitz game. She is currently ranked at 6377 of all active players in the world, and 264 amongst female players. Nargiz became a Woman FIDE Master in 2006, and a year later was announced as a Woman International Master. She became a Woman Grand Master in 2015.

Baku recently hosted the 42 nd Chess Olympiad at the National Gymnastics Arena, which brought together representatives from 175 countries.

Neil Watson interrupted Nargiz from her practice session: What originally inspired you to take up chess?

My father, Mameda Umudov, taught me, and I started to play with my neighbours.

They were experienced, but I quickly beat them. When my father saw this, he brought me to the chess school and I started to play on a regular basis.

I come from an artistic family, and my father is a composer and acknowledged as an Honoured Artist of the Soviet Union and Honoured Art Worker of the Azerbaijani Republic. His symphonies, ballets and violin concerto have been performed in Baku, Moscow, and many other cities of the former Soviet Union. My father understood the connection between chess and music, and I attended many classical concerts from the age of five years. I attribute my perspective on chess to him, and he had an undeniable impact on my chess career.

What do you feel are the main psychological benefits of playing chess?

Chess is a simulacrum of life, where you can have many ups and downs, and situations can change. This enables the player to become emotionally stronger and more prepared for life. Psychology also plays a big role in chess, and a good chess player necessarily develops good psychological understanding.

Why is chess so popular amongst the countries of the former Soviet Union?

The Soviet Union developed an extensive programme of chess promotion. Chess players are regarded as being smart and are highly respected, and many champions have come from the former Soviet states.

Before the Soviet Union, chess was already popular in the Russian Empire, and it then spread to other countries.

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What was the first competition in which you participated?

I started chess in a sports centrum, which ran a competition for a cup, and I achieved first place in the girls’ section. My first big win was in 2001, when I shared third place in the European Championship in Greece.

Were there any challenges about being a female chessplayer, either in Azerbaijan, or internationally?

It was difficult for me to travel alone.

How strong is the national Azerbaijan Women’s Chess Team?

The team has increased in strength on an exponential basis, and many young girls are now very promising. This year, the team entered the top 10 of the World Chess Olympiad for the second time in history.

This is a big achievement for Women’s Chess in Azerbaijan.

Which nation’s players generally present the greatest challenge?

It is undeniably true that the strongest teams emanate from Russia and China.

Which path did you follow towards becoming a Grand Master?

I chose chess-related studies in university, and was greatly supported by my family and friends, who enabled me to participate in many tournaments and championships across the world.

What are the aims and objectives of your Chess School?

In 2014, I began a chess club with my sister Ulkar Umudova, who is also an International Arbiter. At the outset, we just had a small room, but we have now attracted increasing numbers of students and have two branches. The children’s game is becoming increasingly stronger, and this is now the only chess club where children can start to play from the age of four years. The Azerbaijani educational system enables chess to be taught as a subject. Despite the fact that the children are enjoying themselves, they can also learn to strategise efficiently.

In October, the chess club organised a Chess and Art event, forming part of the Global Chess Festival, organised by Judith Polgar, who is generally recognised as the most successful female grandmaster of all time. The purpose of this was to demonstrate the connection between chess and art, comprising a mini chess tournament, open chess lessons, painting and marbling Each summer, we take the children to a tournament in Europe, and have

A pensive Nargiz Umudova strategises her next move during the Azerbaijani championship (Photo: Lana Chess Photography)

already been to the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France, Austria and Spain.

We are now teaching children from many different countries, including the UK, India, Turkey, Russia and Hong Kong.

This year’s Chess Olympiad is being hosted in Baku. How important is this for the country?

There have been numerous big competitions in Baku in the recent years, including the Eurovision Song Contest, the European Games and Baku International Grand Prix, and there will be many more.

All of these serve to promote the country, demonstrating its tolerance and beauty.

How has the Women’s Team fared in this year’s competition?

We achieved ninth position.

In the face of computer games and other entertainments, what do you see as the future of chess in Azerbaijan and on an international level?

This is currently one of the biggest problems in the country, and has a detrimental effect on children. Sometimes they skip chess homework because they prefer to play computer games, and we believe that parents should place restrictions on this. Chess can also be an addiction, but it is ultimately beneficial to children on a psychological level..

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Culture The extraordinary Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by the late Zaha Hadid, ‘the Queen of the Curve’, continues to attract prizes and plaudits (Photo: Hufton+Crow)

Zaha Hadid’s legacy shortlisted for RIBA Architecture Prize The homage by the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid to Azerbaijani National Leader Heydar Aliyev – the eponymouslynamed Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku – has been included on the inaugural shortlist for a new global architectural prize issued by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Known as the RIBA International Prize, the shortlisting follows a rigorous judging process, which saw the RIBA awards committee travel to 30 buildings across five continents before choosing six buildings that will be visited again in November. Setting a new global standard for architectural achievement, the prize will be judged by a grand jury of experts, chaired by world-renowned architect, Lord Richard Rogers of Riverside.

In a press release, RIBA justified the selection of the structure: “The Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku was completed in 2013 and offers a vibrant programme of arts, music and performance to

audiences in amidst vaulted spaces and distinctive wave-like forms. The building represents a break from tradition – not least in the post-Soviet landscape of Baku, and now welcomes over 1000 visitors a day as both a public social space and a cultural nucleus for the city.

“The complex landscape has been brought together into a single, fluid composition that appears out of the hill. The building is distinctive, not only for its scale and undulating form, but for its use of white cladding and paving, constituting a marked departure from the traditional architecture and aesthetic of the city. The heart of the building is found in its sophisticated and welcoming central auditorium – a warm performance space whose innovative use of oak to line and sculpt the interior showcases a sophistication in both vision and joinery.” Visit http://bit.ly/hadidhac to learn more about this remarkable structure.

TEAS Literary Competition – poetry and prose categories now open TEAS has extended the scope of its Khojaly Literary Prize 2017 to include categories for short stories and poetry. Commemorating the 25 th anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre – the single greatest atrocity of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which claimed the lives of 613 civilians – the two competitions will

be judged separately. The revised deadline for entries now stands as 1 January, and please visit www.teas.eu/klp for full information and submission details.

The judging panel will include Bob Blackman, Chair, Azerbaijan All-Party Parliamentary Group; Nigar Hasan-Zadeh,

Poet; Sabina Rakcheyeva, Violinist and Cultural Advisor, TEAS; and Christopher Arkell, former editor of The London Magazine and owner of The London Miscellany. The winning entries will be read aloud in the UK Houses of Parliament and published in a compendium that will be distributed across Europe.

Spanish literary passion and music celebrated in Baku The contribution of Spain to the creative worlds of music and poetry has been celebrated in Baku during an event hosted at the Rashid Behbudov Azerbaijan State Song Theatre. Initially, leading Azerbaijani poet Nigar Hasan-zadeh spoke about the importance of the project, explaining that this was an invaluable opportunity for a Bakuvian audience to experience the breadth of Spanish music and poetry.

Thereafter, José Luis Diez, Spanish Chargé d’Affaires, spoke of the close cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Spain, and the prospects for future co-operation. Francisco Kapil, Spanish language teacher at the Azerbaijan University of Languages, ​​thanked the organisers of the event, and explained how Spanish literature and music served to bring the countries together in a spirit of unity.

The event concluded with an evocative poetry recital by linguists from the Azerbaijani University of Languages, interpolated with

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One of the young poets recites an extract from Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, following an introduction by José Luis Diez, Spanish Chargé d’Affaires

musical interludes from students at the ​​Baku Music Academy. The recitations included works by Miguel de Cervantes, Jorge Manrique, Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and Federico García Lorca.

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Business

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The Air Arabia fleet of jets are set to point their nose cones towards the most population destination for the GCC region – Baku

Budget Arab carrier lifts off

Following the waiving of the visa requirement for visitors from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region, which saw 30,000 tourists come to Azerbaijan during the Summer/Eid al-Adha holiday peak season, Air Arabia has announced that it will initiate direct flights to Baku from 23 March 2017. The airline is a low-cost UAE-based carrier, and the flights will run four times a week from Sharjah Airport. Go to www.airarabia.com to book flights.

New UK envoy to bolster trade

It has been revealed that Baroness Emma Nicholson, the new Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy for Azerbaijan, Iraq and Turkmenistan, will visit Azerbaijan in late 2016, according to H.E. Dr Carole Crofts,

UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan. Speaking to Trend News, she explained that the delegation would comprise representatives of about 20 English companies. She also noted that the second session of

the Azerbaijani–UK Intergovernmental Commission would take place in Azerbaijan next year, coming in the wake of the success of the first session this year in London.

Azerbaijan amongst Doing Business 2017 reformer countries

According to the Doing Business 2017: Equal Opportunity for All report by the World Bank Group, Azerbaijan has been ranked in 65 th position amongst 190 countries in the global rankings, according to the criterion of Ease of Doing Business, positioning the country amongst 29 nations that implemented three or more reforms.

Its highest ranking was according to the criterion of Starting a Business, where the country achieved fifth position, due to the efficiencies achieved by the Azerbaijani Service and Assessment Network (ASAN), which operates from an e-government platform.

Valentine Sultan, Private Sector Development Specialist, World Bank, explained that Azerbaijan had made it easier to start a business by eliminating the requirement to use a corporate seal.

She explained: “Azerbaijan has also achieved a high ranking in

the registration of real estate, achieving 22 nd position amongst 190 countries.” The report went on to recognise that Azerbaijan had sought to optimise international trade processes by introducing an electronic system for submitting export and import declarations.

The country has also suspended inspection of entrepreneurial activities for two years, previously considered to be one of the key hindrances regarding innovative business development.

Furthermore, the recent tax reforms approved by the President are expected to radically transform the taxation system by introducing more favourable VAT rates for socially vulnerable members of the population, reducing the taxation burden on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and resolving the issues encountered during the taxation of trade operations. Go to http://bit.ly/doingbusinessaz2017 for the full report.

Azerbaijan retains EITI candidate status

An Azerbaijani delegation headed by Shahmar Movsumov, Executive Director, State Oil Fund of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOFAZ); Chairman, Azerbaijani Governmental Commission on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI); and Chairman, EITI Multistakeholder Group, have participated in the EITI Board Meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Azerbaijan may become EDB member by 2017

Speaking to the Izvestia newspaper, Dmitry Pankin, Chairman, Management Board, Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), predicted that Azerbaijan would become an EDB member by late 2017. It is thought that Azerbaijan will enter into membership During the meeting, the participants discussed the Validation and Status of Azerbaijan as alongside Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, part of the EITI. The EITI Board agreed that Azerbaijan had achieved meaningful progress Japan, Mongolia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand regarding the implementation of EITI Standards, attaining considerable improvements and Vietnam. across several criteria, when compared with the first Validation in 2015.

Mr Pankin added that bringing new shareholders The EITI is a special multilateral and voluntary initiative, supported by a coalition of would serve to increase the capital of the EDB. He companies, governments, investors and civil society organisations, designed to ensure explained: “With EDB current capital standing at the achievement of a global standard that will serve to achieve transparency in the oil, gas $1.6bn (£1.3bn), an investment portfolio of $2.1bn and mining sectors. Azerbaijan joined the EITI in 2003, and received the 2009 EITI Award (£1.7bn) and balance portfolio of $1.6bn, reaching a for its commitment towards EITI principles, criteria and implementation achievements. balance of $3–4bn (£2.4–3.2bn) is perfectly feasible.”

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Personalities – Gyunel Rustamova Asher Jay’s Message in a Bottle is a poignant, immersive, exquisitely-executed work with an environmental theme

Art and action: a kinetic experience

Gyunel Rustamova was born in Baku and, following graduation from the Azerbaijan State Economics University, moved to the UK to pursue her education in fashion design at the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martin’s Universities.

Gyunel has been a UK resident for more than a decade, and subsequently founded her fashion atelier in London, which is based in South Kensington. Before venturing into fashion, she enjoyed a successful career as an artist, predominantly using oil on canvas.

In 2010, Gyunel showcased her work at her solo exhibition entitled Thirteen at the Cork Street Gallery in Mayfair, for which she garnered much praise and attention.

Having ventured into women’s fashion, each season sees her collections being conceived at the atelier, where Gyunel starts with the process of painting her inspirations. These are then manipulated and transformed into digital prints from which garments are constructed.

Everything from hand embellishments, and hand-finished details are developed with luxury and sophistication in mind. Alongside the seasonal ready-to-wear collections shown during London Fashion Week, Gyunel has also created a Couture line, made entirely in-house at her atelier.

Despite her business focus on fashion, Gyunel remains an artist with a conscience at heart, and that is what led her to organise the Art as a Medium for Action exhibition at the Hoxton Arches in Hackney, East London in collaboration with curator Cinthia Willaman. After attending the press briefing, Neil Watson caught up with Gyunel to find out more.

How did the concept for the project arise?

I initiated the project whilst reading for a Master’s degree course at Central Saint Martin’s entitled MA in Applied Imagination in the Creative Industries. The underlying concept of this course is to “embark on a learning journey that concludes with a very personal research project that has the potential to change your life.” I wanted to consider the themes of charities and grassroots activism, philanthropy and social change, trust and empathy, and the power of art and images to compel people to make lifestyle changes. These ideas have always personally interested me, but I am particularly concerned with the culture of charitable giving – what makes people feel the need to give to a cause? Is it social obligation, or a sense of philanthropy?

At the centre of all this is the question of that role played by art in charitable donations.

Art as a Medium for Action is a relational art project and actually quite challenging to explain to the uninitiated. Can you explain the three elements of the exhibition yourself?

A ‘relational’ art project is one that involves its audience in some way. My idea was to bring as many different perspectives on art as possible into play. For this, we broke up the project into the three parts. Firstly, we interviewed over 100 people in the street. You could compare our approach to those who ask people to undertake charity fundraising sponsorship, and many thought this was what we wanted.

Subsequently, we asked people for their views on a selection of artworks and charity images, and noted their responses. The second stage was much more intimate, and comprised a set of focus groups.

This involved a small panel of individuals, who were each shown a

Gyunel helps set up the exhibition

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Personalities – Gyunel Rustamova

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Gyunel’s contribution to the exhibition is based around one of her most treasured possessions – a narrative carpet, woven by her grandmother – rescued from the family home in Nagorno-Karabakh

selection of artworks; graphic novels; short films and music videos, and other media.

This allowed us to obtain more detailed and personal feedback. The final stage was the exhibition itself. It was devised in accordance with the responses received in the first two parts of the project, and brought together important activist artworks that reflected the themes emanating from the focus groups.

However, the exhibition was also interactive.

We asked guests to write responses to the works on speech bubbles made of card, and invited them to add their comments throughout the exhibition. That was a real success! We received generally positive feedback, together with some interesting critical interpretations of the works. The exhibition also asked guests to choose a charity to receive a donation – we paid for these ­– and we invited them to make a pledge for their chosen charity. Guests were not forced to make the pledge, but we were interested to see how the different forms of actions – donating and pledging – would make people reflect on the relationship of art to activism.

The works that were selected were certainly thought-provoking, such as Willie Baronet’s We Are All Homeless (a collection of signs from homeless people); Larry Torro’s Who Are You Wearing (against the fur industry); and Asher Jay’s Message in a Bottle. The concepts of these works are very complex. How did you decide what to include?

In the first instance, each artist was selected because their works represented one of the chosen themes for the exhibition, and secondly, because each is a uniquely powerful example from an activist artist. Additionally, most of the artists create works that are far more than simple installations or objects.

For Willie Baronet, the We Are All Homeless project is about interacting with the people from whom he buys the signs, and trying

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to reconceive of the notions of ‘home’ and ‘homelessness’. The signs, as we displayed them, are simply the surface of his work.

Similarly, Asher Jay was chosen because she is such a forceful speaker and able to brilliantly communicate the underlying concepts of her work to an audience.

Suzanne Lacy is perhaps the best example of how our chosen artists work beyond the exhibition spaces. Her phenomenally important 1977 work, entitled Three Weeks in May, was about challenging the media silence surrounding rape cases, as well as the culture of guilt that enshrouded its victims.

Her work, which we are showing as projected films, exists as a set of performances, painted maps, words and signs at the sites of these crimes, and other media. It constitutes an example of a three-dimensional artwork that genuinely challenged ­– and changed – public perception.

Please tell me the story behind your own piece of work, based around an Azerbaijani carpet.

My contribution is a hand-woven novel theme rug made by my grandmother Semengyul Huseynli for my brother and I when we were children. During my childhood, I always spent my holidays at my grandmother’s house in Jabrayil, Nagorno-Karabakh, and this rug always reminds me of that. When we were forced to leave our grandparents’ home, due to Armenian aggression and the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding districts, this rug was one of the very few possessions I was able to take. I always was and am determined to hold on to this as a reminder of my grandmother, and of my childhood. For me, it has come to represent a kind of innocence, and has always held a special status in my mind. It is much more than a mere rug to me.

When we began work on this project,

particularly when we started to discuss representations of refugees in art, it occurred to me that the significance of the rug lay in its relationship to two parts of my life – before the occupation, and after. In one silent image, it spans the movement my family made as refugees. For this exhibition, I embellished the rug with details surrounding the central image of a house – it now appears to be ablaze, caught up in the conflict from which we were transposed. For me, it represents the idea of home – lost, but never forgotten, or completely left behind – and I strongly believe that very soon we all will be able to return to our lands and recreate our memories.

Would you say that the exhibition artworks are contrary to the self-indulgent nature of much contemporary art, as the concepts deal with tough, challenging and anticapitalist subjects?

That’s a difficult question. I understand why people might think of contemporary art as broadly ‘indulgent’, but there are many interesting works that deal with big ideas – whether political, philosophical, or otherwise.

These are all important topics. But if you mean to say that the works we showed are particularly engaging in their challenges to consumer capitalism, then yes, I think we chose a selection that are notably powerful.

Larry Torro’s work for the charity People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), entitled Who Are You Wearing?, shows an oversized fox parading down a catwalk whilst wearing a dead human, as an inversion of the fur industry. It’s funny, but also grotesque, and it’s shocking, but also compelling. Images like these inspire us to rethink our consumer choices.

Willie Baronet’s work is a little different.

By collecting homeless signs, Baronet is bringing the voices of homelessness into the gallery space – he is giving them a voice, whereas they usually would not have one.

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Personalities – Gyunel Rustamova

The work enables us to rethink a whole layer of society – the part that capitalism usually wants to forget or not include, those who do not have the money to participate in the game of capitalism, or those who lost everything to that game. It is transformed into a particularly powerful piece, whether we choose to read it as anti-capitalism, or as simply a challenge to the way capitalism currently exists.

Why did you select Hoxton Arches, and where else will the exhibition be exhibited?

Hoxton itself is a melting-pot, where many different walks of life meet on a daily basis.

It’s easy to visit from the centre of London, is vibrant and artistic, and we felt we would obtain a good and diverse audience by holding the exhibition there. Once we had decided upon that area, Hoxton Arches seemed to be easily the best choice. It is a very beautiful venue, in an old railway arch not far from the station, and the space opens up in a number of ways to accommodate artworks. We were able to break down the exhibition into three sections

– a sort of introductory space that explains the exhibition, a second room containing the majority of the artworks, and a third space at the rear of the building that housed Asher Jay’s installation and painting, together with the charity pledges. This gave a very natural flow to the exhibition that I believe helped guests to both understand and absorb what we were doing. After Hoxton, the exhibition moved to Cambridge, where several of the curators with which I work are living. We were fortunate to use a Georgian-era house owned

by Pembroke College, part of the University of Cambridge. This was a quieter space than Hoxton, but allowed guests to take in the art at a slower pace. It was very good to see the exhibition work so well in two very different spaces, like seeing an old friend in a strange context – familiar, and yet unfamiliar.

of our visitors well after it is over! The idea of the pledges at the end of the exhibition is to involve people in an action, or set of actions, that they will take with them from the project.

For instance, PETA, the animal-rights charity, is asking visitors to pledge to try a vegan diet for one month. If a handful of visitors take that pledge, we feel the project will last a month longer. If only one of them adapts their lifestyle around veganism on a long-term basis, then the thinking behind the project will be perpetuated in their behaviour. This began with a humble series of surveys relating to art, and it will end precisely with an ‘ongoing’ set of actions (at least we hope so!). And that’s the thinking behind the title. It’s about how art can lead into real social or political change, or, in other words, ‘action’.

You say the exhibition is ‘ongoing’. What do you mean by this?

In the broadest sense of being a ‘Relational’ project, we hope it will continue in the minds

To find out more about Art as Medium for Action, go to http://bit.ly/ artasamediumforaction,

A visitor contemplates Larry Torro’s controversial Who Are You Wearing and Gyunel’s own Untitled

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Personalities – Javid Shahmaliyev Business News Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

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Désir and Mammadyarov discuss Karabakh in Paris

Harlem Désir, French Minister for European Affairs, and Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister discussed the developments in the conflict in a positive, convivial manner (Photo: F. De la Mure/MAEDI)

Harlem Désir, French Minister for European Affairs, received Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister in Paris. Discussions were wide-ranging, including analysis of the latest attempts to find a negotiated, peaceful and lasting solution to the Armenian–

Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, under the auspices of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, where France sits alongside Russia and the US. The two diplomats also discussed the development of Franco–Azerbaijani and Azerbaijani–EU relations.

President Ilham Aliyev: reasonable compromise is possible

In an interview with Dmitry Kiselyov, Head, Russian news agency Rossiya Segodnya, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reiterated: “We will never agree with granting independence to Nagorno-Karabakh, and the Armenian side is well aware of this. A reasonable compromise will ensure the security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh; implement various Azerbaijani investment projects in the territory and attain peaceful cooperation between the two peoples, following the liberation of territories beyond the Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous region.

This corresponds with the proposals upon which we are working and have been proposed by the mediators.”

President Ilham Aliyev went on to cite that the main reason for the ongoing impasse in the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, since the ceasefire and creation of the OSCE Minsk Group in 1994, is that Armenia has remained resolutely obstreperous regarding the negotiation process.

He continued: “Our position is that people should be able to return to where they previously lived. The Armenian population lived in the region for 200 years, whilst the Azerbaijani people were there much longer, although this is not really the point. For example, 95 per cent of the Shusha population was Azerbaijani. They were driven out, their houses were either captured or destroyed, and currently, other people live in their residences. This must end, the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh can live there as was

previously the case, and we are not against that.”

President Ilham Aliyev considered the situation from the humanitarian perspective of the Armenian population. “What benefit did Armenia derive from this conflict? Millions of Azerbaijanis suffered, but did the Armenians become happier due this situation? Did they become more secure or prosperous?

Of course, this was not the case. Without the normalisation of relations with Azerbaijan, there can never be any regional development. They will always live under a degree of pressure, expecting something to happen. We want peace in the region, our position remains constructive, but we want our territories back. Armenia also wants peace, but it has repeatedly said that it will not return the territories of another nation. That is the difference between us.

“There can be no compromise on the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, but there can be a compromise on issues of local self-government, self-government of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, and in the future – if we agree – it can become an autonomous republic. The Armenian leadership is fully aware of this, but they manipulate public opinion, create an image of the enemy, distort the essence of the negotiation process and present information as if Azerbaijan wants to almost annihilate the Armenian population or to expel them. This is simply not true.”

Kasprzyk: Karabakh conflict subject to debate in many international organisations Speaking to AzerNews, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, commented that many high-ranking political officials from various countries are now supporting the activity of the OSCE Minsk Group, tasked with establishing a negotiated peace in the Armenian­ – Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. He commented: “The OSCE Chairmanship is paying constant attention and receives detailed information about developments. Dr Frank-Walter

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Steinmeier, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, visited the region, and resolution of the conflict was high on his agenda.”

tragedy, and causes grief and sorrow for the family and friends of the deceased. I share these sorrows.

Referring to OSCE information, Mr Kasprzyk stressed that the situation along the ‘contact line’ between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces has been relatively stable since May 2016, although there are still reports about ceasefire violations and casualties. Looking from the humanitarian perspective, he said: “Every casualty is a

“I would like to stress that the monitoring exercises are not investigations, nor are they a peacekeeping measure. They provide a ‘snapshot’; an effective and consistent method of accessing information regarding the situation on the ground. With the support of the sides, we will continue our activity.”

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