Tm 17 06

Culture | Public Affairs | Business

Photo: Aynur Badalova

BAKU 2017 ISLAMIC SOLIDARITY GAMES – AZERBAIJAN HEADS THE MEDALS ROSTER

Also in this issue: IDP issues highlighted to the new British Parliament The struggle for Baku Oil during World War II highlighted at the Musée de l’Armée Ahmad Jamal brings Shahin Novrasli to Paris Azerbaijani and UK poets come together at Foyles Silver anniversary of BP operations in Azerbaijan

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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.

Facebook

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 John Winchester who is the winner of the competition in the May 2017 edition.

To stand a chance of winning £100 of Amazon vouchers, simply answer the following five 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 10 July: 1.

2.

3.

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5.

How many gold medals were achieved by host country Azerbaijan in the Islamic Solidarity Games?

Who is Vice-President of Communications and External Affairs: Southern Gas Corridor for BP? In which year was the first oil well at Bibi-Heybat sunk?

Which legendary American jazz pianist organised the participation of Shahin Novrasli in the Festival Jazz à St-Germain-desPrés Paris and has co-produced Emanation, his new album?

Which Belgian-resident Azerbaijani pianist is the granddaughter of composer Fikret Amirov?

Upcoming Events For full details of all TEAS events, go to www.teas.eu/upcomingevents UN World Refugee Day Commemorations

20 June: Unresolved Dreams: Azerbaijan’s Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (Brussels) 10.00–13.00hrs. Press Club Brussels Europe, 95 Rue Froissart, 1040 Bruxelles. RSVP: http://bit.ly/kashibruxelles TEAS Benelux, in conjunction with the VII Photo Agency, presents an exhibition by Ed Kashi, the legendary US photojournalist, filmmaker and educator. He specialises in highlighting political and social issues, and this led him to point his camera towards the lives of just a few of the estimated one million Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). This emotionally-charged exhibition encapsulates their plight.

21 June: The consequences of a forgotten conflict for Europe and for France: The current situation and prospects for refugees and IDPs in the long term – Azerbaijan as a case study (Paris) 08.30–12.00hrs. Palais du Luxembourg, Salle Monnerville, Rue Vaugirard, Paris 75006. RSVP: paris@teas.eu (The conference will be conducted in French and Azerbaijani, with French translation).

This conference will address the humanitarian consequences of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, being jointly organised by TEAS France; the Robert Schumann Institute for Europe (IRSE); and the Paris-Ile-de-France Higher Institute for Defence Studies (IHEDN). It is under the patronage of André Reichardt, Senator for the Bas-Rhin region and President of the France-Caucasus Friendship Group in the French Senate.

22 June: On Aggregate film screening at Chelsea Football Club (London) Drake Suite, Millennium Reception, West Stand, Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, London, SW6 1HS 18.30hrs (for 19.00hrs) RSVP: http://bit.ly/onaggregate (Nearest tube: Fulham Broadway).

TEAS UK is organising the European premiere of the documentary On Aggregate, directed, written by and featuring charismatic US journalist Thomas Goltz, author of the acclaimed book Azerbaijan Diary (trailer: http://bit.ly/onaggregatetrailer). Appropriately, the screening will take place at the Stamford Bridge ground of ‘The Blues’ – Chelsea FC.

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Politics and News

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25 years of BP–Azerbaijani relations celebrated in London Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS

From the TEAS Director Azerbaijan hosted the Islamic Solidarity Games last month, in which 54 teams from around the Islamic world participated. The games were a huge success, not least for the host nation – who scooped 75 gold medals.

BP has been celebrating 25 years of its operations in Azerbaijan. The relationship has been mutually productive and profitable, playing an essential role in the development of the Azerbaijani economy. As H.E. Carole Crofts, UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan, has commented, the UK remains the largest investor in Azerbaijan. The introduction of the three-step online ASAN visa will only help to further ease bilateral trade and investment.

I was very pleased to attend an event hosted by the Patchwork Foundation addressed

by Helle Thorning-Schmidt, former Danish Prime Minister. TEAS has supported this initiative of Prince Charles for several years.

Once again, TEAS was very pleased to support the Royal Windsor Horse Show – a favourite event for both HM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. A large number of Parliamentarians and Ambassadors attended as our guests.

TEAS France was very proud to support Shahin Novrasli’s performance at the Festival Jazz à St-Germain-des-Prés Paris, and there was also a screening of Objective Baku at the Musée de l’Armée charting, through archive footage, the bravery of Azerbaijanis in the face of a Nazi onslaught during World War II. Meanwhile in Brussels, TEAS Benelux was proud to support pianist Salman Gambarov’s performance at the Republic Day celebration. TEAS Benelux also organised the second European screening of Ali and Nino in Luxembourg.

We are sad to report the death of Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijani Energy Minister, who appeared at many TEAS events and provided invaluable insights. The warmth of his personality will be much missed.

Finally, the International Crisis Group has issued a prediction that Armenia and Azerbaijan are closer to war than at any point since 1994.

Lionel Zetter Director, TEAS

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The headquarters of BP in London have hosted an event dedicated to the silver anniversary of the commencement of BP oil and gas exploration and exploitation in Azerbaijan, organised in collaboration with the Anglo-Azerbaijani Society.

The main speakers at the event were Emily Olsen, Vice-President of Communications and External Affairs: Southern Gas Corridor; Professor Nargiz Pashayeva, Azerbaijani Co-Chair, Anglo-Azerbaijani Society; Lord German, British Co-Chair, Anglo-Azerbaijani Society and H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK. Opening the event, Professor Pashayeva greeted the guests and briefed them on the activities of BP in Azerbaijan.

She particularly expressed her special gratitude to Gordon Birrell, former Regional President: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, BP (now COO, Production, Transformation and Carbon, BP) for his support in planning, developing and constructing the Southern Energy Corridor.

Ms Olsen recalled that BP began its Azerbaijani operations in June 1992.

Over the past 25 years, after entering into partnership with the Azerbaijani government, the company has implemented numerous world-class projects, including exploitation of the Azeri–Chirag–Guneshli (ACG) and Shah Deniz fields, and the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline and South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP), thereby transforming

Professor Nargiz Pashayeva acknowledged the contribution of the collaboration with BP towards the development of the Azerbaijani–UK relationship over the past quarter-century

the Caspian into a modern hydrocarbon production region and contributing to its further development.

Ms Olsen went on to highlight that the ACG and Shah Deniz fields currently rank as the largest BP-led projects in Azerbaijan. She provided detailed information on the BTC, TANAP and TAP projects and spoke about the work currently being undertaken in collaboration with the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR).

Lord German commented on the significance of the BP-led projects being undertaken in Azerbaijan, and outlined some joint BP/Anglo–Azerbaijani Society enterprises. Lord German also made reference to the new technologies, innovations and processes that have emanated from the work of BP in Azerbaijan.

Google celebrates the architectural legacy of Zaha Hadid One year on from her unexpected passing on 31 March 2016, the vision of Iraqi–British architect Dame Zaha Hadid – the first female winner of the Pritzker Prize – was celebrated for a day on the homepage of Google, the most popular search engine in the world.

Known as the Queen of the Curve, she is seen alongside her iconic Heydar Aliyev Centre, which is the centrepiece of the ‘new Baku’.

This multi-use venue attracted plaudits from across the world upon its opening in 2013, winning the Design Museum Design of the Year award in 2014. Writing in the Architectural Review, Professor Peter Cook, founder of Archigram, described it as: “a white vision, outrageously total, arrogantly complete... a unique object that confounds and contradicts the reasonable...a wave form sweeping up, almost lunging, into the sky...here is architecture as the ultimate statement of theatre...It is the most complete realisation of the Iraqi-born architect’s vision of sweeping curves and flowing space.”

The commemorative Google homepage depicts an affectionate caricature of legendary visionary architect Zaha Hadid, alongside her magnificent Bakuvian creation, the Heydar Aliyev Centre

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Politics and News

Islamic Solidarity Games – a resounding success Azerbaijan brought the curtain down on the Baku2017 Islamic Solidarity Games on 22 May with a sparkling closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium. After 12 days of competition involving 54 Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation countries from four continents, Azerbaijan finished with 75 gold medals, beating second-placed Turkey by four golds, achieving a haul of 162 medals altogether.

Baku and its 1500 volunteer performers undertook a vibrant and dramatic closing show against the night sky, combining national music and dance to symbolically represent the coalescence of all Islamic nations, who came together to compete together under the aegis of sport.

The performers included most of the Azerbaijani Eurovision performers – Ell & Nikki, Sabina Babayeva, Semra and DiHaj – alongside such established artistes as Miri-Yusif, the pioneer of Azerbaijani hiphop, and pop balladeer Tunzale Agayeva.

The hosting of this fourth edition of the multisport event represented the next step on the possible path towards staging the Olympics in Azerbaijan, following two earlier bids. In recent times, Baku has demonstrated that has the requisite infrastructure to organise international sports events, having hosted the Baku2015 European Games and currently preparing for the second edition of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports, commented: “Building on the legacy of the Baku2015 European Games, we have welcomed friends old and new from across the Islamic world to use our state-of-the-art sporting facilities, and our young people have applied their evergrowing skills to deliver yet another worldclass event. The work of the Baku2017 Operations Committee may be coming to

an end, but our capital city’s journey as a world centre for international sport and culture goes on. Sport will continue to play a central role in our national development in the years to come.”

The closing ceremony began by depicting a young woman in Icheri Sheher blowing gold dust that is carried around the capital by the Gilavar breeze, thereby showing its most iconic sights. The parade of the remaining athletes followed, prompting a massive cheer from the tens of thousands of Azerbaijani fans greeting their victorious team, who were led by judo gold medallist Eklhan Mammadov.

Thereafter, a 25m-high ‘tree of life’ provided the focal point for the ceremony, being ‘watered’ before the show passed through several segments celebrating Azerbaijani culture and the ‘spirit of solidarity’.

The Games placed Azerbaijan at the epicentre of the Islamic sporting world

After a celebration of the 12,000 volunteers that helped make the Games a reality, the baton was passed over to Turkey, as Istanbul is set to hold the fifth Solidarity Games in 2021. The event culminated with a firework display of 15,000 pyrotechnics above the stadium.

The most successful Azerbaijani athletes were shooter Ruslan Lunev (five golds), swimmer Maksym Shemberev (four golds) and rhythmic gymnast Marina Durunda (three golds). Other luminaries on the Azerbaijani medals roster included wrestler Mariya Stadnik, taekwondo practitioner Radik Isayev and five-time karate world champion Rafael Aghayev, who carried the flag at the opening ceremony. Many other countries claimed their maiden gold medals, including Benin, Guinea-Bissau and Cameroon. Go to http://bit.ly/Baku2017closing to see the official film of closing ceremony highlights.

Azerbaijani judoka Nazakat Azizova (blue) and Irem Korkmaz (Turkey) get to grips in the –52kg title

The Azerbaijani disabled team celebrate success

Zetter lends his expertise to the Patchwork Foundation Recently, Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS and author of numerous books, including Lobbying: the Art of Political Persuasion, participated in a Patchwork Foundation Masterclass alongside Helle ThorningSchmidt, former Danish Prime Minister and Current CEO, Save the Children Fund.

The purpose of the Patchwork Foundation is to promote and encourage the integration of underrepresented, deprived and minority communities into British democracy and civil society. The UK now comprises a diverse mosaic of people from myriad cultures, faiths, ethnicities

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and social backgrounds, but once these are coalesced, these diverse communities can contribute in a cohesive manner to a multifaceted society. It particularly emphasises the need for all citizens to play a role in social and political life.

The Patchwork Foundation – an initiative of Prince Charles – remains unaffiliated with any political party and does not promote a particular political perspective, although it works with the main political parties and democratic institutions. Visit www.patchworkfoundation.org.uk for more information.

Lionel Zetter exchanges dialogue with Helle ThorningSchmidt, former Danish Prime Minister and Current CEO, Save the Children Fund, alongside Pauliina Murphy, Head, International Government Engagement, Aviva, and a representative of Clifford Chance

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Politics and News

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IDP plight highlighted for new British Parliament Following the UK General Election, TEAS has taken the opportunity of highlighting the plight of the estimated one million Azerbaijani internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to the 650 members of the new British Parliament. The IDPs and refugees are the ongoing victims of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, and the card despatched to all MPs features 10-year-old Nazrin Khanlarova. Born in the Gizilgum IDP camp, her family originates from the town of Khojaly, the scene of the worst atrocity during the conflict, where Armenian forces slaughtered 613 civilians as they tried to escape on 26 February 1992.

Photographed in close-up in natural light against a back background by esteemed German photographer Philipp Rathmer for the TEAS Five Roads Back Home project, the image is stark and emotional.

The card focuses on the single greatest desire of all Azerbaijani IDPs and refugees – to return home, even if they have never seen that region themselves. Visit www.manyhappyreturnsIDP.com to learn more about the Many Happy Returns campaign.

The indefatigable TEAS team prepare the cards, intended to ensure the plight of the Azerbaijani IDPs and refugees ranks high on the agenda of the freshly-installed British Parliament

First oil well in the world restored

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited the restored oil well at Bibi-Heybat on the Absheron Peninsula on 26 April – the first oil well in the world. This was drilled in 1846, preceding the discovery of oil in Pennsylvania in 1859.

The first connection between the UK and Baku oil came soon after in 1851, when Prince Mikhail Vorontsov, Viceroy for the Russian Tsar in the Caucasus, brought samples to exhibit at the Great Exhibition in London.

(from left) Rovnag Abdullayev, President, SOCAR; Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev; and Khoshbaht Yusifzade, First Vice-President, SOCAR, examine a fragment of the world’s first oil pipe from the platform of the reconstructed well

The claim to be the first industrial oil well in the world has been substantiated by historical sources and documents found recently in the Central State Historical Archives of Russia and Azerbaijan. According to the Caucasian Archaeographic Commission, 1885, in his communication to F.P. Vronchenko, State Secretary for Tsarist Russia, Prince Vorontsov noted: “I permitted the Shemakha Official Chamber to undertake oil exploration in the Baku province, on the coast of the Caspian Sea, in the Bibi-Heybat well, using earth drills and financed by 1000 silver roubles assigned by you in 1845 for this purpose. As a result, the Acting Director of the Baku and Shirvan mineral fields has reported the discovery of reserves of oil on Bibi-Heybat…”

The rich history of Azerbaijani equestrianism returns to Windsor H.M. Queen Elizabeth II ranks amongst the world’s most famous living equestrians.

She was given her first horse at the tender age of four years, and was riding by the time she turned six. Her Majesty thus has an unparalleled 87 years of riding experience, and her enthusiasm for and appreciation of equestrianism continues to this day. Her passion for horses extends to breeding, and she is the patron of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

Similarly, equestrianism has a long history in Azerbaijan, which was one of the first regions in which the horse was domesticated. The eponymouslynamed Karabakh Horse, originating in the Azerbaijani Karabakh region (currently occupied by Armenia), is renowned for its good temper, loyalty, strength and speed.

It is used in the ancient Azerbaijani game of chovgan – the antecedent of polo – included on the UNESCO List of the

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Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It was only natural, therefore, that a fine example of the Azerbaijani Karabakh Horse, named Zaman, should enter the Royal Stables in 1956. Regrettably, the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh resulted in the occupation of its homeland, and the horses are now bred in the Aghdam Stud. It is now regarded as a horse breed under threat.

“It is always a privilege to be associated with any Royal event, and the Windsor Horse Show remains a firm favourite with the Royal Family and with the British public.

Equestrian traditions run as deep in the UK as in Azerbaijan, and this annual event provides an opportunity to demonstrate that shared passion.”

This year saw TEAS support the Royal Windsor Horse Show, held in the grounds of Windsor Castle, for the sixth successive year. The participation came in the wake of the participation of 15 Karabakh Horses ridden by daredevil djigitovka trick riders in the 2016 edition of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, celebrating the 90 th birthday of H.M. The Queen, with the 2017 edition being held from 10–14 May. Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, commented:

The Royal Windsor Horse Show celebrates all aspects of equestrianism in the shadow of Windsor Castle

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Culture On the expanse of the state-of-the-art big screen, the full dramatic glory of this remarkable epic was undeniably immersive

The bittersweet romance of Ali and Nino comes to Luxembourg Luxembourg – which suffered under occupation during both world wars – played host to a screening of the new sweeping, emotional film epic Ali and Nino on 17 May. The screening was organised at Kinepolis Kirchberg, one of the leading cinemas in the country.

The event was organised by TEAS Benelux, in collaboration with the Azerbaijani Embassy to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU. Well over 100 members of the Azerbaijani diaspora, friends of Azerbaijan and cinephiles attended the screening.

Dozens of people were disappointed, as demand for tickets outstripped the capacity of the cinema.

Written exactly 80 years ago in German by the enigmatic Kurban Said, the novel Ali and Nino encapsulates the interreligious, multicultural and tolerant spirit of Baku that existed in 1918–20 during the period of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), which preceded seven long decades of Soviet domination. The novel is largely set in Icheri Sheher (Baku Old City), although the action also takes place in Dagestan, Ganja, Tbilisi, Tehran and Shusha, an Azerbaijani cultural hub in Nagorno-Karabakh that is currently under illegal Armenian occupation.

In 2016, this film adaptation of this legendary novel was released, directed by Oscar-winning British director Asif Kapadia (probably best-known for his documentary films on racing driver Ayrton Senna and singer Amy Winehouse). The film has a script by Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher Hampton. The Executive Producer is Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President, Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Marc Verwilghen, Director, TEAS Benelux, said: “Tonight’s screening comes at a

Marc Verwilghen, Director, TEAS Benelux, former Belgian energy minister, explained that the screening came at a momentous juncture in EU–Azerbaijani relations

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pivotal point in EU–Azerbaijani relations, as negotiations are currently taking place, aimed at creating a new level of co-operation. This comes in the wake of a visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Brussels that included meetings with representatives from all European institutions.

“The EU needs Azerbaijan. Strategically – it is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

This is an extraordinary situation, and would be considered a ‘Triple A’ in real estate terms, being located on the old Silk Road.

Azerbaijan is also a member of NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme, as well as the EU Eastern Partnership and many other international organisations. Politically, Azerbaijan is important as a neighbour of the EU, with Russia, Iran and Turkey as three adjacent countries. Culturally, Azerbaijan is a force against radicalism and intolerance.

Finally, in terms of energy flows, Azerbaijan is crucial, due to the construction of the Southern Gas Corridor, which will increase supply diversity for EU countries.

“Azerbaijan is a modern country that ensures cohabitation and tolerance, cultural diversity, and the acceptance of ethnic minorities. It also plays its role in countering terrorism, at a time when we have seen attacks in many European cities, including Paris, Brussels and London.

“Ali and Nino is the Romeo and Juliet of the Caucasus, set amidst the décor of an incredible natural theatre. The film depicts the romance between the Muslim Ali and Georgian Princess Nino, and shows the establishment of the ADR, which existed from 1918–20, and ended with the Bolshevik invasion of Azerbaijan.

“But – as Ali and Nino shows us – Hope has

The excitement and enthusiasm of the audience was palpable

no borders, Fate has no boundaries and Love has no limits.”

H.E. Fuad Isgandarov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU, concluded: “Following the recent successful screening of Ali and Nino in the European Parliament, the European Commission has also shown an interest in hosting this film. In my view, this is not a Romeo and Juliet story, as that revolves around two families who are in conflict. However, Ali and Nino shows two friendly independent nations – Azerbaijan and Georgia – that exist in a state of brotherhood.

“Next year we will celebrate the centenary of the ADR – which constituted our first independence. The film shows the difficulties of achieving and sustaining this independence. The ADR extended the franchise to all women over the age of 18 just under a century ago, predating this achievement in many European countries and the US. The ADR government comprised many nationalities, including Jews and Armenians. This demonstrates the tolerance and friendliness of Azerbaijanis.

“The film also reiterates the need for all countries to achieve and retain their independence. If they are independent partners in the EU neighbourhood, then Europe will also further develop.”

The event was preceded by a reception, the highlight of which was the renowned aperitif Ratafia de Champagne Exclusive, which has been produced by the Jean Goyard house since 1911. This amber delight, replete with aromas of candied fruit, was described by Alexandre Dumas – who wrote warmly of his visit to Azerbaijan in 1858 – as an “incomparable elixir.”

H.E. Fuad Isgandarov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU, explained the necessity for all countries to achieve and retain their independence

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Culture

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Shahin Novrasli – presented by the legendary Ahmad Jamal in Paris

Now aged 86, Ahmad Jamal is one of the living legends of postbop jazz and ranks amongst the most successful small group leaders of all time, having developed a richly figurative style that owes as much to Bach as to Art Tatum. He achieved particular popularity in the jazz hub that is Paris, and has performed at all the major Parisian concert halls, including L’Olympia and the Salle Pleyel.

His ears remain resolutely open to other pianists of all styles, and hence the organisers of the Festival Jazz à St-Germaindes-Prés Paris paid an unusual tribute on 20 May by permitting Ahmad Jamal to select one pianist to perform – this accolade being given to the dynamic Azerbaijani pianist Shahin Novrasli, in a concert supported by TEAS France. This continues a tradition established by the organisation, which has previously sponsored the participation of three other extraordinary Azerbaijani jazz pianists – Isfar Sarabski, Emil Afrasiyab and Elchin Shirinov.

Performing amidst the imposing muraldominated academic surroundings of the 500-seat amphitheatre of La Maison des Océans, headquarters of the Institut océanographique, Shahin launched his second album Emanation alongside James Cammack, longstanding bassist with Ahmad Jamal; septuagenarian French drummer André Ceccarelli, whose previous collaborators include Dee Dee Bridgewater, Stéphane Grappelli and Chick Corea; and Georgian drummer Erkle Koiava, who performed on an amazing panoply of Latin and other percussion, fascinating the audience and achieving an extraordinary aural impact.

Coming in the wake of his first album, Bayati, Shahin’s new album was co-produced with Ahmad Jamal and recorded in Paris. It features the same rhythm section as at the concert, with the addition of guest violinist Didier Lockwood on some tracks.

Christophe Doré, jazz pundit for Le Figaro, highlighted the concert, saying: “There are few musicians that refresh us with their gravity, genres and style, transforming rivers of notes into a flow with their fingers… the Azerbaijani pianist Shahin Novrasli is one of the greatest jazz musicians of his generation, founded in the classical school.

“The way in which he searches for notes, letting them fly at will, or by chance, is impressive. He seizes the desire for freedom, taking improvisatory risks to make jazz. His latest album Emanation is a treasure of fusion, both festive and virtuosic, inspired

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In Paris, Shahin Novrasli reached into the piano to plumb the inner depths of harmonic expression

by the Orient, and combining classical and jazz to draw a patchwork that is particularly successful.

‘When I write or play, I do not think of jazz or any particular style’, stated the pianist. ‘I just want it to be beautiful.’

Mr Doré goes on to quote Frédéric Charbaut, Jazz Broadcaster and Co-founder of the Festival, who offered his plaudits. “I do not hide the fact that, for me, one of the most exciting concerts for the new edition of the festival is by Shahin Novrasli, who is surrounded by the veritable talents of James Cammack on bass and André Ceccarelli on drums.”

During the concert, Shahin performed a vibrant mélange of standards, his own compositions and variations on Azerbaijani pieces. His opening piece was Stella By Starlight, a work that has inspired many jazz musicians over more than seven decades.

Sitting on the edge of his piano stool and writhing with creativity, Shahin frequently appeared to be extracting each note from his very soul. Throughout the concert, the rapport between each of the four musicians was self-evident. As his hypnotic variations continued, his improvisations became evermore elaborate, plumbing the depths of harmonic exploration in a manner that owed something to Thelonious Monk, but was nonetheless very much his own.

Another standard, entitled You Don’t Know What Love Is – made famous by doomed trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker – was more introspective, as expected, yet replete with Bachian counterpoint that drew attention to Shahin’s own classical background. He then performed his first Azerbaijani piece, an evocative work that was full of Eastern harmonies, complemented by Erkle’s wind effects that reminded the listener of Baku, known as the City of Winds.

Throughout, his compositions and improvisations on standards incorporated some of the harmonies and microtones of mugham, a semi-improvised modal form of folk music originating in NagornoKarabakh, an Azerbaijani cultural hub that has remained under illegal Armenian occupation for 25 years.

Shahin’s mellifluous, yet dizzying, variations on How About You? placed the capacity audience in the palm of his hand, reducing them to a whistling crowd, clapping in unison, who were aware of seeing a great master at the height of his powers. This was followed by an Azerbaijani piece that reached a zenith of excitement, with the two drummers, bassist and Shahin achieving an extraordinarily symbiotic relationship.

The father of Azerbaijani jazz-mugham is generally recognised as being the pioneering pianist Vagif Mustafazeh, of whom B.B. King commented: “People call me King of the Blues, but if I could play the piano like you do, I would call myself God.” It was therefore only fitting that he took a slow section of Vagif’s Piano Concerto and paid tribute to this pioneer of Azerbaijani ethnojazz, his incredible technique demonstrating his justification as heir to Vagif’s crown.

Following several minutes of stomping, stamping, clapping and whistling from the audience, Shahin returned to the stage for an unexpected encore of Michael Jackson’s She’s Out of My Life. It was a poignant end to an unforgettable evening of music in Paris – one of the world’s leading jazz capitals.

Go to www.shahinnovrasli.com to find out more on Shahin Novrasli and visit http://bit.ly/emanationnovrasli to order Emanation.

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Culture Bakustic Jazz, comprising Salman Gambarov (piano), Emil Hasanov (bass guitar) and Vagif Aliyev (drums), dazzled the multinational Brussels audience with its rich and innovative blend of post-bop, fusion and modal jazz, overlaid with the sensibilities of Azerbaijani mugham

A musical celebration of Azerbaijani Republic Day and Azerbaijani– Belgian relations Azerbaijani Republic Day ranks amongst the most important holidays in the Azerbaijani national calendar, for that day commemorates the achievements of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR). Lasting 23 months from 1918–20, the ADR was the first democracy, based on a European model, to be established in the Muslim East.

Founded and presided over by Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh, this was an undeniably progressive regime, based on free, universal and proportionate representation, granting the franchise to all women over the age of 18 (predating this development in both the US and UK). It also established Baku State University, again based on a European model. Belgium was amongst the first countries to recognise the independence of the country, and soon after established a diplomatic mission. Regrettably the success of the ADR was proven short-lived – in 1920, the country was forcibly subsumed into the Soviet Union.

Following the Soviet collapse, Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991. On 31 December of that year, Belgium formally recognised the independence of the country, with diplomatic relations being established on 20 February 1992.

The event commemorating the achievements of the ADR and 25th anniversary of Belgian–Azerbaijani relations took place on 30 May amidst the art deco finery of the multidisciplinary arts centre BOZAR, located in central Brussels. Co-organised by the Azerbaijani Embassy to Belgium, Luxembourg and Mission to the EU and Azerbaijani Mission to NATO, the event was attended by around 300 diplomats, friends of Azerbaijan and members of the Azerbaijani diaspora.

H.E. Fuad Isgandarov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU, recalled: “99 years ago, on 28 May 1918, Azerbaijan declared its independence. This was the first democratic republic in the East. This was an amazing period, which saw Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians live together, and the country was home to Azerbaijanis, Russians, Armenians, Ukrainians and Tartars, amongst other nationalities. We are proud that our country was founded on such a basis of tolerance and respect.

and Belgian Fluxys. This economic connection has also formed the basis of our connection with European institutions, with which we work very closely. We are currently finalising a new partnership agreement with the EU. “We chose to organise a concert tonight because music is the language that is most effectively understood by all people. I would like to particularly thank TEAS Benelux for their support in making this event possible.”

Anick Van Kalster, Director-General for Bilateral Affairs, Belgian Foreign Affairs Ministry, replied: “Tonight’s celebration will be musical, as this is the perfect way for people to connect. It represents the perfect vector of openness, freedom, communication and creativity.

The spirit that led to the construction of BOZAR was present in Baku at around the same time, and that period was encapsulated in the famous novel Ali and Nino by the enigmatic author Kurban Said.

Azerbaijan was one of the first former Soviet Republics to establish diplomatic ties with Belgium.

“Our bilateral relations have developed greatly over the past 25 years, and there have been many visits of the highest level between our countries. Visits have included tours of the camps housing internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. There are very strong trade relations between our countries, and many Belgian companies are active in Baku. In February, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev exchanged dialogue with King Philippe of Belgium during a visit to Brussels.”

The music symbolically began with two seamlessly blended musical pieces, performed by Belgian-resident Azerbaijani pianist Nezrin Efendiyeva – Chiron by Belgian composer Yolande Uyttenhove and Valse by her grandfather Fikret Amirov, who was one of the legends of Azerbaijani classical music.

“We restored our independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The immediate period that followed was very difficult for Azerbaijan, and we paid a serious price for our independence.

The Kingdom of Belgium was amongst the first countries to recognise Azerbaijan. This decision – 25 years ago – was particularly significant, as Brussels is the capital of Europe, and demonstrated the attitude of Europe towards my country.

The event continued with a concert by the Bakustic Jazz group, led by pianist Salman Gambarov, which has been a mainstay of the Azerbaijani jazz scene for over 20 years. Classically-trained, Mr Gambarov combines mugham influences with elements of postbop, fusion and modal jazz. Joined by Emil Hasanov on bass guitar and Vagif Aliyev on drums, he performed a rich and varied mix of Azerbaijani jazz, classical and folk themes, including Bahar (Spring)

by Vagif Mustafazadeh, the father of Azerbaijani jazz-mugham; Zibeyda by Tofig Guliyev, who led one of the most significant jazz big bands in Azerbaijan; and the folksong Sari Gelin (Blonde Bride).

“Belgium and Azerbaijan are now working together on the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor, due to the collaboration between the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR)

Drawing comparisons with American post-bop maestro pianist Bill Evans from some members of the jazz cognoscenti, this was an enthralling, evocative and revelatory evening for all.

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Culture

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The spirit of Azerbaijani verse comes to leading London bookstore Foyle’s Azerbaijan has a rich literary heritage, and none more so in the realms of poetry and poesy. This was made evident during an historic Azerbaijani–UK Poetry Night on 23 May, organised by TEAS. This event was hosted in the state-of-the-art Level 6 space of Foyle’s flagship store, attended by over 100 literary devotees and friends of Azerbaijan. Nigar Hasan-Zadeh, the renowned Azerbaijani poet, compered the event, which featured readings (in translation) of works by some of the greatest Azerbaijani poets – both classic and contemporary. The readings were complemented with evocative music from Ayyan Salahova (piano) and Attab Haddad (oud).

Azerbaijani State Television (AzTV) documented this historic event, and the readers included Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham, one of the UK’s most renowned and inspirational TV presenters, who is passionate about the value of art and education.

The readings included those from such leading masters of verse as Mikhayil Mushfig and Ahmad Javad – both of whom fell foul of Joseph Stalin’s purge of intellectuals in 1937–38 – alongside stanzas

by Abdulla Shaiq, Bakhtiyar Vahabazadeh and Vagif Samedolghlu.

Many of the poems phantasmagorically represented the challenges that have beset Azerbaijan, particularly during the 20th century, whether under Soviet domination, when the state attempted to oppress the Azerbaijani spirit and culture; and during the struggle to regain independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The British poetry contingent comprised Elaine Feinstein, the prizewinning poet, novelist, playwright and translator; Ruth Padel, the poet, novelist, critic, broadcaster, Hellenophile and artistic polymath; Fiona Sampson, poet, writer, founder-director of PoetryFest, founder-editor of Orient Express, former editor of The Poetry Review and current editor of Poem, a quarterly international review; and David Harsent, poet, scriptwriter, novelist and frequent librettist for Sir Harrison Birtwistle.

Evocatively set against archive footage of the Azerbaijani region of Nagorno-Karabakh – currently occupied by Armenia – and the sound of a child from Karabakh singing mugham, student Tural Gafarli read Slopes of Hopes by the contemporary poet Azerbaijani poet Leyli Salayeva (who solely writes in English). This focused on the city of Shusha in Nagorno-Karabakh, which was known the Conservatoire of the Caucasus, being central to the development of Azerbaijan mugham and the birthplace of Natavan and other great Azerbaijani poets.

Jack Pegoraro, Director, TEAS UK, explained: “Azerbaijan is a melting-pot of cultures, and many are unaware of how much the UK has in common with this wonderful country. Events like this enable us to celebrate our common bonds and to experience the fascinating literary and musical culture that both countries have to offer.

Tonight you will enjoy wonderful music and poetry from all areas of Azerbaijan, including the occupied region of Nagorno-Karabakh.”

One of the readings was entitled To the Azerbaijani Flag by Ahmad Javad, which was particularly significant as the event came just

Baroness Benjamin – an inspirational figure for many – dedicated her reading of the poem Love of Life to the children and young people killed in the Manchester terror attack

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a few days before Azerbaijani Republic Day. This celebrates the first independence of the country under the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic (ADR), which lasted from 1918–20, during which the current National Anthem and flag were adopted. Dr Ali Atalar, Chair, Azerbaijan House, provided some background to the poem and poet: “I am particularly privileged to read a poem by Ahmad Javad, one of my heroes, and lyricist for our National Anthem and several other patriotic songs. Unfortunately, in 1937, during the cruelest period of Stalinism, he was literally pulled out of his house and executed. The decision to execute was probably due to this poem – To the Azerbaijani Flag – amongst others.”

Drawing a small flag from his pocket, Dr Atalar read: “I stepped forward, fierce winds in my chest, I want to kiss the holy place where your shadow falls!

The star of heavens, that beautiful fairy, Has taken shelter in the moon in your lap, my flag!”

Due to the conflict with Armenia, Azerbaijan is no stranger to threats or terrorism, and it was thus appropriate that Baroness Benjamin dedicated her reading to the 22 young people who lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Manchester the previous night. She commented: “I believe culture is what holds mankind together, as it provides the opportunity to think. Culture – whether music, dance or poetry – conjures up images in our heads, giving us opportunity to express our emotions and use our imagination.

“The poem I will read is called Love of Life, and I would like to dedicate this to the 22 young people and children whose lives were tragically snatched away in Manchester. They didn’t have opportunity to really experience and explore life and this wondrous world of which we are part. Let’s remember them, and truly understand the Love of Life.”

The evening concluded with a reading of the latest poem by Nigar Hasan-Zadeh, initially read in English by translator and poet Christopher Arkell, and then in the original Russian by Nigar herself.

Accompanied by the delicate strains of Vagif Mustafazadeh’s March, played on the piano by Ayyan Salahova, he read: “I want to love you, love you without pain.

Love with a poet’s words, lungs and sweat.

Love with the blood-based signature between me and the sky.

Somewhere…”

It was an evocative end to a poignant and historic evening; a meeting of minds between Azerbaijan and the UK through a common inspiration – the Love of the Muse.

The Azerbaijani poet Nigar Hasan-Zadeh compered the evening, which concluded with one of her freshly-penned verses

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Culture

Objective Baku receives European premiere at the Musée de l’Armée in Paris On 29 May, at part of the commemorations for the end of World War II, a landmark documentary about a lesser-known battle of the war was screened in the apposite location of the Musée de l’Armée in the Hôtel National des Invalides. The event was staged with the support of TEAS France, the Azerbaijani Embassy to France and Evropa Film Akt (EFA).

Using digitally restored and colourised archival footage, the film details the bravery of the Azerbaijanis who participated in the war as part of the Soviet army to combat Fascism, with some 300,000 losing their lives. Altogether, 128 Azerbaijanis had the title Hero of the Soviet Union conferred upon them. This new documentary film entitled Objective Baku: How Hitler Lost the Battle for Oil, was produced in 2015 by Louis Vaudeville for CC&C Productions, in collaboration with Baku Media Centre, with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and was directed by Robert Mugnerot.

One of the most infamous pieces of newsreel footage to be shot of Adolf Hitler shows him – alongside various members of the Nazi hierarchy – eating a cake in the form of a map of the Caspian area, with the letters B–A–K–U spelled in chocolate cream, topped with a swastika flag. After enjoying the cake, Hitler commented: “Unless we get Baku oil, all is lost.” This was not a mere exaggeration – the oilfields of Baku accounted for 80 per cent of all Soviet resources, being integral to the success of the Soviet Red Army, and Hitler even specified the date of 26 September 1942 as that designated for the capture of Baku. The subsequent battle by more than 681,000 brave Azerbaijanis to retain control over their oil fields and combat Fascism was an epic and ultimately successful enterprise.

Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Director, TEAS France, explained: “This film tells the fascinating story of how Baku fuel helped safeguard the future of Europe – including France. TEAS France is continually seeking to raise awareness of the role of Azerbaijan in achieving the allied victory in World War II. Last year, TEAS France was instrumental in facilitating the erection of a monument to

Ahmadiyya Jabrayilov (Ahmed Michel) – known to his brothers-in-arms as Kharko – and other members of the French Resistance at the Mausoleum of Cabertat, near Toulouse. His bravery, particularly during the liberation of the Tarn-et-Garonne region in 1944 was not forgotten, and he was recognised by General de Gaulle, who awarded him the Legion d’Honneur.

Furthermore, TEAS Press has published a book on Frenchwoman Yvonne Botto, who married an Azerbaijani member of the French Resistance, and spent seven decades in a remote area of Azerbaijan, being unable to return home due to political reasons under Soviet Union rules.

“Baku played a pivotal and strategic role during World War II, as it was the main source of petrol for the Soviet Red Army. Tonight’s film explores a unique historical moment, and is being presented in collaboration with EFA, organiser of the L’Europe autour de l’Europe festival, which has screened Azerbaijani films in conjunction with TEAS France for six years” – she added.

H.E. Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France, recalled: “I would like to thank the filmmakers for producing this extraordinary documentary. World War II had a tremendous impact on the whole of Europe, and particularly in France. It is now over 70 years since the defeat of Nazism.

The making of this film was a very important initiative, as the seizing of Baku was a great priority of Hitler, although the story is not well-known by the public. Hitler’s Germany had no proper fuel reserves, and he was well aware that Baku was supplying most of the resources for the Red Army. Altogether, more than 600,000 Azerbaijanis fought against Nazism, and a number of these joined the French Resistance – including Ahmed Michel. It is extremely symbolic that tonight’s screening is in the Musée de l’Armée.”

Producer Louis Vaudeville explained his motivation: “I was working on a series on World War II, and came across the incredible story of Baku oil during the conflict. I needed evidence, and my researchers scoured the film archives in Azerbaijan, Germany, Russia and the US.”

Historian Frédéric Guelton outlines the crucial nature of the battle for Baku oil, whilst Louis Vaudeville, Producer, Objective Baku, looks on (Photos: Stylin’Co)

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Historian Frédéric Guelton explained: “The film focuses on the role of the Baku population in combating the Nazis. When Hitler launched his onslaught on the Soviet Union in 1941, he was adopting a policy of Blitzkreig to achieve victory. He had three main objectives – Leningrad, for its ideological significance; Moscow, the capital; and the Caucasus, for its fuel. Hitler knew that petrol reserves were a key to victory in the war, and they needed success on the Eastern Front to gain access to these.”

Entirely comprising archive footage, the film was a revelation for all viewers, showing Baku as the birthplace of mechanised oil extraction and how the wealth of the city led to its appellation as the ‘Paris of the Caucasus’, where the streets were filled with fashionably-dressed people, and the buildings were reminiscent of those in Stockholm, Paris, Moscow and Warsaw.

The film then went on to demonstrate the role of Baku fuel in the Soviet Union and the challenge for Nazi Germany, which only had oil reserves near the Polish border. It outlined the relative success of the Nazi armed forces in 1940, which saw the swastika hoisted over the Eiffel Tower, but still the only success that brought fuel for the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe was the victory over Romania.

Throughout, the film particularly demonstrated the bravery and resourcefulness of Azerbaijani women, whether as welders on pipelines; as infantry personnel; or as munitions workers. General de Gaulle was seen meeting Soviet premier Joseph Stalin in Moscow, and the film ended with footage of Victory Day in Baku in 1945, juxtaposed with contemporary, independent Baku – a modern, clean, calm, city that features extraordinary architecture.

The film is not yet available on DVD, but was presented in Baku in May 2015, and has since then been broadcast on several European channels, notably RMC Découverte and National Geographic.

(from left) Louis Vaudeville, Producer, Objective Baku; Irina Bilic, Director, EFA; MarieLaetitia Gourdin, Director, TEAS France, historian Frédéric Guelton, and H.E. Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France

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Personalities – Javid Shahmaliyev Business News Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

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ICG: Armenia, Azerbaijan closer to war over Nagorno-Karabakh than at any time since 1994 According to the International Crisis Goup (ICG), Armenia and Azerbaijan are closer to war than at any point since the ceasefire was brokered more than 20 years ago. Its report states that clashes have intensified during the past three years, culminating with the ‘Four-Day War’ in April 2016, which claimed the lives of an estimated 200 people. It claims that any descent into all-out war could draw in regional powers, including Russia and Turkey, which are closely allied to Armenia and Azerbaijan respectively.

Since mid-January, heavy artillery and antitank weapons have been deployed, and May saw a significant increase in activity, including reports of self-guided rockets and missiles being used near densely populated areas along the ‘contact line’ between Azerbaijan and the Armenian-occupied territories.

The ICG publication, entitled Nagorno-

Following the Armenian bombardment in April 2016, an Azerbaijani in Aghdam sits stunned amidst the ruins of his house (Photo: AzerTac)

Karabakh’s gathering war clouds, states: “A year after Nagorno-Karabakh’s April 2016 violent flare-up, Armenia and Azerbaijan are closer to war than at any point since the 1994 ceasefire. While violence remains at a relatively low boil, any escalation quickly could spin out of control.”

The ICG, which based its report on the findings of analysts who had spoken to residents and observers on the ground,

claims that the settlement process has stalled. It comments that there is a temptation to use force – at least for tactical purposes – and that both sides appear ready for confrontation. The text continues: “These tensions could develop into larger-scale conflict, leading to significant civilian casualties and possibly prompting the main regional powers to intervene.” Go to http://bit.ly/icgnk2017 to read the full report.

Document on illegal Armenian activities circulated at UN A document entitled Legal opinion on third party obligations with respect to illegal economic and other activities in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, presented by the Azerbaijani Permanent Representative to the UN, has been circulated to members of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.

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Alain Pellet, an Emeritus Professor at the Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense and a Former Member (1990–2011) and Chair (1997) of the International Law Commission, prepared the document at the request of the Azerbaijani government.

The report was written against the backdrop of ongoing Armenian attempts to disguise its unlawful actions that flout its commitments and obligations to international legal norms, principles and towards upholding UN Security Council resolutions. By contrast, Azerbaijan has consistently promoted the critical importance of maintaining international law, its objective being to achieve a long-awaited breakthrough in resolving the conflict, thereby ending the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories and the suffering of the estimated one million Azerbaijani internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees who are the ongoing victims of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over NagornoKarabakh.

The document states that Armenia is responsible for intentionally wrongful acts, several of which constitute serious breaches of general international law. These include: • the use of force to impose the de facto secession of the Armenian-occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts, in violation of the UN Charter • the ongoing violation of Azerbaijani sovereignty and territorial integrity • the ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijani occupied territories, including the establishment of settlements and the transfer of populations, resulting in a change of the demographic composition of those territories • gross violations in the law of belligerent occupation, particularly Article 43 of the Regulations respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land of 1907 and article 49 of the Geneva Convention relating to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949.

The legal opinion on third party obligations with respect to illegal economic and other activities in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan provides an authoritative neutral view, covering a range of topics, including the illegal: • establishment of settlements/encouragement of Armenians to settle in the occupied territories • exploitation and trading of Azerbaijani natural resources from the occupied territories

The legal opinion stresses that such serious breaches call for the application of the following measures, resulting from aggravated responsibility: • non-recognition of the situation created by such breaches • prohibition of aid or assistance in maintaining that situation • exclusion of any immunities for the authors of these breaches • implementation of a range of measures, including criminal prosecutions and civil proceedings.

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strategies for economic and financial activities alteration of the cultural character and heritage of the occupied territories promotion of the occupied territories as a tourist destination, and organisation of illegal visits and other activities.

Macron stresses the resolve of France to conflict resolution

The newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, congratulating him on Azerbaijani Republic Day and describing the current state of Franco–Azerbaijani relations. It concludes: “I assure you that France, as a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, will remain committed to finally finding a fair and lasting resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through negotiation. Dear Mr President, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.”

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Personalities – Professor Chingiz Farzaliyev

The Azerbaijan National Museum of Art staff view the first exhibition in 1937

The Azerbaijan National Museum of Art at 80 – looking to the future The Azerbaijan National Museum of Art is the largest art museum in Azerbaijan. Named after scenic designer and theatre artist Rustam Mustafayev, it currently comprises two conjoined buildings. Its collection includes over 15,000 artworks, of which more than 3000 are permanently displayed in around 60 rooms, the earliest of which dates back to the 4 th century BC. In 2001, the museum was declared to be of National and then of European Museum Standard (EMS), and was completely reconstructed in 2006. The EMS accreditation is a demonstration of international standards and criteria for its services and expertise, according to the Brussels-based Council of Directors of the European Economic Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry (EEIG).

As the museum celebrates the 80 th anniversary of its first exhibition, Neil Watson caught up with Professor Chingiz Farzaliyev, Director of the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art. Dr Farzaliyev was the recipient of the Eminent Art Worker Prize for 2014, organised under the auspices of Cambridge University. He is a Professor from the Azerbaijani State Academy of Art; Honorary Member of the Russian Academy of Art; Honorary Professor at the Uzbek Academy of Art and author of numerous books. He became head of the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art in 2010. Neil Watson spoke to him in his Baku office to find out more: What led to the establishment of the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art in 1936?

Azerbaijanis have always been fond of art and culture and have a tradition of collecting beautiful artworks. During the first Azerbaijani oil boom at the end of the 19 th and beginning of the 20 th century, the first Bakuvian oil millionaires were purchasing expensive artworks from across Europe and Russia for their personal collections. During the Soviet period, the pearls of these collections were transferred to the newly-created Azerbaijani State Museum.

In addition to artworks, many items of ethnographic or historical interest were collected. This justified the need to establish a separate museum, solely devoted to culture and art. The Art Department was separated from the Azerbaijani State Museum.

This was established as an independent art museum under a state decree, signed on 31 March 1936, with the first exhibition opening the following year. Even at this nascent stage, it already contained more than 500 sculptures, paintings and other pieces from the 19 th and 20 th centuries, brought from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Russia and other countries.

Our museum is a cultural entity that has always played a significant role in preserving and promoting our national heritage and examples of international art. The Azerbaijan National Museum

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of Art has achieved exceptional significance, particularly when compared to other museums in Baku, due to its rich collection of world art and the exemplary manner in which it captures the breadth of extraordinary Azerbaijani heritage. Many museums and galleries in Azerbaijan and across the CIS were established and built in the wake of our museum.

From its inception, the museum has received state support.

Furthermore, the buildings in which our museum is currently located are significant examples of Bakuvian architecture.

Following the passing of a State Decree in 1951, the Baroquestyle De Bour mansion became the main location for the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art. In 1992, the museum was granted another neighbouring building, which was formerly the Mariinsky Gymnasium for Girls and later the headquarters of the Baku branch of the Azerbaijani Communist Party. In 2013, the two buildings were connected, thereby becoming one complex.

From where do the museum collections originate?

As previously mentioned, many items originated in the personal collections of Bakuvian oil millionaires during the early 20th century. Later, as part of a plan to further develop the museum foundations, some exhibits were received as gifts from the Hermitage Museum and State Russian Museums in St Petersburg; the Tretyakov State Gallery in Moscow; The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow; and numerous Eastern and Chinese museums. Simultaneously, pieces of Azerbaijani decorative applied and visual arts were added. During visits to various regions of Azerbaijan, experts further augmented the collection with additional artefacts, and continue to do so to this day. The work of Azerbaijani painters, and gifts from famous Azerbaijani and foreign artists, have further developed our collections.

Which artworks by famous Azerbaijani painters are included in the collection? Please describe these paintings.

The Azerbaijan National Museum of Art contains the richest and most varied collection of Azerbaijani art in the country, including works by the foremost Azerbaijani painters from across the centuries. I can proudly say that our museum is able to present the highest level of Azerbaijani art for local and international visitors

The museum is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction work, and entrance to all our exhibitions, including those of Azerbaijani art, is now fully or partially restricted. I hope these works will soon be concluded, thereby enabling more complete collections to be presented to art lovers. Numerous 19 th century artists are represented in our collection, including Mir-Mohsun Navvab (1833– 1918), who spent his entire life in Shusha, now located in Armenianoccupied Nagorno-Karabakh; Mirza Kadym Irevani (1825–75), the

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Personalities – Professor Chingiz Farzaliyev founder of Azerbaijani panel painting, who was also an ornamentalist and portraitist; and ornamentalist Usta Gambar Karabakhi (c.1830–1905), also from Shusha, who was responsible for the incredible interior of the Khan’s Palace in Sheki.

We also have collections of major 20 th century Azerbaijani artists, including Sattar Bahlulzade (1909–74), founder of contemporary Azerbaijani landscape painting; Tahir Salahov (b.1928), one of the leading exponents of the ‘severe style’; Togrul Narimanbekov (1930–2013), who combined the abstract and figurative with national symbols; and Maral Rahmanzadeh (1916–2008), one of the most evocative Azerbaijani graphic artists.

Does the collection still contain examples of socialist-realism from the Soviet period?

As in all Soviet Republics, socialist-realism was an official and predominant style in Azerbaijan from the 1930s until the end of the 1980s. It is evident in the work of almost all Azerbaijani painters of that period, and we have retained such works in our museum. It can be seen not only in paintings, but also in ceramics, carpets, architecture, and carving. The works are well-executed and of high-quality, including the impressionistic work of Mikayil Abdullayev (1921–2002) and Nadir Abdurahmanov (b.1925), who created his own colourful style and worked extensively outside of Azerbaijan, providing unique perspectives on Iraq, Afghanistan and North Korea, amongst other countries.

Does your collection include Azerbaijani carpets?

Nowadays, there are now around 500 carpets in our collection, including those designed by such great artists as Latif Karimov and Kamil Aliyev, portrait carpet maker. Our collection includes examples from all the Azerbaijani carpet schools, including Gazakh, Guba, Shirvan, Baku, Ganja, Karabakh and Tabriz. In 2015, Sotheby’s in the UK showcased 17 carpets from our museum.

Altogether, there are more than 17,000 items in your collections. To which period do they belong?

There are two primary collections in the museum – Azerbaijani art and international art. As would be expected, the collection of national art is more ancient and rich, the oldest pieces dating from the Neolithic period. The collection also includes items from the Bronze Age. We have ceramic pieces found in Nakhchivan, Mingachevir, Fuzuli, Sheki, and Goygol, decorated with archaic figures, including candlesticks from the Salcuglu period; 13 th century pieces from Bayıl Castle; 16 th century Korans; Eastern miniatures from the 17 th and 18 th centuries; metalwork from the 18 th–20 th centuries; silk and wooden artworks; national costumes; carpets and jewellery.

Furthermore, our collections include sculptures, paintings, graphic works and decorative applied artworks from Russia, Asia, Africa and Western Europe. This includes those by some of the foremost European engravers; Dutch and Flemish painters and many exhibits from Russian artists, including Wassily Kandinsky.

Our ceramics collection is also unique, comprising pieces from 16 th–20 th century Italy, France, Germany and Japan, of similar quality to those in some of the world’s leading museums. There are also bronze, marble, granite and wooden sculptures from Western Europe, alongside those from the Near- and Middle-East.

Which exhibitions are being organised at the present time?

We frequently undertake exhibitions to commemorate famous painters or historical events and have established a tradition of organising exhibitions on a national and international level. Over the past five years, we have organised more than 20 international exhibitions and have hosted exhibitions from numerous international museums and organisations.

For example, we have accommodated exhibitions from the Tretyakov State Gallery in Moscow, Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and many museums in Japan, China, Austria, and CIS countries. We aim to showcase works representing different periods, art movements, artists and their developments. In fact, such exhibitions

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serve to bind nations and people together, as real art has no borders and expresses an international language.

I would like to especially emphasise the successful exhibition of artworks, in 2012, lent by the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay and the Pompidou Centre, amongst others, realised with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and TOTAL S.A., entitled French Pleasures – French Art and Culture from the Renaissance until today. Another joint event, organised in conjunction with the Yunus Emre Institute in 2013, was entitled Sultan of Sultans. In 2014, we organised the Saraku exhibition of modern Japanese painters, and in 2015 we hosted the Ways to Escape personal exhibition by the Iranian–Azerbaijani painter Akbar Behkalam.

We have also loaned our artworks to various international exhibitions and projects; in 2008, 2009 and 2016, some of our collection of works by Tahir Salahov were shown at the Belarusian National Arts Museum and the Tretyakov State Gallery in Moscow; our manuscripts from the Middle Ages were shown at the Vatican; and in 2015 we lent works to the Moscowbased exhibition We fight Nazism together, devoted to the 70 th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War victory. We also loaned works to the Azerbaijan Pavilion at the 56th Venice Biennale with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Did the presentation or selection of artworks change following the regaining of Azerbaijani independence in 1991?

Some changes have taken place, such as the presentation of approaches and art research in a less politically-biased manner. We also specifically exhibited the artists whose work had fallen foul of the Soviet authorities, including Cavad Mircavadov (1923–92), Ashraf Murad (1925–79), Tofiq Cavadov (1925–63), Kamal Ahmedov (1940–94) and others.

Such artists have an incredible impact on the history of Azerbaijani art. We organised an exhibition entitled On the Crossroads of Centuries in 2011, which served to publicly present important works that had remained hidden in our museum archives. This included an exhibition devoted to Cavad

One of the rooms dedicated to exemplary examples of Azerbaijani art

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Personalities – Professor Chingiz Farzaliyev

Professor Chingiz Farzaliyev, Director, Azerbaijan National Museum of Art signs a protocol with Professor Dmitriy Stus, Director, Belarusian National Arts Museum

Children are actively encouraged to appreciate art and to be stimulated into creating and exhibiting their own artworks in the museum

A detail from a medieval Azerbaijani ceramic

Mircavadov, founder of the Azerbaijani avant-garde movement. Accompanied by dramatic lighting effects and soft national music, his works were exhibited in conjunction with ancient ceramics, weapons and metalwork.

Following the regaining of Azerbaijani independence, we started to further explore our historical and cultural heritage and present this in an easily accessible manner. The exhibition entitled Azerbaijan throughout the Millennium was inaugurated in 2013 and provides an invaluable chronological representation of Azerbaijani art, comprising many existing exhibits and new pieces. To organise this exhibition, museum experts visited all Azerbaijani regions to collect many interesting and valuable pieces. On 10 June 2011, the museum received National Museum status from the Azerbaijani government.

Have you signed any co-operation agreements with other museums worldwide?

Over the past few years, our museum has established excellent relations with leading museums, cultural foundations,

Two exhibits in the Ancient and Medieval Azerbaijani Art section of the museum

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reconstruction centres and other relevant foreign bodies. Contracts have been signed with the Louvre Museum in Paris and Belarusian National Arts Museum, amonst many others. We are planning to sign similar agreements with several major museums in Russia and across Europe.

Many of our museum experts are active members of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) under UNESCO. We are carefully studying the experience of other museums to implement this in our work.

acoustics. In particular, the combination of classical music and viewing exhibits serves to generate a very special aura.

There are also small performances devoted to national celebrations, during which performers sing, dance and read poetry.

Children and parents alike are encouraged to participate in these events, and this serves as an excellent introduction to the museum. Our hope is for children to return to our museum someday as professional experts.

In the age of the internet and social media, how are you attracting the younger generation?

We have developed programmes for various age groups, designed to meet the interests of children. The main objective is to encourage children to visit museums, and to appreciate and understand the exhibits. We have been working on this for years and are trying to apply the experience of other museums across the world. We have already established a youth community, and encourage the exhibition of their works in the museum, to which they invite their classmates and parents. We also organise mobile exhibitions to some schools, and make visual presentations, thereby engaging more children.

Which events are being organised to commemorate the 80 th anniversary of the museum?

This year, we are organising a number of international exhibitions, including exhibits drawn from our own collections. Exhibitions include those focusing on Flemish and French art, another exhibition being on the Sardar Castle of Bukan and its historic cultural environment, comprising pieces brought from the Georgian State Museum.

Antique embroidery from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London has also been exhibited at our museum in the past.

Do you organise concerts and performances in the museum?

We are organising various presentations, competitions, classical music evenings, commemorations and celebrations. The museum is equipped with all the necessary facilities, and the rooms have excellent

The main building of the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art is housed in the former De Bour mansion, constructed at the behest of one of the earliest Bakuvian oil entrepreneurs

Naturally, exhibitions will form the core of the celebratory events, but we are also planning additional events. To date, the Azerbaijani Woman and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) magazines have published articles and information about our museum and its history. Throughout this 80 th anniversary year, we are organising events, exhibitions, seminars, concerts, and publishing new books. All this serves to demonstrate the importance of our museum in the cultural and intellectual life of the Republic. Modern museums are not merely places where we keep ancient and valuable exhibits, but they serve to promote heritage, stimulate research and help Azerbaijanis and international visitors spend their free time in a worthwhile and educational manner.

Visit www.nationalmuseum.az for more information on the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art.

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Business News

15

Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijani Energy Minister, passes away

All at TEAS were sad to note the passing of Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijani Energy Minister, on 9 June. He had been receiving treatment at the Florence Nightingale Hospital in Istanbul, and passed away following a sudden complication. A few days earlier, Mr Aliyev had been placed in the Central Hospital of Oil Workers in Baku due to heart problems. Thereafter, he was brought to Turkey for medical treatment.

Mr Aliyev was born on 23 November 1947 in Baku and graduated from the Azerbaijani State Oil Academy in 1970. He achieved his Ph.D in Geology–Mineralogy Sciences in 1974 from the Geology Institute of the Azerbaijani National Science Academy (ANAS). From 1993–2005, he worked as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR).

Mr Aliyev was Chairman of the Steering Committee for the development of the

Azeri, Chirag and deepwater portion of the Gunashli (ACG) fields in 1994, and was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline in 2002.

From 2005–13, he was Azerbaijani Minister of Industry and Energy, and was Minister of Energy thereafter, where he had been spearheading development of the Shah Deniz II gas field and construction of the Southern Gas Corridor.

Mr Aliyev was a tireless proponent of Azerbaijani energy, publishing many scientific works and travelling extensively, including several appearances at business forums and conferences organised and co-organised by TEAS. Go to http://bit.ly/ natigaliyevbruxelles to see an interview recorded in March 2015 at the international conference Azerbaijan–Belgium: Cooperation in Energy and Beyond, held at the Château de Val-Duchesse in Brussels.

Dentons outlines its path to success The Baku office of Dentons – a TEAS member company ­ – has published the eleventh edition of its guide to Succeeding in Azerbaijan, encapsulating collective knowledge emanating from over 20 years’ experience of advising clients in the country. This invaluable publication covers such areas as obtaining work and visitor visas; work permits; establishing and closing operations; corporate governance; banking and finance; use of investment funds; secured transactions; taxation (nonoil and in the hydrocarbons sector); customs; and auditing. Go to http:// bit.ly/doingbusinessazerbaijan2017 to download the entire publication.

In addition, Dentons has entered the Georgian market with the opening of its new office in Tbilisi, thereby solidifying

its role in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Elliott Portnoy, Global Chief Executive Officer, Dentons, explained: “In line with our polycentric strategy, Dentons is now the only global law firm to offer clients on-the-ground legal knowledge in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. We are in the unique position to serve our clients’ legal needs right across this energyrich region.”

Otar Kipshidze will lead Dentons’ Tbilisi office as Managing Partner and the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice in Georgia. Dentons now employs more than 7800 lawyers in 150 offices across more than 60 countries.

Visit http://bit.ly/dentonsgeorgia to find out more.

UK remains biggest investor in the Azerbaijani economy

06 / 2017

Three steps to an easy visa

It is now easier than ever before to obtain an Azerbaijani visa. In January 2017, the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the Azerbaijani President (ASAN) launched the ASAN Visa (e-visa for Azerbaijan). This development has significantly simplified the visa application process, and it is now possible for this to be granted within three working days for a cost of $20 (£15.69). Visit http://bit.ly/azevisa to make your application.

Zenith Energy strikes oil payzone Canadian-based Zenith Energy has revealed that it successfully drilled well M-195 in Azerbaijan to a depth of 3050m, striking oil in the process. Zenith subsequently ran a neutron log confirming a net oil payzone of 8m, and recorded initial flow rates of 149 barrels of fluid per day. The company plans to create a steady and increased rate of production over the next few weeks, installing an electric submersible pump to further improve production at M-195.

Andrea Cattaneo, CEO, Zenith Energy, commented: “This favourable result clearly displays Zenith’s transformational opportunity in Azerbaijan, and confirms the validity of the decision to perform a sidetrack after the initial difficulties encountered at well M-195. I am confident in saying that this is the first of many incremental production increases that will be achieved through our systematic field rehabilitation programme. It should be underlined that our target remains to achieve production of 1000 barrels of oil per day by 31 March 2018.”

Speaking to reporters at the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition in Baku, H.E. Carole Crofts, UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan, revealed that the UK remains the greatest foreign domestic investment (FDI) contributor to the Azerbaijani economy.

After explaining that currently 400 British companies are active in Azerbaijan, working across many different spheres, she added that: “Azerbaijan remains a priority for the UK in all sectors, from security to tourism.”

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the UK amounted to almost $82.7m (£65m) from January–April 2017, some $80.4m (£63.2m) of which related to the importation of UK goods.

The knowledge and insight of the late Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijani Energy Minister, will be sadly missed (Photo: Airdrone WebTv)

H.E. Carole Crofts, UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan, explained that the extent of UK investment in the Azerbaijani economy is continuing its exponential expansion

Zenith focuses on investing in and applying the latest technologies to fields with untapped potential.

Visit www.zenitharan.az to find out more about its activities in Azerbaijan.

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