Tm 17 11

Culture | Public Affairs | Business

PRESIDENTIAL SUMMIT IN GENEVA – BREAKING THE IMPASSE?

Also in this issue: Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway opens for business Objective Baku sheds light on the wartime bravery of Azerbaijanis Definitive biography of National Leader Heydar Aliyev launched in Parliament Baku Jazz Festival – bigger, better, bolder and brassier than before New Azerbaijani Ambassador to France is inaugurated

11 / 2017

11 / 2017

www.teas.eu

Enter the TEAS competition and win £100 of Amazon vouchers

www.teas.eu

Welcome to the TEAS Magazine

Printed by www.turquoisemedia.eu

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.

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.

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.

Win £100 of Amazon vouchers!

Firstly, our congratulations go to Islam Qurbanov, Bakutel, who is the winner of the competition in the October 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 4 December: 1. Which documentary film about the battle to maintain control over Azerbaijani oil supplies during the Great Patriotic War (Second World War) was recently screened at the House of Lords?

2. Who is the new Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkey?

3. Which legendary tar player performed during the launch of the new biography of Heydar Aliyev in the House of Lords?

4. American dance choreographer Mark Morris recently reinterpreted which Azerbaijani legend, also the subject of the first opera in the country?

5. Can you name one of the venues for concerts organised during the Baku Jazz Festival?

Upcoming Events For full details of all TEAS events, go to www.teas.eu/upcomingevents

24 November: Private View: Discovering Baku ­– Hugues Krafft’s journey to the Caucasus (Reims, France) 18.30hrs. Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur, 36 place du Forum, 51100, Reims (Exhibition continues from 25 November–4 February, entry free). Email: paris@teas.eu.

This fascinating exhibition – supported by TEAS France – charts the journey and photographs of Hugues Krafft (1853–1935) who visited the Caucasus, and Baku in particular, in the late 19 th century.

24 November: Jevdet Hajiyev Centenary 19.00hrs. St Johns, Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA, UK Tickets free via EventBrite: http://bit.ly/jevdethajiyevuk. Email: paris@teas.eu. Born in Sheki, Jevdet Hajiyev (1917–2002) was one of the legends of Azerbaijani classical music, with a long and active life that spanned the entire Soviet period, his final work being dedicated to the victims of Black January. Organised by Pervin Muradova, daughter of Jevdet Hajiyev, with the sponsorship of the Anglo-Azerbaijani Society, its sponsor Rapid Solutions and Azerbaijan House, and with the support of TEAS, the roster of musicians will include Jeffrey Werbock (tar and kamancha); Sabrina Ozden (soprano); Hayredin Hoxha (cello); Sabina Rakcheyeva and Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev (violin); Kamila Shahtakhtinskaya, Vivian Fang Liu and Jelena Makarova (piano).

From the TEAS Director

The Westminster Parliament has played host to two Azerbaijani events in recent weeks. A screening of Objective Baku: How Hitler Lost the Battle for Oil was very well-received. This remarkable documentary demonstrated to a mixed British and Azerbaijani audience how the outcome of the Second World War could have been very different if Hitler had achieved his dream of capturing the Azerbaijani oilfields.

Then Parliament also witnessed the launch of a triple-volume biography of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. MPs, Peers, Ambassadors and members of the public heard a talk by Elmira Akhundova MP, the author, and some shared reminiscences of having met the great man.

11 / 2017

On the diplomatic front, H.E. Rahman Mustafayev has been appointed as Azerbaijani Ambassador to France. Moving the other way, Parviz Shahbazov, the former Azerbaijani Ambassador to Germany, has been appointed to the crucial role of Energy Minister.

The annual Baku Jazz Festival saw representations of every jazz style descend on Baku from across the world, ranging from exponents of the African genus of the music through to the latest developments in funk, blues and post-bop modernism.

As the South Gas Corridor draws evernearer to completion, the European Bank for

Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a $500m loan. As this huge project continues to make progress, another major infrastructure project has been completed. The Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) railway opened on 30 October. This not only links Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey even closer together, but through the Kars junction Azerbaijani goods and passengers can now progress to anywhere in Europe. It also represents the New Silk Road, linking Europe to Asia, with Azerbaijan as the fulcrum.

Lionel Zetter Director, TEAS

www.teas.eu

Politics and News

03

Mark Menzies MP highlighted the role of Baku oil in ensuring allied victory in the Great Patriotic War (World War II) and how the bravery of Azerbaijanis in protecting this supply impacted the realisation of Nazi aspirations

Objective Baku: How Hitler Lost the Battle for Oil receives UK premiere in the Palace of Westminster On 17 October – less than one month before the Remembrance Day commemorations across the UK – a landmark documentary about a lesser-known battle of the Second World War was shown to a packed audience of over 100 Azerbaijanis, military historians and multinational friends of Azerbaijan, amidst the imposing surroundings of a committee room in the House of Lords in the UK Parliament. The screening was organised by Mark Menzies MP, Vice-Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Azerbaijan, for which TEAS provides the secretariat. The event followed the European premiere at the Musée de l’Armée in the Hôtel National des Invalides in Paris.

Using digitally restored and colourised unique archival footage, the film details the bravery of the Azerbaijanis who participated in the war, as part of the Soviet army, to combat Fascism.

Altogether, 128 Azerbaijanis had the title Hero of the Soviet Union conferred upon them. This documentary film entitled Objective Baku: How Hitler Lost the Battle for Oil, was produced

by Louis Vaudeville for CC&C Productions, in collaboration with the Baku Media Centre, with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, being directed by Robert Mugnerot.

years of the Second World War. Nazi Germany made a concerted effort – at great cost – to seize the oil fields of Baku. It was due to the bravery of many Azerbaijanis that the Nazis were prevented from achieving their ultimate goal. If they had attained this, the course of the war may have taken a different path and have lasted longer. It is important that historical events are captured accurately, and this is achieved in this film.

“In the UK – as with much of Europe – the details of the war in the East are often overlooked. This film goes some way towards explaining the very important role that Azerbaijan and its citizens played. I am delighted to show this film in my role of Vice-Chairman of the APPG for Azerbaijan, which seeks to further develop the relationship between the UK and Azerbaijan.”

Entirely comprising archive footage, the film was a revelation for all viewers, outlining Baku as the birthplace of mechanised oil extraction and showing 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.

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 emblem. After enjoying the cake, Hitler commented: “Unless we get Baku oil, all is lost.” This was no mere exaggeration – the oilfields of Baku accounted for 80 per cent of all Soviet resources, being pivotal 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.

He came dangerously close to achieving his objective, but the fearless 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, albeit costing the lives of around 300,000.

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 victory that brought fuel for the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe was that over Romania.

Jack Pegoraro, Head, TEAS London initially welcomed all attendees and passed the podium to Mark Menzies MP – a frequent visitor to Azerbaijan – who stressed: “Today’s film is about remembering the role of Azerbaijan during those crucial

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.

11 / 2017

Throughout, the film particularly demonstrated the bravery and resourcefulness of Azerbaijani women and children, 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, replete with extraordinary architecture.

www.teas.eu

04

Politics and News

The Parliamentary committee room was full of those who knew and/or admired National Leader Heydar Aliyev

Definitive biography of Heydar Aliyev launched in UK Parliament On 31 October, the definitive Englishlanguage biography of Azerbaijani National Leader Heydar Aliyev received its international launch at the UK Parliament, during a standing-room only event hosted

by Bob Blackman MP, who is also Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Azerbaijan. The event was organised by TEAS, the new biography having been published by TEAS Press. Attendees included Lord Kilclooney, Lord Addington, Mark Pawsey MP and Martin Vickers MP.

This triple-volume biography of the National Leader charts each epoch of his life. The author is Elmira Akhundova MP, who was a journalist from 1990–2003. She experienced first-hand the early years of regained Azerbaijani independence, and witnessed the period spanning the return of the National Leader from a pivotal role in the Soviet Politburo to successful leadership of independent Azerbaijan, despite a period of great turmoil. As a member of the press entourage close to the President, Mrs Akhundova was perfectly placed to observe his every political move and interviewed him on many occasions. Many attendees at the launch were delighted to receive copies of the biography, personally inscribed by the author.

Altogether, Mrs Akhundova worked on the book for 14 years, obtaining access to myriad hitherto unpublished documents and undertaking around 350 interviews with family, friends and colleagues – some of whom revealed their recollections for the first time.

Jack Pegoraro, Head, TEAS London, welcomed all attendees and speakers before handing the microphone to Bob

11 / 2017

Blackman MP, who commented: “Much of the development of Baku and Azerbaijan, as a whole, is attributable to the work of Heydar Aliyev. He took the country from being a dull former Soviet Republic through to being a country that is fully independent, where wealth is spread out amongst the population and everyone is gaining.

“Due to his policies, UK–Azerbaijani relations have become increasingly strong, predominantly due to his work in developing the Contract of the Century between the BP-led Azerbaijan International Operating Consortium (AIOC) and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) that led to the development of oil and gas extraction, which has resulted in a high level of prosperity for his nation.

This is a wonderful biography and clearly a great work from an author who was close to her subject – Heydar Aliyev – who was a good friend of the UK. “I have visited Azerbaijan on four occasions, and have witnessed the dramatic progress of the country first-hand. I have also seen the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are the ongoing victims of the illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding regions. I have also seen the work undertaken by the Azerbaijani government to ensure they have basic quality living conditions.”

H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, recalled: “Every time we celebrate the legacy of Heydar Aliyev, we must remember that we have a country that is a) stable, b) independent c) a reliable partner for other countries – including the UK. If we go back over 20 years, we would see a country that was being torn apart by various warlords, still

coping with foreign troops on its territory, and importing almost everything – including gas.

“We now have a country that provides, rather than receives, foreign aid. Despite the oil crisis, our GDP has continued to increase. The only aspect that has not been resolved is the continuing Armenian occupation of nearly 20 per cent of Azerbaijani territory.

“Heydar Aliyev was not just a larger than life personality – but a sweet and caring man. His attention to detail rescued the country on more than one occasion. I thank Mrs Akhundova for her remarkable work.”

Dr Tamara Dragadze, former advisor to BP, who witnessed the Contract of the Century signing, remembered his amazing recall and focus, which were combined with an iron will that was demonstrated many times in the face of adversity. She commented: “He had something else, and is undeniably worthy of such a remarkable biography.”

Mrs Akhundova stated: “No-one in the world could have assumed that the former communist leader of Azerbaijan, one of the leaders of the powerful Soviet empire, would soon surprise the whole Republic, and then the whole world, rising from the ashes like a phoenix.

“What was the mystery of this man? How, contrary to accepted wisdom, did he manage to successfully step in the same river twice? I think the answer lies in the words of the great British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, who famously said: ‘The only way a man can remain consistent amidst changing circumstances is to change with them, while preserving

www.teas.eu

Politics and News

05

Elmira Akhundova MP greets admirers and readers at the launch

the same dominating purpose.’ Heydar Aliyev could change according to time and situation, and organically did so. His overarching dedication was to the national interest of his motherland – his beloved Azerbaijan.

“Heydar Aliyev lived a very hard life. He was to see the collapse of ideals in which he believed passionately, and survived the disintegration of a country that he had served faithfully. He got to step into a whole new era and begin life from scratch, ascending a second time to the summit of a political Olympus. But that would happen in a different country and different epoch.”

Music was dear to the heart of the National Leader, who had a good singing voice, and thus it was most apt that a musical

interlude was provided by the legendary septuagenarian tar player Rafiq Rustamov, Honoured Art Worker of the Azerbaijani Republic. Rafiq won his first competition in 1969, the year Heydar Aliyev was appointed as leader of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR), and his career developed contemporaneously with that of the National Leader.

The event concluded with a lively questionand-answer session, covering such topics as the problems of extrapolating facts for incorporation in a biography; the background to the transition of power between Presidents Abulfaz Elchibey and Heydar Aliyev; and the difficulties of adequately representing such a man whose policies and personality had such an irrevocable impact on his country.

Elmira Akhundova MP – in her former role as a journalist – had a unique insight into the political and personal life of Heydar Aliyev

H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, acknowledged the role of Heydar Aliyev in creating a country that is stable, independent and a reliable partner to the west

Tar legend Rafiq Rustamov remembered the appreciation of Heydar Aliyev for mugham – the national music of Azerbaijan

Dr Tamara Dragadze remembered the intelligence, recall and focus of the National Leader

Mrs Akhundova signs copies of her magnum opus in the TEAS London office alongside Kamilla Rzayeva and Konul Safarova, TEAS Baku, both of which played a role in bringing the English translation to publication

11 / 2017

www.teas.eu

06

Politics and News

Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway officially launched Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey have jointly launched a rail link connecting their three countries that will play an integral role in establishing a freight and passenger link between Europe and China that bypasses Russia and Armenia. For many, the development represents a rebirth of the historic Silk Road, with Azerbaijan in a pivotal position.

The inauguration of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) railway on 30 October was overseen

by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in the town of Alat, located 70km southwest of Baku. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish President, and the Prime Ministers of Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan were also in attendance.

President Ilham Aliyev commented that the 826km-long railway is: “The shortest and most reliable link between Asia and Europe. Several European countries have expressed an interest in this project, and Azerbaijan is currently undertaking talks with them.” He added that Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries were interested in

The leaders – led by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev – open the BTK railway

transporting their goods via the new rail link.

President Erdogan stressed: “It’s important that we have implemented this project using our own funds.”

The BTK railway will initially transport 1m passengers and 6m tonnes of freight per annum and will have a maximum capacity of 3m passengers and 17m tonnes of freight.

Construction work on the project, which included 105km of new track, was launched in 2007 and cost over $1bn (£765m). The majority of the funding came from the State Oil Fund of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOFAZ).

After leaving China, trains will cross into Kazakhstan at the Khorgos Gateway before being transported by ferry across the Caspian Sea towards Baku and then heading to Western Europe, via Georgia and Turkey.

In a statement, the EU called the opening of the rail link: “A major step in transportation interconnections linking the EU, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia.” The three countries are already respectively linked by the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) and Baku–Tbilisi–Erzurum (BTE) oil and gas pipelines.

EU–Azerbaijani draft strategic partnerships underway Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, has met a EU delegation led by Jean-­Christophe Belliard, Deputy SecretaryGeneral of Political Affairs for the EU European External Action Service. The dialogue focused on the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU, and the current status of negotiations on the draft on the Azerbaijani–EU Strategic Partnership Agreement.

Mr Mammadyarov mentioned that this accord provides an important framework for the comprehensive development of EU–Azerbaijani relations, covering politics, economics, trade, energy, humanitarian topics and other spheres. The sides also noted the ongoing negotiations on the opensky agreement. Mr Belliard praised the

stability of Azerbaijan – despite its location in a challenging geopolitical environment – and its economic reforms. He also commented on the strengths of the ASAN Service of e-governance, aimed at eliminating low-level corruption.

During the meeting, they commented upon the visit by a delegation from the Political and Security Committee of the EU Council, including the EU Member State Ambassadors, who exchanged views with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The sides agreed that this visit would serve to enhance EU–Azerbaijan diplomatic relations.

Mr Mammadyarov briefed Mr Belliard on the current status of negotiations regarding a settlement of the Armenian–Azerbaijani

New peacekeepers for NATO A group of 50 Azerbaijani soldiers, serving under the NATO Resolute Support Mission, has departed for Afghanistan, according to the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry.

Azerbaijan is currently providing essential supply support to the Mission contingent deployed in Afghanistan by opening its

airspace to NATO and providing access to facilities.

Azerbaijani soldiers have been serving in Afghanistan under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), alongside NATO troops, since November 2002. Currently,

Scholarships from the John Smith Trust The John Smith Trust scholarship – established in honour of the eponymous late Labour leader – is now open to candidates from several former Soviet Republics, including Azerbaijan. The programme includes a residential period

11 / 2017

in the UK, where selected Fellows participate in workshops conducted by politicians, judges and senior lawyers, diplomats, strategists and academics.

The

Fellows

also

visit

and

engage

conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

He reiterated that Armenian troops must be withdrawn from the occupied territories of the country in accordance with the four unimplemented UN Security Council resolutions that specify the need for swift conflict resolution and changing the status quo, the maintenance of which is unacceptable and unsustainable.

Jean­-Christophe Belliard, Deputy Secretary-General of Political Affairs, EU European External Action Service, acknowledged the exponential evolution of EU–Azerbaijani relations

90 Azerbaijani servicemen are participating in the NATO Resolute Support Mission.

Azerbaijan permits NATO to carry the noncombat cargo for its Mission in Afghanistan via Azerbaijan airspace, also utilising its airports.

Approximately, 40 per cent of all NATO cargo passes through Baku en-route to Afghanistan.

with key UK institutions, such as parliaments, universities, and ministries.

The 2018 programme will run in the UK from 19 May–15 June. Visit www. j o h n s m i t h m e m o r i a l t r u s t . o r g / a p p l y. a s p x to apply.

www.teas.eu

Politics and News

07

First UEFA Champions League Group Points for Qarabag FK

Playing within the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, Azerbaijani football club Qarabag FK went head-to-head with Spanish team Atlético Madrid at the Baku Olympic Stadium. The match saw both teams lock horns to achieve a scoreless draw.

Evenly matched, both teams constantly pressed and attacked.

The match saw Qarabag FK gain its inaugural UEFA Champions League Group C point, being the first ever point achieved by an Azerbaijani team in the Champions’ League.

The return match in Madrid saw a 1–1 draw – again resulting in another Champions League point, despite Qarabag playing a 10man second half, star winger Pedro Henrique having been sent off. Spanish-born midfielder Michél Madera scored the Qarabag goal with a powerful header in the 40 th minute.

Qarabag FK often receives the sobriquet of ‘the team that always plays away’, as they have been unable to train and play at their ground in Aghdam since 1993, due to the ongoing illegal Armenian occupation of their town, which is located in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

Goal-scoring Qarabag FK midfielder Michél Madera vaults over Antoine Griezmann, his Atlético Madrid opponent

EU to assist with developing economic and export potential The EU has pledged to assist Azerbaijan in realising its export potential. The comments were made by Kestutis Jankauskas, Head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan, during an international conference entitled Digital Trade Hub of Azerbaijan: Development Perspectives, organised in Baku at the initiative of the Azerbaijani Centre for Economic Reforms, Analysis and Communications.

Kestutis Jankauskas has pledged EU support for Azerbaijan as it seeks to optimise its export potential

Mr Jankauskas commented that the EU is ready to support all projects regarding digital trade in the country. He explained: “Azerbaijan is taking serious steps in this direction. I believe you will have concrete results to present at the EU Eastern Partnership Summit on 24 November.” He also stressed that the EU is negotiating with Azerbaijan on multilateral co-operation, commenting that: “Half of Azerbaijan’s exports come to the EU. The EU intends to help Azerbaijan increase its economic and export potential.”

Czech–Azerbaijani collaboration under development

Gulmammad Javadov, Azerbaijani Deputy Energy Minister, has commented on the burgeoning expansion of Czech–Azerbaijani economic relations, during a meeting with a delegation of representatives from Czech oil, gas and energy companies. The Ministry message reads: “As a producer and exporter of oil and gas, Azerbaijan is of great importance for the Czech Republic.

Azerbaijani oil accounts for around 30 per cent of total Czech oil imports. Trade turnover between the two countries is growing annually due to the expansion of the oil supply.”

Mr Javadov went on to state: “The Czech Republic appreciates the role of the Southern Gas Corridor in ensuring the energy security of Europe and is ready to co-operate at any time with Azerbaijan as part of this project. Discussions focused on the

definition of new goals in the energy sector within the Strategic Roadmap for the Development of Public Services, together with the importance of applying European experience toward achieving these objectives.”

According to the Ministry, Czech companies have submitted their proposals to render diversified services that will facilitate the achievement of high-quality standards across all areas of the energy sector. The message went on to outline the scope of future Czech–Azerbaijani co-operation, particularly following meetings with representatives from Azerbaijani energy operator Azerishiq OJSC and Azerbaijani electricity operator Azerenergy JSC. Mr Javadov pledged: “The Azerbaijani energy ministry is always ready to support the expansion of relations with the Czech Republic.”

New Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkey

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has ratified an order appointing Khazar Ibrahim as Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkey. Holding an MA in International Relations from Georgetown University in Washington D.C., his first posting was in the Azerbaijani Embassy to the US, and most recently he was based in Brussels as Head of the Azerbaijani Mission to NATO.

Nakhchivan mausoleums submitted to ISESCO Islamic World Heritage List

Azerbaijan has submitted its mausoleums in Nakhchivan for inclusion on the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) Islamic World Heritage list. Vasif Eyvazzade, SecretaryGeneral, Azerbaijani National Commission for ISESCO and Head, International Cooperation Department, Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism, presented a collection

11 / 2017

of relevant documents and an explanatory letter from Abulfaz Garayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Culture and Tourism, to Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, Director-General, ISESCO. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 38th session of the Executive Council of ISESCO in Rabat, Morocco.

Mr

Eyvazzade

also

provided

detailed

information about those monuments destroyed by the Armenians in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, stating that a special working group had been created to investigate the issue. He stressed that, in 2018, Azerbaijan would mark the 10th anniversary of initiating the Baku Process, noting the importance of the active involvement of ISESCO in promoting this in the international arena.

www.teas.eu

08

Politics and News

EU demands Metsamor nuclear power plant closure

According to the Armenian media, the Framework Agreement on the EU–Armenian comprehensive and expanded partnership envisages the closure of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant and the safe suspension of its operations. The agreement specifies that Metsamor should be closed and replaced with other energy-generating facilities that will maintain Armenian energy security.

The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant was commissioned in 1976, and is currently the sole nuclear power plant in the South Caucasus, supplying around 40 per cent of all Armenian energy. A fundamental flaw in its outmoded design is that it lacks

The deadly Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, seen from the air, is facing long-overdue closure

a containment building that would stop radioactive steam or gas from escaping in the case of an accident or malfunction, as was the case with Chernobyl in 1986, the most disastrous nuclear accident in history.

The plant was subsequently condemned in articles published in Le Monde Diplomatique and the Washington Post, where a journalist described it as a city that is “living between life and death.”

UN Secretary-General: Baku Process at the forefront of advocating dialogue among cultures since 2008 Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, has acknowledged the role played by the Baku Process in promoting dialogue among cultures. Writing in a report entitled Promotion of a Culture of Peace and Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Co-operation for Peace, submitted to the UN General Assembly, he stated: “The World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, organised by the Government of Azerbaijan in co-operation with UNESCO, the Alliance of Civilisations, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO); the Council of Europe and the

Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (IESCO), has established itself as the key global platform for promoting intercultural dialogue.”

He continued: “The fourth biennial Forum, on the theme of Advancing Intercultural Dialogue: New Avenues for Human Security, Peace and Sustainable Development, held in Baku early in May 2017, hosted more participants, events and sessions than any previous edition. Its high-level dimension was enhanced by a meeting on countering violent extremism through girls’ education,

together with a ministerial meeting.

“During the two-day event, around 800 stakeholders from more than 120 countries discussed sharing resources, knowledge and experience, opening up new avenues for joint thinking and actions towards the aspirations of the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures; Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies; and the Baku Process, which has been at the forefront of advocating dialogue amongst cultures since 2008.”

Shahbazov: New Energy Minister

Following the sad passing of Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has appointed Parviz Shahbazov as the new Energy Minister.

Born in Baku in 1969, he initially studied at the Azerbaijani State Oil Academy from 1986–92, after which he undertook his military service.

He entered the diplomatic corps soon after the regaining of Azerbaijani independence in 1991, and was subsequently second secretary at the International Economic Relations department in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry in 1991–92, and

was a diplomat at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Germany from 1992–96.

Thereafter, he was the Second Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1996–97, First Secretary from 1997–98, and held several posts in that Ministry from 1998–2001. Five years later, Mr Shahbazov was appointed as Chairman of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation. From 2005–16, he served as Azerbaijani Ambassador to Germany.

Parviz Shahbazov, seen here in his former role of Azerbaijani Ambassador to Germany, will play an integral role in Azerbaijani energy developments at a pivotal time

Azerbaijani School in Paris

by Vusala Aliyeva For the past few years, the Azerbaijani School in Paris has been providing top-quality education for children aged 5–12 years living in the French capital. The school is the result of a collaboration between the Azerbaijani Embassy in France and Azerbaijan House in Paris. Lessons cover Azerbaijani language, history, geography, and literature, delivered by lecturers who have graduated from some of the most renowned French universities.

Pupils at the Azerbaijani School learn about the foremost Azerbaijani poets, writers, and musicians. They are also very active in producing shows, organising concert programmes and representing the culture of the country at events.

Mirvari Fataliyeva, Director, Azerbaijani School in Paris; President, Azerbaijan House; and Secretary-General, Association of Friends

11 / 2017

The Azerbaijani school – spearheaded

by Mirvari Fataliyeva – keeps the flame of Azerbaijani heritage alive amidst expatriate children

of Azerbaijan in France, explained that the lecturers and staff teach all aspects of Azerbaijani traditional holidays, culture, and historical heroes, thereby enabling pupils to maintain awareness of their heritage and background. It is generally recognised that the Azerbaijani School ranks amongst the most successful projects of the Azerbaijan House in Paris.

www.teas.eu

Politics and News

09

President Macron: French–Azerbaijani relations go from strength to strength Newly-incumbent French President Emmanuel Macron expressed the interest of his country in expanding relations with Azerbaijan as he received the credentials of H.E. Rahman Mustafayev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France. He explained that France is particularly interested in developing collaborations in the spheres of the economy, education and culture.

Stressing the importance of developing EU–Azerbaijani relations, President Macron expressed his readiness to support Azerbaijan. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining stability in

the Armenian–Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh.

conflict

over

Ambassador Mustafayev revealed that Azerbaijan is the main partner of France in the South Caucasus region, stressing that there are extensive and unexploited opportunities for intensifying economic and investment co-operation. The Ambassador particularly drew the attention of the French premier to the French–Azerbaijani University (UFAZ) in Baku – the largest and most developed French university in the region – describing this as indicative of Azerbaijani–French co-operation.

Azerbaijan prepares draft law on WTO membership Azerbaijan has prepared a Draft Law on Technical Regulation, intended to be commensurate with World Trade Organisation (WTO) legislation. Its main purpose is to eliminate the technical barriers to trade and increase the export potential of local manufacturers.

Chairman, Azerbaijani State Committee for Standardisation, Metrology and Patents, explained that the requirements of the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement on Technical Regulation and Conformity Assessment had been taken into account while preparing the Draft Law.

Speaking during an interview with journalists posted on the website of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), Ramiz Hasanov,

Mr Hasanov noted that the Draft Law had been developed in collaboration with international experts within the EU Twinning

Allegiance to the EU pledged

Witold Waszczykowski, Polish Foreign Minister, sat alongside Elmar Mammadyarov, his Azerbaijani counterpart, as he reiterated the commitment of his country to the EU

Speaking at a press conference in Baku alongside Witold Waszczykowski, his Polish counterpart, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov reiterated that co-operation with the EU remains a primary Azerbaijani foreign policy priority. He stressed: “Co-operation with the EU continues to generate great interest in Azerbaijan. We are currently closely co-operating with the European Commission. Work on the Partnership Agreement is ongoing.” Mr Mammadyarov commented that Azerbaijan has now

AZAL realises its dream

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has revealed plans to sign a contract by the end of 2017 for four Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, according to Jahangir Asgarov, President, AZAL. The comments were made during the Caspian Air Cargo Summit in Baku, attended by about 250 representatives from the civil aviation, freight traffic and logistics sectors. He also added that two additional Boeing 7478 F aircraft would be acquired for Silk Way Airlines. Mr Asgarov explained that the AZAL fleet currently comprises Boeings 747, 787, 767; Airbuses 340, 320, 319 and Embraer 190 aircraft.

He went on to comment: “We have also signed a contract for the purchase of 10 of the latest Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. These will come into operation in 2018. May I remind you that Silk Way Airlines also operates 10 Boeing 747 aircraft, including five Boeing 747-8 Fs.” Mr Asgarov went on to reveal that Silk Way currently operates flights to 60 countries, including 37 regular routes. Over the past year, it opened 11 new routes, including those to Japan, Malaysia,

11 / 2017

French President Emmanuel Macron (right) warmly accepts the credentials of H.E. Rahman Mustafayev, incoming Azerbaijani Ambassador to France

Project. He commented that the Draft Law had already been submitted to the Azerbaijani Cabinet, stating: “As previously mentioned, adoption of the Draft Law will increase the opportunities for Azerbaijaniproduced goods to enter international and EU markets. At the same time, a new Draft Law on Standardisation has been finalised with the participation of international experts within the Twinning Project, and submitted to the Cabinet.”

entered into strategic partnership with 10 EU countries, and continued: “We expect to sign Strategic Partnership Agreements with two more countries, and believe the agreement with the EU will be strategically important.

“Many government agencies are also actively involved in the discussions.

Currently, great emphasis is being placed on strategic co-operation in the energy sphere. Nonetheless, we are ready for discussions covering all sectors.”

Singapore, Bangladesh, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, in addition to the Hong Kong–Singapore flights.

Mr Asgarov continued: “In Azerbaijan, there are six international airports, located in in Baku, Nakhchivan, Ganja, Gabala, Lankaran and Zagatala. These airports can receive all types of civil aircraft.”

He also revealed that AZAL would soon create a free economic zone on the territory of the Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Mr Asgarov pledged: “The legislative basis necessary for project implementation has already been approved, and an action plan is being prepared.”

AZAL currently operates flights to 40 destinations in 25 countries.

It carried over 2m passengers in 2016, and the number of flights is increasing. Currently, more than 16,000 scheduled international flights depart Azerbaijan annually, whilst over 1300 flights destined for local airports are available to passengers.

www.teas.eu

10

Culture

Azerbaijani short film project makes waves across Europe The Azerbaijani feature film project Yashar, the third film project destined for direction by 28-year-old Elvin Adigozel, produced by Teymur Hajiyev, has been selected for the Produire au Sud Nantes 2017 festival, now in its 39 th year, which will take place from 21–28 November. The objective of this festival is to enhance awareness of the work of young producers and directors from Africa, Latin America and Asia. It also serves to engage them in workshops dedicated to the techniques and realities of international cinematic coproduction that supports the realisation of individual projects. These rank amongst the most important workshops of their kind in France, both for their duration and the number of invited experts.

The workshops address originating from the three

producers continents,

working with a director, who wish to develop a fiction feature film. Yashar will be one of the films under scrutiny, and Elvin and Teymur will be present to explain the genus of their project and the realities of raising finance, storyboarding and making a film within a tight budget. Their film project will be showcased alongside others from Afghanistan, South Africa, Burma, Bolivia and China. The film is one of selfdiscovery, set amidst ordinary people in one of the Azerbaijani regions.

Meanwhile, the Hubert Bals Fund of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has selected Yashar alongside eight other titles from across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle-East for its Autumn 2017 Script and Project Development scheme. The films were selected from 315 submissions and will receive a total grant

Director Teymur Hajiyev participates in a question-andanswer session following a programme of Azerbaijani short films, organised during the L’Europe autour de l’Europe festival in Paris in 2015, supported by TEAS France

of €72,500 (£64,605), enabling them to be completed. Yashar has been categorised under the HBF Bright Future scheme. A further €30,000 (£26,733) has also been allocated towards distribution of the films.

A terpsichorean interpretation of Layla and Majnun in New York Leading American choreographer Mark Morris has reinterpreted Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s 1908 opera Leyla and Majnun for the White Light Festival at Lincoln Centre in New York. The first Azerbaijani opera and first opera of the Muslim East, its performance in Baku was a revelation for many and indicative of the progressive and westernised nature of Azerbaijan, even whilst part of the Russian Empire.

The new performance features instrumentalists and singers from the longestablished Silk Road Ensemble, led by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, which features the father and daughter khanende team of Alim and Ferghana Qasimov. Inspired by the poetic expressions of the story by Azerbaijani poets Nizami Ganjavi and Fuzuli, Mr Morris commented on the eponymous lovers to a reporter from the New York Times, saying: “God eludes them. In the end they drop their bodies and become pure spirit. It’s about infinity.”

Aida Huseynova, a musicologist involved in the Silk Road Ensemble adaptation of the work, continued: “Hajibeyli had this mega-project in mind; to integrate his nation into the rest of the world whilst keeping its heritage.” The orchestration uses western instruments alongside the tar and kamancha. For his staging, Mr Morris drew upon a 2007 adaptation of the work created for the Silk Road Ensemble, which reduced the opera to less than an hour from three, distilling the story to its essence and shrinking the musical ensemble from several dozen to ten.

In Mr Morris’ version, which had its premiere at Cal Performances in Berkeley,

11 / 2017

California, the two khanendes sit on cushions on a platform at the centre of the stage whilst the musicians surround them in a semicircle. Whilst the khanendes sing, the dancers interpret the story through movement. Four pairs represent the lovers at different stages of their lives and relationship, thereby depersonalising their love and making it relevant to all lovers.

Behind them rises a striking backdrop

Azerbaijani text and inflections of their voices so they could adapt to the length of each mugham ‘aria’ on any particular night, with the singers and dancers taking cues from each other, as a form of dialogue.

Some of the dancing is more abstract, others clearly gestural, meant to evoke specific situations, and Mr Morris also incorporated elements of Azerbaijani

Mark Morris’ inspired choreography seamlessly integrates the dancers, musicians and khanendes Alim and Ferghana Qasimov to devastating and captivating effect

of red and green brush strokes, being an enlarged version of a painting by the recently-deceased British artist Howard Hodgkin, entitled Love and Death. They wear costumes inspired by Azerbaijani national dress, on the floor in front of the singers and along the platforms, lining three sides of the stage.

Mr Morris explained the reasons behind his staging: “I did it that way because it reflects the style of performance from that region of the world, and I wanted it to be a group of people doing something together.”

Mugham also features a high degree of improvisation, and it thus became necessary for the dancers to follow the

dance into his personal dance vocabulary, such as strong, rhythmic footwork and specific ways of holding the hands, which differ for men and women. The dancing also reflects more general regional motifs, like Sufi whirling.

However, the greatest emphasis is on the dynamic and improvisatory style of the music. Mr Morris concluded: “That kind of singing is about what’s being spun out at that moment. With people who are great at that, like South Indian musicians, great jazz players and these amazing mugham singers, there’s nothing like it.”

Visit http://bit.ly/morrisleylapromo to see a promotional video for the new adaptation.

www.teas.eu

Culture

11

Baku Jazz Festival – bigger and better than ever before The 11 th Baku Jazz Festival closed on 28 October after one week celebrating this multifaceted musical genre, that encompassed a vast range of jazz, blues, world music, ethnojazz and jazz-mugham, featuring musicians from Azerbaijan and around the world. This year, concerts took place in the Elektra Events Hall, Rotunda Jazz Club and Shur Music Club, featuring musicians from Guinea,

A contemporary take on classic soul from the New York-based Kennedy Administration (USA) (Photos: Aynur Badalova)

Germany, the Netherlands, Colombia, Poland, Norway, Turkey, France, Israel, Switzerland, Sweden and the US, and concluding with a Mexican jazz night. Each day ended with an exhilarating jam session, and a programme of films, workshops, masterclasses and events for children complemented the concerts. Go to http://bit.ly/ jazzfesteuronews to see a Euronews report on the festival.

A melodious blend of Azerbaijani and western jazz standards from the Azerbaijani homegrown talent that is Tarana Mahmudova (Azerbaijan)

Introspective modal jazz from the Artur Dutkiewicz Trio (Poland)

Contribution of mugham multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Werbock recognised in Baku

Jeffrey Werbock, President, Mugham Society of America (centre), accepts an award recognising his unique role in promoting Azerbaijani culture overseas

The contribution of Jeffrey Werbock, President, Mugham Society of America, who ranks amongst the foremost western exponents of the Azerbaijani tar and kamancha, has been acknowledged in Baku. He received an Honorary Diploma from the International Multiculturalism Network for propagating Azerbaijani culture

on an international level. Since 1973, Jeffrey has dedicated his life to learning and performing mugham, and his lecture– concerts have been hosted in academic institutions around the US and Europe.

An Honorary Diploma was also given to Milikh Yevdayev, Chairman, Mountain

Jews Association of Azerbaijan. The awards marked the culmination of a poster and art competition entitled Islamic Solidarity – The Example of Azerbaijan, organised to coincide with the Year of Islamic Solidarity in Azerbaijan in 2017, following the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Multifaceted Azerbaijan showcased in a set of Euronews postcards

The Azerbaijani tar, kebabs in the forest, artisanal copperware in Lahic and the vibrancy of carpets have formed the subject of four more fascinating Postcards from Azerbaijan, broadcast on the Euronews channel. The first of these is on the tar, which was added five years ago to the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It features Mahir Valadov, Instrument Maker and Tar Player, who explains that walnut is used for the neck, hazel for the pegs and

mulberry for the body of the instrument, and also outlines how the 11-string Azerbaijani tar differs from other variants of the instrument.

The Postcard on kebabs travels to Gabala, and features the delicious tradition of eating griddle-cooked kebabs in the forest.

The next features Lahic, located in the Caucasus Mountains, which is renowned for its copperware, carpet-weaving and leatherwork, focusing on the Aliyev family,

who have worked with copper for seven generations. The most recent Postcard returns to Baku and a visit to the fascinating carpet museum, shaped like an unfurling carpet. Inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010, the art of carpet-weaving is synonymous with Azerbaijani art and history. Visit www.euronews.com/programs/ postcards to see all the Postcards from Azerbaijan.

Amina Figarova to celebrate the EU Eastern Partnership in style

The itinerant New York-based pianist/ composer Amina Figarova is preparing to return to Europe for a series of concerts.

On 17 November she will appear at the Music Village, the leading Brussels jazz venue, located just a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, where she will play alongside husband Bart Platteau on flute in support of the centenary tribute by vocalist Denise Jannah to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. Then on 21 November, she will lead her European

11 / 2017

band – featuring Ernie Hammes on trumpet and Wayne Escoffery on tenor – for a concert as part of the Heerlen Jazz Festival in the Netherlands.

On 23 November, Amina will participate in an important concert to coincide with the EU Eastern Partnership Summit, hosted by the EU amidst the art deco surroundings of BOZAR, located in the centre of the European capital. This will feature a septet of musicians

from all the EU Eastern Partnership countries, including Ukrainian trumpeter Dennis Adu, Belarusian guitarist Mikhail Filipenia and Georgian drummer and bassist Irakli Choladze and Mikheil Japaridze.

The final European date will be for her standard band at the historic De Tor club in Enschede, the Netherlands. Visit www. aminafigarova.com to find details of all her forthcoming gigs.

www.teas.eu

12

Culture

Hajiyev centenary to be celebrated in London Born in Sheki, Jevdet Hajiyev (1917–2002) was one of the legends of Azerbaijani classical music, with a long and active life that spanned the entire Soviet period, his final work being dedicated to the victims of Black January.

He studied at the Azerbaijan State Conservatoire under the father of Azerbaijani classical music – Uzeyir Hajibeyli – and later under Dmitri Shostakovich in Moscow.

However, he remained influenced by Azerbaijani traditional compositions, particularly mugham and ashiq music. He is renowned for his work in developing the Azerbaijani symphonic tradition. Dmitri Shostakovich commented: “Jevdet Hajiyev is a truly

talented composer with a unique ability in writing music of symphonic depth and philosophical content.”

Following a celebration of his life and work in April at Carnegie Hall, his music is set to grace the stage of St John’s, Smith Square on 24 November, in the shadow of the Palace of Westminster, for a concert featuring many young and talented musicians from around the world. This has been organised

by Pervin Muradova, daughter of Jevdet Hajiyev, with the sponsorship of the Anglo– Azerbaijani Society, their sponsor Rapid Solutions and Azerbaijan House, with the support of TEAS. The programme will include his setting of the Lay-Lay lullaby; the exhilarating Scherzo for violin and

During the celebration at Carnegie Hall, baritone Boris Potrenko performed Mardan’s Aria from the opera Veten (Motherland) by Jevdet Hajiyev, written in collaboration with Gara Garayev in 1944 at the height of the Great Patriotic War

several of his solo piano works, recently published in the UK in a centenary edition

by Elena Cobb of EVC Music Publications; and the UK premiere of the evocative Azerbaijani Rhapsody, composed by Alexander Peskanov in memory of Jevdet Hajiyev and his beloved wife, the folkdancer and choreographer Amina Dilbazi.

This roster of musicians – many of whom are based in the US – will include Jeffrey Werbock (tar and kamancha); Sabrina Ozden (soprano); Hayredin Hoxha (cello); Sabina Rakcheyeva and Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev (violin); Kamila Shahtakhtinskaya, Vivian Fang Liu and Jelena Makarova (piano). Visit http://bit.ly/jevdethajiyevuk to book free tickets.

Azerbaijani violinist Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev gave a moving rendition of Scherzo by his compatriot Jevdet Hajiyev during the landmark celebration in New York

Azerbaijani artists exhibit at the Carrousel du Louvre According to the Report news agency, two leading Paris-based Azerbaijani artists exhibited at the Art Shopping International Salon of Contemporary Art, hosted at the Carrousel du Louvre – Asmar Narimanbekova (see TEAS Magazine, September 2017, pp. 6–8) and Maryam Alakbarli. Altogether, more than 700 artists from around the world exhibited at the event.

of self-expression, having experienced challenges with oral communication. An admirer of Mark Rothko, Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh, she does not merely emulate her artistic inspirations, but seeks to tell her stories and give her subjective impression of the world through her art. Go to www.maryam-alakbarli.fr to discover her artistic universe.

Asmar, the daughter of the internationallyrenowned artist Togrul Narimanbekov, is known for her colourful synthesis of many leading artistic movements, ranging from Fauvism to Cubism and Expressionism, combined with iconography and ornaments from Azerbaijani life, culture and art.

Maryam– aged 26 – is an artist who has achieved a great deal in the face of adversity. Born with Down’s Syndrome, she began painting purely as a means

H.E. Rahman Mustafayev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France, congratulates the artists Asmar Narimanbekova (third from right) and Maryam Alakbarli (third from left)

The art of Asmar Narimanbekova reflects her Azerbaijani heritage and influences from many predominant artistic movements of the 20th century (Photos: Vusala Aliyeva)

Centenary of composer Gara Garayev destined for widespread commemoration Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order to mark the 2018 centenary of Gara Garayev (1918–92), the prominent Azerbaijani composer.

A protégé of Dmitri Shostakovich, he is particularly renowned for his ballet

11 / 2017

scores Seven Beauties and The Path of Thunder, acknowledged as gems of the Azerbaijani classical repertoire.

The celebratory plans organised under the auspices of the Azerbaijani

Composers’ Union, will see the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Education and the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) come together for a series of events.

www.teas.eu

Culture Carpet exhibition wraps up

The Fifth International Symposium on Azerbaijani Carpets (ISAC 2017), entitled Traditions and Innovations, concluded in Baku after four days.

Approximately 350 delegates were in attendance, two-thirds of whom were specialists and experts from overseas, representing 36 countries. The academic programme included 70 presenters, 50 of whom were from abroad.

Abulfaz Garayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Culture and Tourism, chaired the Organising Committee of ISAC 2017, Alberto Boralevi and Togrul Efendiyev were ISAC 2017 Academic Co-Chairs, and Asli Samadova was the ISAC 2017 Project Leader who conceived the overall symposium concept and established the strategic partnerships with foreign and local stakeholders.

The lecture programme was complemented by three exhibitions: Flying Carpets and Contemporary Art in Carpets, curated by Shirin Melikova, Director, Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, and Silk Treasures: Early Azerbaijan Embroideries from 16 th –18 th Centuries at the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art (ANMA), curated by Alberto Boralevi and Asli

Abulfaz Garayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Culture and Tourism discusses ISAC 2017 with Sevda Mammadaliyeva, Deputy Minister, and a guest at the opening reception

13

Samadova. Continuing until 15 January 2018, the Silk Treasures exhibition offers a unique opportunity to view hitherto unexhibited early Azerbaijani embroideries from the Victoria & Albert Museum, in London and Islamic Museum of Art in Berlin repositories, in addition to distinguished European private collections, together with 22 rare embroideries rediscovered by the exhibition curators in the ANMA repository.

The catalogue Stars of the Caucasus: Silk Embroideries from Azerbaijan complements the exhibition, published by London-based Hali Publications. This is a result of three years of research that engaged leading international scholars and museum curators, and is the first academic book to be devoted to Azerbaijani embroideries of this period.

ISAC 2017 concluded with mugham concert entitled Bahariyya, dedicated to the memory of poet Imammaddin Nasimi (1369–1417), curated by Jahangir Selimkhanov with participation by khanande (mugham singer) Teyyub Aslanov and artists Robert Cahen, Matias Guerra and Farhad Farzali. Visit www.isacbaku.org for more information.

an

experimental

Embroidery – Octagons in Lattice.

Possibly Karabakh region, 17th century (second half). 35×150cm., section, surface darning with outlines in running stitch in silk on cotton (Private Collection)

Nazrin Rashidova performs Tchaikovsky’s masterwork As many readers are aware, the London-based violinist Nazrin Rashidova ranks amongst the brightest UK-based Azerbaijani classical music stars. A soloist, recitalist, chamber musician and orchestral director, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D at the Royal Academy of Music, where her research is exploring the work of French violinist Émile Sauret (1852–1920). This has resulted in a debut recording of his 24 Études Caprices, the first volume of which was released on Naxos in June 2017 and recently featured on BBC Radio 3.

On 25 November, Nazrin is set to tackle one of the outstanding works of the Russian romantic repertoire – Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, written in under one month in 1878 at a time of great personal strife for the composer when recovering from depression on the shores of

Lake Geneva. Often regarded as one of the most challenging, yet popular, oeuvres for violin, the final two movements are conjoined, moving seamlessly from the Canzonetta of the slow movement to the rhythmic Rondo-Finale. Throughout, the spotlight is firmly on the solo instrument, providing many opportunities for the soloist to demonstrate the full extent of their technique.

Also on the programme are two stalwarts of the 19th century Russian canon – Borodin’s symphonic poem In the Steppes of Central Asia (dedicated to the peoples of the Caucasus) and Rachmaninov’s impassioned Second Symphony. The orchestra is the Bridgewater Sinfonia under the baton of Adrian Davis, and the concert will take place at St Peter ’s Church, Great Berkhamsted. Visit http:// bit.ly/nazrinbridgewater to book tickets.

New Azerbaijani Master for Strasbourg choir According to the local newspaper Les Dernières nouvelles d’Alsace (DNA), Azerbaijani Choir Master Ilaha Ahui has been appointed choirmaster of Les Voix castinétaines (Voices of Châtenois). Born in Baku, she has been a choral soloist since her childhood, and undertook musical studies there. She arrived in Alsace in 1999, initially living in

11 / 2017

Strasbourg and then relocating to Colmar a year later.

In 2009, she took a singing course at Wintzenheim, and in 2012 studied lyrical singing and choir direction at Colmar Conservatoire. In parallel, she gave concerts in Colmar and the neighbouring towns as a pianist and singer. Ilaha also

Nazrin is preparing to confront one of the most challenging, yet melodious, oeuvres from the romantic repertoire

directs the Colmar Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra, and formerly directed a choir in Sundhoffen, before accepting her most recent appointment. Their most recent concert was on 8 October at the Municipal Theatre of Colmar. If readers live in the area, please email vianney.le-duc@orange. fr to participate in the choir or obtain information on their forthcoming concerts.

www.teas.eu

14

Business News

French Alstom presents passenger locomotive for Azerbaijan French company Alstom has launched its first Prima M4 (AZ4A) electric passenger locomotives for Azerbaijan Railways in Belfort, France. They are being manufactured in the wake of signing a contract with Azerbaijan Railways in 2016 for the delivery of locomotives.

The AZ4A passenger locomotive is based on the Alstom Prima modular platform, being designed to provide operators with the most suitable solutions for passenger and freight services. According to Alstom, the Prima AZ4A is able to run a 160km/h passenger service, and features extended maintenance periods, reduced power consumption, minimised maintenance costs and enhanced fleet management efficiency.

Bernard Peille, Managing Director, Western and Central Asia Cluster, Alstom, stated: “We are very pleased to supply our first multifunctional Prima locomotive to Azerbaijan and become part of its ambitious project to expand communication routes between the Black and Caspian Seas and between

One of the AZ4A passenger trains, destined for Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), leaves the Alstom plant in Belfort

Russia and Iran.” He acknowledged that development of the bespoke train is attributable to the solid relationship between project teams from Alstom and Azerbaijan Railways. The locomotives will arrive in Baku in early December.

W it h ar ou n d 3 0 0 0 k m o f t r a c k , t h e Az er baijan i r a i l w a y n e t w o r k c o n s t i t u t e s an es s ent i a l l i n k b e t w e e n t h e B l a c k a n d Cas pian S e a s a n d b e t w e e n R u s s i a a n d I r an, and w i l l p l a y a b u r g e o n i n g r o l e in s uc h l a r g e - s c a l e r a i l w a y p r o j e c t s as t he N o r t h – S o u t h Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n

Azerbaijani–US trade investments hit $13bn During the first eight months of 2017, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the US increased by seven per cent to reach $416m (£317.9m) according to Sahil Babayev, Deputy Azerbaijani Economy Minister, speaking at the Azerbaijani–US Business Forum. He commented that over the quarter-century of diplomatic relations:

“Investments made by the US in Azerbaijan have reached $13bn (£9.9bn). Azerbaijan has also made significant investments in the US. SOFAZ’ investments are amongst them.”

The Deputy Economy Minister noted that 235 US companies currently operate in

C o r r i d o r a n d B a k u – T b i l i s i – K a r s ( BTK) r a i l w a y.

The North–South transport corridor is designed to connect Northern Europe with South-East Asia, including the unification of the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. It will initially transport 5m tonnes of cargo per year, which will later double.

French–Azerbaijani trade turnover amounted to $199.6m (£152.5m) from January–June 2017, according to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee.

Azerbaijan: “Today, there is a great demand for Azerbaijani agricultural products across the world. We’ll be able to expand our potential in this direction and invite US partners to participate.” Over 150 businessmen from industry, agriculture, tourism, logistics and other sectors attended the Forum.

Over 440km of TAP cleared in Greece Azerbaijan and TOTAL to collaborate on two gas fields Katerina Papalexandri, Country Manager: Greece, Trans-Adriatic Pipeline According to a Ministry spokesman, the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry and French TOTAL have discussed joint exploration and development of the Azerbaijani Umid and Babek gas fields. The discussions took place in Baku between Parviz Shakhbazov, recently-appointed Azerbaijani Energy Minister, and Bernard Clement, Vice-President, TOTAL

(TAP), has revealed that 440km has now been cleared. She also commented that pipeline construction remains firmly on schedule, and that the TAP consortium plans to implement around 60 various social and environmental investment programmes across Greece.

TAP forms a central artery of the Southern Gas Corridor and will be 878km long – comprising Greece 550km, Albania 215km, Adriatic Sea 105km, and Italy 8km. Its highest point will be 1800m in the Albanian Mountains, while its lowest point will be 820m below sea level.

New SOCAR–BP exploration underway A spokesman for the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) has revealed that the company plans to sign a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with BP to jointly explore prospects in the new D-230 block in the North Absheron basin of the Caspian Sea before the end of 2017.

A BP–SOCAR Memorandum of Understanding on joint exploration of this block was signed in May 2016. The source, cited by Reuters, explained: “Participants in the deal will each have a 50 per cent share in the agreement.” Block D-230 covers an area up to a water depth of 300m, with a reservoir depth of 3000–5000m.

11 / 2017

EBRD awards TANAP $500m The directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have approved a $500m (£382m) package to facilitate completion of the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP). This will traverse Turkey, forming an essential part of the Southern Gas Corridor.

The EBRD award will ensure that TANAP goes ahead

www.teas.eu

Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Presidential Summit in Geneva

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan held a summit on 16 October, also attended by Elmar Mammadyarov and Edward Nalbandian, the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers. The meeting was organised under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, tasked with achieving a peaceful resolution of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh – namely Igor Popov (Russian Federation), Stephane Visconti (France) and Andrew Schofer (USA). Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office also participated in the summit.

15

conflict settlement. The Co-Chairs also pledged to organise working sessions with the Ministers in the near future.

Following the meeting, Ogtay Asadov, Speaker, Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament), commented: “Turning a blind eye to the occupation of the lands of other states poses a threat to peace and security all over the world.”

According to an OSCE Minsk Group statement, it was reported that the meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere, with the Presidents agreeing to take measures to intensify the negotiation process and to implement additional steps to reduce tensions on the ‘contact line’ between Azerbaijan and the Armenian-occupied territories.

The Co-Chairs expressed their satisfaction with these direct talks, which took place after a long hiatus. They reiterated their readiness to work with the sides towards mediating a peacefully negotiated

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan pledged to upscale negotiations and reduce ‘contact line’ confrontations, seen here flanked by Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, and Edward Nalbandian, his Armenian counterpart

UN interested in swift, peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict

Ghulam Isaczai, UN Resident Co-ordinator and UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Azerbaijan, has spoken to Trend News on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of UN–Azerbaijani relations. He reflected: “During the initial years of Azerbaijani independence, UN assistance was primarily focused on the immediate needs of those refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the conflict in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

“The UN supported governmental efforts by providing the affected population with emergency food, shelter, and health, education, water and sanitation services. I believe our role was crucial in averting a major humanitarian disaster in early years of the conflict.

“When Azerbaijan regained some sense of stability, the UN shifted its focus from humanitarian assistance to post-conflict rehabilitation, improving the livelihood of displaced persons and providing infrastructural support. Two vivid examples of this support centred on funding and building the capacity of the Azerbaijan Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (ARRA) and Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), both of which continue to operate successfully.”

He continued: “The UN has a profound interest in the speedy peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to help the sides achieve progress in this regard.

“In his 16 October statement, the UN Secretary-General welcomed the summit held in Geneva, Switzerland, between the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. He was encouraged by the Presidents’

agreement to take measures to intensify the negotiation process and to implement additional steps to reduce tensions on the ‘contact line’.

“The Secretary-General encouraged the sides to build on the positive momentum created by this summit to reach a peaceful negotiated settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It should also be noted that, on the margins of the recent UN General Assembly session in New York, the Secretary-General met separately with the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and exchanged views on the recent developments related to the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. He also underlined the continued support of the UN for the ongoing peace efforts.”

When quizzed about the non-implementation of the four UN Security Council resolutions passed against Armenia, Mr Isaczai stated: “Throughout the conflict in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, the UN, including the Secretary-General, have been fully supportive of the important ongoing efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group to reduce tensions and achieve a peaceful and lasting negotiated settlement of the conflict.

“In his remarks to the UN Security Council open debate on Conflicts in Europe, held on 21 February 2017, the UN Secretary-General noted that: “Direct challenges to national sovereignty and territorial integrity are reminders that we must collectively work to preserve and strengthen a rules-based international order in order to maintain peace and security, in accordance with the Charter.” To that end, the UN supports full adherence with all provisions of the UN Charter, as well as the implementation by member states with all UN Security Council resolutions.”

Ambassador Warlick: Karabakh conflict settlement impossible without respecting Azerbaijani sovereignty

James Warlick, former US Co-Chair, OSCE Minsk Group, has commented that: “Settlement of the Armenian–Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is impossible without respect to Azerbaijan’s sovereignty.” The remark was made during a briefing on Averting all-out war in Nagorno-Karabakh: The Role of the US and OSCE, organised by the US Congress Helsinki Commission.

After pointing out that the risk of escalation is higher than ever, he explained: “We need to redouble our efforts for lasting peace.”

11 / 2017

Mr Warlick continued by reflecting that the major challenge is to find a way for the sides to take the final step forward to breach their remaining differences and deliver peace and stability. He also explained that Armenia would immediately benefit from peaceful resolution by opening its borders with neighbouring Turkey and Azerbaijan; enhanced security; and achieving new opportunities for engagement with its neighbours. He added that the maintenance of the occupation is also impacting the ability of Azerbaijan to develop as a major player on the world stage.

www.teas.eu