Tm 2017 12

Culture | Public Affairs | Business

(Photo: Ed Kashi/VII Photo)

ACCLAIMED US PHOTOGRAPHER ED KASHI CAPTURES AZERBAIJANI LIFE IN JOJUG MARJANLI – FRESHLY LIBERATED TERRITORY Also in this issue: Multiculturalism and tolerance highlighted at the UN in Geneva Centenary of musical giant Jevdet Hajiyev celebrated in London Hugues Krafft’s unique photos of 19th century Baku unveiled in France Jazz piano legend Isfar Sarabski attracts uproarious acclaim in Reims Cross-cultural mugham souls come together in Paris

12 / 2017

12 / 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 Arzu Badalova, Geologist at the Absheron Operating Company Ltd., who is the winner of the competition in the November 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 8 January: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

In which building at the UN Office in Geneva did the conference Preventing Conflicts Through Intercultural Dialogue – The Example of Azerbaijan take place?

Which area, liberated from Armenian occupation in April 2016, was recently photographed by US photojournalist Ed Kashi and cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs)?

When was composer Jevdet Hajiyev born?

Which French-based Georgian historian curated the exhibition of 19th century photographs of Baku taken by French explorer Hugues Krafft?

Which French city hosts the Sunnyside Jazz Festival, where pianist Isfar Sarabski recently performed?

Upcoming Event For full details of all TEAS events, go to www.teas.eu/upcomingevents 24 November – 4 February: Discovering Baku ­– Hugues Krafft’s journey to the Caucasus (Reims, France). Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur, 36 place du Forum, 51100, Reims (Open each day – except Monday – from 14–18hrs.) Entrance free.

Enquiries: +33 (0)3 26 47 20 75. This fascinating exhibition – supported by TEAS France – charts the journey and photographs of photographer Hugues Krafft (1853–1935) who visited the Caucasus, and Baku in particular, in the late 19th century.

From the TEAS Director

The highlight of the December 2017 issue of the TEAS Magazine is the interview with award-winning US photojournalist Ed Kashi. Recently, I spent several days with Ed in the newly-recaptured region of Jojug Marjanly. We were both hugely impressed by the determined spirit of those internally displaced persons (DPs) who have been able to return to their homes and lands thanks to the bravery and professionalism of the Azerbaijani armed forces.

Following the recapturing of the territories around Jojug Marjanly, government agencies and the Azerbaijani armed forces cleared away 42,100m 2 of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs). It was only once this massive and dangerous task had been accomplished that the new settlements could be safely built and inhabited.

12 / 2017

I was also honoured to speak at a UN conference on Azerbaijani multiculturalism at the Palais de Nations in Geneva. I was able to share with the delegates the joy and optimism of the Jojug Marjanly returnees.

Several Armenian delegates attended the conference, but chose not to speak.

This issue also contains an interview with Pervin Muradov, the daughter of composer Jevdet Hajiyev. The centenary of his birth was celebrated with a large-scale concert at St John’s, Smith Square, in London. The panoply of eastern and western melodies, performers of all ages and nationalities, and the spirit of peace and humanity that pervades his oeuvre entranced the audience.

Finally, we are delighted to announce that the European Court of Human Rights has

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS

passed a judgment forcing Armenia to pay €5k (£4.45k) to each of seven Azerbaijanis displaced from the Lachin region in the case of Chiragov and Others vs. Armenia.

This ruling sets a precedent from which many IDPs will be able to benefit in the future.

Finally, may I wish all readers a very happy Festival Season and successful and peaceful 2018.

Lionel Zetter Director, TEAS

www.teas.eu

Politics and News

03

The room in the Palais des Nations was full to capacity with those interested to learn more about the Azerbaijani model of multiculturalism and tolerance (Photos: Azerbaijani Permanent Mission to the UN Office and other International Organisations in Geneva)

Multiculturalism and tolerance acclaimed at the UN Headquarters in Geneva

The Azerbaijani concept of intercultural, interreligious dialogue has been upheld as a model for other countries during a conference held in the Palais des Nations at the UN Office in Geneva as part of a series of events organised under the framework of the Geneva Peace Week. The event on 7 November was organised by TEAS France, the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Azerbaijani Permanent Mission to the UN Office and other International Organisations in Geneva. Entitled Preventing Conflicts Through Intercultural Dialogue – The Example of Azerbaijan, the conference attracted more than 70 delegates, including numerous Ambassadors, together with representatives of various diplomatic missions, NGOs, research institutions and international organisations.

Taking into account the increasingly tense and polarised nature of the contemporary world, which is riven by conflicts according to religious and ethnic lines, the example of Azerbaijan – located at the intersection between Asia and Europe – was cited as a exemplar. Since ancient times, Azerbaijan has been inherently tolerant, and multiculturalism is now a state policy. Reflecting this, the Azerbaijani government has organised the Baku International Humanitarian Forums and World Forums on Intercultural Dialogue, which are supported by the UN Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), UNESCO and Council of Europe, amongst other organisations.

Baku also played host to the Seventh Global Forum of the UNAOC and its eponymously named Baku Process has advocated international dialogue for nearly a decade. In May this year, it also hosted the fourth biennial Forum on the theme of Advancing Intercultural Dialogue: New Avenues for Human Security, Peace and Sustainable Development. Baku has also been selected as the host for such international and multicultural events as the Baku2015 European Games (organised under the auspices of the European Olympic Committees) and the Islamic Solidarity Games.

screened a short film outlining the inclusive realities of Azerbaijani multiculturalism and interreligious dialogue, and went on to quote Professor Roy Olivier, European University Institute, Florence, who commented: “Today, Azerbaijan is probably the only country where there are still mixed mosques and Shia and Sunnis pray together.”

Mr Mammadli explained: “Our religious tolerance dates back to the fifth century A.D., when Jews were given land in Guba and, after the Zoroastrian period, Christianity was the state religion of Caucasian Albania. Azerbaijan has always encouraged every faith, and today we see situations where Muslim Azerbaijanis and Christian Georgians pray together, and a new Catholic cathedral has been constructed with state support.

“The background to the Azerbaijani interpretation of Islam is Sufism, which emphasises the need for love, brotherhood and respect for the spirit of common humanity. Despite the ongoing Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian Church in Baku still stands and has been restored by the Azerbaijani state. Pope John Paul II visited Baku in 2002, and a new synagogue has been constructed for the Mountain Jews.

“In Azerbaijan, the word ‘tolerance’ is inadequate. We encourage interreligious dialogue and, despite the Shia:Sunni split being 65:35, a poll indicated that only 1 per cent considered there to be any tension between these forms of Islam, whereas the divide causes bloodshed in many other countries.”

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, continued: “The Azerbaijani model of secularism, and its peaceful experience of interreligious dialogue, must be viewed as a unique and successful model – especially in today’s context of globalisation and global threats to security.

Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Head, TEAS France, opened the discussions, observing: “Given the very unique aspect of Azerbaijan being a secular country for nearly 100 years, and the peaceful presence of all religious communities on its territory, we have deliberately extended this debate on intercultural dialogue to reflect religious tolerance and diversity.”

“For several years, TEAS has led a number of projects throughout Europe and in Azerbaijan emphasising Azerbaijani religious tolerance and multiculturalism. I should say that, in Azerbaijan, the phrase ‘religious tolerance’ is frowned upon and its use is not encouraged, because it is regarded as being too grudging.

Instead Azerbaijanis like to talk in terms of actively celebrating the diversity of religious expression within their society.”

Nijat Mammadli, Director for External Relations, Azerbaijani State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations, initially

Mr Zetter then recalled his recent visit to Jojug Marjanli – an Azerbaijani region, under Armenian occupation until its liberation during the

12 / 2017

www.teas.eu

04

Politics and News

H.E. Vaqif Sadiqov, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the UN Office and other International Organisations in Geneva listens to the debate

Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Director, TEAS France, outlined the extensive history of secularism, acceptance and diversity in Azerbaijan

Veteran Algerian diplomat H.E. Ambassador Idriss Jazairy, Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue, re-echoed the views of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev that the rise of xenophobia, bigotry and racism must be stifled in the 21st century

Dr Daniel Pommier Vincelli, Researcher and Adjunct Professor, Sapienza University of Rome, gave the historic perspective to the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh and the background to Armenian nationalism

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, explained how the term ‘tolerance’ is inadequate to describe the all-inclusive Azerbaijani model

Nijat Mammadli, Director, External Relations, Azerbaijani State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations, succinctly delineated the realities of Azerbaijani multiculturalism and interreligious dialogue

‘Four-Day War’ of 2016. He recognised the work undertaken to reconstruct the village, but also the cost in human life, and that this indicates the volatility of the conflict if peace does not prevail.

He continued: “I am honoured to speak about this issue today in the UN, but we must remember that the UN passed four Security Council resolutions condemning the Armenian occupation 24 years ago, and these remain unimplemented. Once this situation is resolved, Armenians and Azerbaijanis can again live side-by-side.”

Dr Daniel Pommier Vincelli, Researcher and Adjunct Professor, Sapienza University of Rome, observed: “During the period of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) (1918–20), representatives of the so-called ‘Caucasian Azerbaijan’ tirelessly advocated the international community to recognise Azerbaijani independence.

At that time, Nagorno-Karabakh was not Armenian, Azerbaijani or Russian, as the modern concept of a state did not exist.

“It is incorrect for Armenia to state that Nagorno-Karabakh has ‘returned’ to its jurisdiction. The situation arose in the mid1960s when ethnic nationalism arose in Armenia. This became apparent in the late 1980s, as it became clear that the Soviet Union was on the brink of collapse.”

H.E. Ambassador Anda Filip, Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), said: “During my visit to Baku, I was impressed by the combination of tradition and modernity. Azerbaijan has balanced respect for diversity and ensures equality.

12 / 2017

All sectors of the population can fully express themselves, and discrimination has been eliminated. Diversity must be reflected throughout society, and intercultural dialogue and co-operation must be encouraged.”

She continued: “The IPU firmly believes in political dialogue and co-operation amongst MPs of different backgrounds and beliefs as a way to forging understanding and building a more peaceful world.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and interdependent, mutual respect, understanding and cooperation across cultural divides have become imperative. This was the focus of the St Petersburg Declaration on cultural pluralism and peace through interfaith and inter-ethnic dialogue, agreed at the 137th IPU Assembly in October.”

H.E. Ambassador Idriss Jazairy, Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue, stated: “During the 2017 International Humanitarian Forum, held in Baku, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev remarked that diversity is under threat. He declared that: “The rise of xenophobia, discrimination, racism, islamophobia and antisemitism around the world ‘are extremely dangerous trends.’

They require – he observed – the utmost attention of global decision-makers. I echo his views that xenophobia, bigotry and racism must not gain more ground in the 21st century. Diversity and inclusion must not be replaced by fear, hate and exclusion.”

Ambassador Jazairy reiterated that the Geneva Centre remains inspired by the

efforts of Azerbaijan to promote peaceful, friendly relations amongst nations at a global level. He continued: “Our initiative very much follows in the footprints of the 2008 Baku Process for the promotion of intercultural dialogue, initiated by President Ilham Aliyev. The Azerbaijani vision to promote open and inclusive dialogue between peoples and nations unites us in our spirit and in our moral obligations to stand up to injustice.”

The event concluded with a lively question-and-answer session covering such topics as religious education, highlighting the study by both Shias and Sunnis in the Baku Islamic Academy, the work of the Jewish School in Baku and the illegality of the Armenian state occupying Nagorno-Karabakh, following ethnic cleansing.

The discussions evoked how the Azerbaijani tradition of intercultural dialogue and religious tolerance can be a tool to support the peaceful resolution of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Two examples were mentioned, the first of which is the Armenian–Azerbaijani Peace Platform, launched in 2016. This is now developing with support from many civil society representatives in countries beyond Armenia and Azerbaijan. Their actions are led by this simple motto “We used to live and we will live together!” Secondly, the three spiritual leaders of the Caucasus region (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia) recently issued a joint statement expressing their collective: “Readiness to defend the peacekeeping initiatives to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”

www.teas.eu

Politics and News

05

A brave ANAMA mine-clearance expert undertakes his work in liberated Jojug Marjanli

ANAMA clears 42,100m 2 in Jojug Marjanli The Azerbaijani National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) reported that it has cleared an extensive area of land in the Jojug Marjanli village in the Azerbaijani Jabrayil region. The territory was liberated from Armenian occupation during the so-called ‘Four-Day War ’ of April 2016.

The ANAMA statement read: “An area of 42,100m 2 was cleared in the village, and a further 6500m 2 were prepared for cleaning by special mechanical means.”

Work to restore the village began in late January 2017 and, during the first phase, around 50 private houses, a

school, mosque, electric substation, hydrometeorological station, highway and other relevant infrastructure were constructed in Jojug Marjanli. The village was also provided with gas, electricity and water supplies. The second construction phase began on 15 June, and is nearing completion.

More Azerbaijani peacekeepers for Afghanistan According to the Press Service of the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, Azerbaijan is planning to increase its number of peacekeeping troops participating in the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan in 2018. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who is also

Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, made the decision.

Funding for political parties and NGOs on the up

Azerbaijan Fashion Week hits the runway

Speaking during the plenary session of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament), Samir Sharifov, Azerbaijani Finance Minister, has revealed that the funds allocated to political parties in Azerbaijan in 2018 will increase by 20 per cent (AZN500,000/£219,668).

The allocation of funds for political parties will thus reach the level of AZN3.1m (£1.4m). Mr Sharifov went on to explain that there will also be increased funding for NGOs in Azerbaijan. He commented: “Funds for NGOs will increase by 12.1 per cent (AZN600,000/£263,562).”

the

The statement continued: “Procedures are being implemented in collaboration with the relevant NATO commands. The number of Azerbaijani peacekeeping

The S/S’18 Azerbaijan Fashion Week took place at the Fairmont Baku in the iconic Flame Towers from 8–10 November. Its main objective was to popularise the developing fashion industry in Azerbaijan and raise awareness of the most exciting designers in the country, alongside the latest creations from the leading designers in France, Spain, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Latvia. In addition to receiving great public support from Bakuvian fashionistas, the runways are attended by luminaries from the international fashion industry, including buyers and journalists.

Visit www.afw.az/en to find out more.

forces in Afghanistan will increase during the first quarter of next year.”

The current Azerbaijani peacekeeping mission contingent in Afghanistan comprises 90 servicemen, two medical officers and two sappers (combat engineers).

An ethereal, yet practical creation from Azerbaijani fashion house Leya Couture (Photo: Aynur Badalova)

ECHR makes new decision on appeal of Azerbaijani IDPs against Armenia On 12 December, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg announced a new decision on the appeal filed by seven internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Lachin district, which has remained under illegal Armenian occupation for 25 years. Quoting the Press Service of the ECHR, the Report news agency explained that Elkhan and Adishirin Chiragov, Fakhraddin Pashayev, Akif Hasanov, and Ramiz and Qaraja Jabrayilov filed the

12 / 2017

case regarding the deprivation of their right to return and live in their homeland.

The ECHR decision specifies that the Armenian government should pay €5,000 (£4403) in compensation to each IDP within three months, together with a further €28,642 (£25,222) in legal fees.

The application Chiragov and Others vs.

Armenia was lodged with the ECHR on 6 April 2005. On 9 March 2010, the Chamber to which the case had been assigned

relinquished jurisdiction in favour of Grand Chamber 2. The Azerbaijani Government was subsequently given leave to intervene as a third party. A first Grand Chamber hearing was held on 15 September 2010.

In a decision of 14 December 2011, the Court declared the applications to be ‘admissible’. A second hearing was held on 22 January 2014, and the Grand Chamber delivered its judgment on its merits on 16 June 2015.

www.teas.eu

06

Culture

Centenary tribute to Jevdet Hajiyev – a giant of Azerbaijani music – in the shadow of Westminster Born in Sheki, Jevdet Hajiyev (1917–2002) bestrode Azerbaijani classical music like a colossus, with a long and active career that spanned the entire Soviet period, his final work being dedicated to the victims of Black January in 1990, when civilians were massacred in Baku after an uprising against Soviet rule. On 24 November, the deconsecrated 18th century ecclesiastical baroque surroundings of St. John’s, Smith Square, resounded to his emotive and evocative music. The concert was organised by Pervin Muradov, daughter of Jevdet Hajiyev, with the sponsorship of the Anglo–Azerbaijani Society, their sponsor Rapid Solutions, and Azerbaijan House, with the support of TEAS. It was attended by in excess of 200 Azerbaijanis, diplomats, musicians and classical music experts and aficionados.

Jevdet Hajiyev 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.”

The concert followed celebrations of his life and work in April at Carnegie Hall and Geneva, Switzerland, featuring many young and talented musicians from around the world. Pervin Muradov commented: “Tonight, we are celebrating the work of the great Azerbaijani composer, Jevdet Hajiyev, who was a remarkable cultural ambassador for his country and an amazing humanitarian. He was deeply dedicated to cultivating the talent of young musicians. This city of London holds a special place in my heart, as it is where his music was brought back to life, when Elena Cobb of EVC Music Publications published his piano works this year, in a centenary edition, after a gap of over 60 years.

The evocative mugham interpolations in the Azerbaijani Rhapsody by Alexander Peskanov were provided by Jeffrey Werbock, President, Mugham Society of America (seen here on tar)

12 / 2017

Pervin Muradov, daughter (right) of the late Jevdet Hajiyev, pays homage to her father, alongside some of the other performers (Photos: Jonathan Milton – Visual Arts Photographer)

“He was born in Sheki – along the ancient Silk Road – which was a melting pot of ancient eastern and western civilisations.

This is reflected in our programme, where you can hear traditional Azerbaijani music intertwined with western classical music and you can see and hear the combination of traditional Azerbaijani and western instruments. This evening is filled with beautiful music, and features some supremely gifted young musicians and distinguished performers from around the world.”

Mrs Muradov then explained the work of her Music Education and Autism Foundation and outlined how the Azerbaijani–American Cultural Foundation (www.azerbaijaniamerican.com) of Miami, Florida, supports this under the Presidency of Tohva Eminova.

The programme included the UK premiere of the evocative Azerbaijani Rhapsody, composed by Alexander Peskanov in memory of Jevdet Hajiyev and his beloved wife, the Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer Amina Dilbazi, who were married for 63 years. This featured a range of young pianists aged 11 to 20 years, with mugham interpolations by Jeffrey Werbock (tar and kamancha), President, Mugham Society of America, being closely followed by the four movements of Peskanov’s Spring Concerto, this time featuring pianists aged nine to 11 years.

Other music included Hajiyev’s rhapsodic Sonata, recently included in the EVC collection of his piano works, played

by Chinese pianist Vivian Fang Liu. His exhilarating Scherzo for violin and piano was performed by the duet of Azerbaijani–

Composer Alexander Peskanov accepts ecstatic applause alongside the young soloists from his Azerbaijani Rhapsody

Turkish violinist Elvin Hoxha-Ganjiyev and UK-based Lithuanian/Russian pianist Jelena Makarova.

All audience members were touched by the performance of nine-year-old Chinese pianist Haowen Xiao, resplendent in his black tie, who performed the Joke and Fairy Tale Ballade from Hajiyev’s Musical Sketches. This was followed by the Shostakovich-influenced Ballade, performed by Kamila Shahtakhtinski, US–Azerbaijani pianist and Professor at Northeast Florida University.

Two of the most evocative parts of the evening were provided by the glorious Chinese soprano Sabrina Özden, initially performing his setting of the Ey Gul poem

by Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, accompanied by Chamber Ensemble. She also gave voice to his setting of the Lay Lay lullaby with lyrics by Suleyman Rustam, alongside Jeffrey Werbock (kamancha) and Jelena Makarova (piano).

The finale was his richly-textured and strident Poem for string quartet, featuring Azerbaijani–Turkish violinist Elvin HoxhaGanjiyev; Sabina Rakcheyeva, violinist and the first Azerbaijani graduate from the Juilliard School in New York; Welsh-born viola player Rachel Byrt; and Albanian cellist Hayredin Hoxha.

This was an unforgettable evening in London and perfect tribute to the peaceloving, humanitarian and creative force that was Jevdet Hajiyev.

Go to http://bit.ly/jevdet1 and http://bit.ly/ jevdet2 to see all the photos by Jonathan Milton – Visual Arts Photographer.

Nine-year-old Chinese pianist Haowen Xiao charmed the audience with his virtuosic performance of two of Jevdet Hajiyev’s Musical Sketches

www.teas.eu

Culture

07

Hugues Krafft’s stunning 19th century views of Baku unearthed in Reims

Some unique – and hitherto unseen – photographs of 19th century Baku have been exhibited at the Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur in Reims, France, as an initiative of TEAS France. The private view and inauguration cocktail, attended by around 60 people, took place on 24 November, in the presence of H.E Rahman Mustafayev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France; H.E. Ecaterine Siradze-Delaunay, Georgian Ambassador to France; and Pascal Labelle, Deputy Mayor of Reims in charge of Culture.

The photographs were taken by pioneering traveller, photographer, philanthropist and former resident of the Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur, Hugues Krafft (1853–1935), who travelled to the South Caucasus in 1896 and 1898 with the blessing of Russian Tsar Nicholas II. A Gold Medal Winner at the Société de Géographie de Paris and Prix Montyon of the Académie française, some of the images were published by Hachette in Á travers le Turkestan russe in 1902, but the vast majority remained unseen. None have been republished for over a century.

Modern houses – constructed with finance from the first Baku oil boom – overshadowed by the Maiden Tower, photographed by Hugues Krafft in November 1898

Using the most lightweight photographic plate cameras available at the time, he captured more than 1000 views of the South Caucasus – including Azerbaijan – 547 of which are preserved in the archives of the Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur. They capture a time and place that has all but disappeared, showing the populace in the midst of their daily activities, or posed in their best clothes, specifically chosen in

Seated porters at Baku Quay, as captured by Hugues Krafft

12 / 2017

honour of what was, for many subjects, their first experience of photography.

Altogether, 26 of the photographs of the South Caucasus were taken in Baku in December 1898.

Curated by French-based Georgian historian Ana Cheishvili, and co-ordinated

by Ulkar Muller, TEAS France, this fascinating exhibition is valuable on both a sociological and ethnographic level.

Many of the vignettes from everyday life are precursors of what we now regard as reportage, and show vanished sights; indigenous peoples, many years before globalisation; and the technologies of the past. However, such scenes as the Shirvanshahs’ Palace and Maiden Tower in the Old City (Icheri Sheher) in Baku – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – are remarkably unchanged to this day.

In his introductory speech, Jean-François Cornu, President and Chairman, Société des Amis du Vieux Reims (SAVR), which was founded by Krafft, said: “The passage of time has resulted in Krafft’s photographs becoming unique and irreplaceable testimonies of landscapes, monuments, indigenous peoples, costumes and ceremonies...

“Baku was merely a medium-sized city when Krafft visited it. However, he was fascinated by its architecture, replete with Turkish, Persian and Russian heritage.

Krafft was an amazing and very inquisitive traveller, historian, writer, photographer and ethnologist who liked everything he saw. And, thanks to this exhibition, attendees are likely to want to visit contemporary Baku.”

Curator Ana Cheishvili explains the significance of the images to H.E Rahman Mustafayev, recently-appointed Azerbaijani Ambassador to France

Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Director, TEAS France added: “By looking into the photographs of Azerbaijan archived in these French collections, we discovered the existence of photographs depicting Hugues Krafft’s travels in the Caucasus, and we realised that there were no publications charting his journey to Baku.

Tonight, you will discover an exhibition that is the result of research that we have undertaken, the content of which is now being published by TEAS Press in a catalogue of the same name.”

The photographs of pioneer Hugues Krafft – posing in Tbilisi in 1898 – provide a unique perspective on lost Bakuvian life

H.E. Rahman Mustafayev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France, hailed this initiative and explained: “Exhibitions such as that presented here enable us to understand the history of Baku, and to consider its position in the world of that time. Although it formed part of the Russian Empire from the 19th century and into the beginning of the 20th century, and in the 1920s fell under the yoke of the Soviet Union, Baku has maintained its identity.”

Ana Cheishvili explains the approach of Hugues Krafft during the inauguration cocktail and private view

H.E Ecaterine Siradze-Delaunay, Georgian Ambassador to France, acknowledged the importance and symbolic significance of such projects in promoting the culture and history of South Caucasus countries in France; the historic relations between the region with the city of Reims; and the role of the exhibition in underlining the special nature of the friendship between Georgia and Azerbaijan, which are neighbours in the South Caucasus.

Pascal Labelle, Deputy Mayor of Reims in charge of Culture, emphasised the importance and role of photography as a witness to history and recorder of heritage.

He added: “These photographs show the historic ties between Reims and Baku.”

The event continued with a guided tour of the exhibition by Ana Cheishvili.

Discovering Baku – Hugues Krafft’s journey to the Caucasus Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur, 36 place du Forum, 51100, Reims, France Exhibition continues from 25 November–4 February, entry free. Open each day (except Monday) from 14–18hrs.

Enquiries: +33 (0)3 26 47 20 75

www.teas.eu

08

Culture

Jazzman Isfar Sarabski raises the roof in Reims

Now in its third edition, the Sunnyside Jazz Festival in Reims – produced by Jazzus Productions – is rapidly evolving into one of the foremost French showcases for the world’s greatest jazz musicians.

Established with the “desire to open the public to various original forms of music” and to prove that “jazz is a living music”, the festival constantly pushes the boundaries between different genres of jazz and questions what is considered by many to fall under the nomenclature of ‘jazz’. This was particularly evident on the afternoon of 5 November, which featured two groundbreaking musicians performing before a capacity audience of 450 jazz aficionados. The first was Azerbaijani pianist–composer Isfar Sarabski, winner of the 2009 Solo Piano Prize at the Montreux Jazz Festival, whose appearance was made possible by TEAS France. He seamlessly combines jazz and funk with the mugham of his homeland and influences from the classics.

Isfar, aged 28, played a dramatic solo set on a darkened stage with his back to the audience, the emphasis being on his dextrous fingers and octave-spanning hands, introducing each piece in English from the piano stool. Gilles Gautier, Co-director of Jazzus Productions and Co-founder of the Sunnyside Festival commented: “For the third successive year – thanks to TEAS – we are being given chance to discover a new internationalstandard artist from Azerbaijan.”

For those who are familiar with Isfar’s work, the set marked something of a departure from the funky grooves that he has carved out in darkened clubs over the past few years. The attentive audience instead was treated to a rhapsody of virtuosity that initially indicated that he may be adopting the Third Stream – a mixture of classical and jazz – and throughout placed the emphasis on melody. The set began with a delicate interpretation of March by Vagif Mustafazdeh, the father of jazz-mugham,

Isfar opened with a solo performance at the Mozaic Jazz Festival in Sibiu, Transylvania, Romania, before being joined by his fellow longstanding trio members

who took the harmonies of mugham, which originated in the currently Armenianoccupied Azerbaijani region of NagornoKarabakh, and combined them with jazz in the 1960s and 70s. All were amazed by Isfar’s mellifluous approach and ingenuity of execution.

This was followed by G-Man, Isfar’s most popular composition, which was at one moment replete with melodic invention, and then charged with funky driving chords that sent the audience into a frenzy. Next on the bill was a heart-stopping and richlytextured rendering of the jazz standard ballad Blame It On My Youth – most famous in its version by doomed trumpeter Chet Baker – but also memorably recorded by piano maestro Keith Jarrett, who had a major influence on Isfar. The final piece on the programme was Isfar’s Planet, composed just three weeks earlier. This used repeated left-hand figures combined with a gradual crescendo to represent the glories of the Cosmos.

In an interview, Isfar recently commented: “Azerbaijani jazz is developing year by year. The evidence is the international competitions, festivals, and concerts by world-famous jazz performers taking place in our country. Jazz has always occupied a special place in our culture. At one time, Azerbaijan received the epithet of ‘Jazz Capital of the Soviet Union’.

“I spend long days working in the studio.

I usually play in different genres, trying to find something new. If you have a talent, you must work hard to improve your skills and become the best.”

Award-winning Isfar Sarabski amazed the jazz cognoscenti with a seamless and melodious mélange of styles, influences and riffs

12 / 2017

To date, Isfar has performed in some of the world’s leading concert halls and jazz venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in

London, the Asphalt Jazz Club in Berlin and Le Duc des Lombards in Paris. He also participated in the A Great Night in Harlem charity fundraiser in the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York, organised by the Jazz Foundation of America, where he shared billing with such luminaries as Quincy Jones, Elvis Costello, Macy Gray and Long John Hunter. Most recently he has been touring Europe with an ethnojazz band led by Tunisian oud player Dhafer Youssef.

The following concert by Israeli bassist/ singer/composer Avishaï Cohen saw him perform with pianist Omri Mora and drummer Noam David, which took in a multiplicity of musical genres, including Arabic-Andalusian and Latin music, to captivating effect, culminating with three encores.

This was a memorable afternoon, demonstrating that the spirit of jazz invention is alive and well, two of the greatest contemporary innovators having demonstrated the breadth of their creativity in Reims.

Thereafter, on 10 November, Isfar went on to headline at the Mozaic Jazz Festival in Sibiu, Transylvania, Romania in the standard trio format, alongside Makar Novikov (bass) and Alexander Mashin (drums). Other artists participating in this exclusive festival included such luminaries of the contemporary scene as IsraeliBritish saxophonist Gilad Atzmon and his Orient House Ensemble; US tenorist Steve Coleman, performing charts from his most recent album Morphogenesis and the Brazilian jazz-funk-electronica fusionists Mn’jam Experiment. Isfar performed a range of his most acclaimed compositions, including Generation, The Edge, Déjà-Vu, Last Chance and Agent. Go to http://bit.ly/ isfarplanet to see Isfar perform Planet.

www.teas.eu

Culture

09

The cream of contemporary European cinema comes to Baku The Delegation of the EU to Azerbaijan, in co-operation with the Embassies of the EU Member States accredited in Azerbaijan, the Embassy of Norway and Park Cinema, with the kind support of Turkish Airlines and Intourist Hotel Baku, organised the eighth European Film Festival in Baku from 2–12 November.

The programme comprised screenings of 21 films from 19 EU countries – Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the UK – in addition to Norway and Azerbaijan.

The festival provided cinéphiles with the

opportunity to become acquainted with the latest verisimilitudinous developments in European cinematography, facilitating dialogue with such leading European film directors, invited as guests of the Festival, as Dimitar Kotzev (Bulgaria), Kadır Balci (Turkey/Belgium), João Nicolau Teixeira Ricardo (Portugal) and Joram Lürsen (Netherlands). All events were free to attend and the films were screened in versions with English subtitles.

The objective of the European Film Festival is to build and develop EU–Azerbaijani cultural links. The festival came just weeks after the successful inaugural IMAGINE Euro Tolerance Festival from 12–20 October, which was attended by over 3000 people.

Ali-Zadeh flows amongst the Eastern Currents

Ensemble 365 – founded at the Graduate Centre of the City University of New York – specialises in presenting works by living (or recently deceased) composers. Their latest album, entitled Eastern Currents, on the Roméo label features chamber works by range of Asian and Eurasian composers, penned over the past 35 years.

The New York-based Ensemble 365 gave voice to one of the most harmonically challenging works by Franghiz Ali-Zadeh

One of these is the Three Watercolours for Soprano, Flute and Prepared Piano, written in 1987 by Frangiz Ali-Zadeh, Chair of the Azerbaijani Composers’ Union, setting three Russian-language texts

by Azerbaijani poetess Nigjar Rafibejli (1913–81) and using a musical language heavily influenced by serialism. The six movements and three evocative texts

The festival positions the latest releases from Azerbaijani cinema amongst the latest offerings from the greatest European cinéastes (Photos: Aynur Badalova)

The festival positions the latest releases from Azerbaijani cinema amongst the latest offerings from the greatest European cinéastes (Photos: Aynur Badalova)

portray three stages in a woman’s life – Narcissus, describing tender youthful feelings; Boatman, evoking the playfulness of a passionate woman; and Expectation, which confronts the emotions surrounding the yearning for mature love.

The album also features a remarkable work by legendary Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar (1920–2012), known under the soubriquet of ‘the Father of World Music’ – his Sonata No.1 for Cello and Harp – written for Bakuvian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and harpist Jana Bouskova, which emulates the dazzling interplay of an Indian raga. Go to http:// bit.ly/easterncurrents on the Czech Music Direct website to order a copy.

Mugham Souls unite in Paris The renowned mugham khanende Gochag Asgarov collaborated with French jazz countertenor Pierre de Trégomain to give a joint concert in Paris to launch the new Mugham Souls album on the Italian Felmay label. According to the French bureau of the Report news agency, the concert took place in the intimate 13 th century surroundings of the Église Saint-Julienle-Pauvre in the fifth arrondissement of Paris. The concert was organised with the support of the L’Association des Amis de l’Azerbaïdjan (AAA) (Association of Friends of Azerbaijan). Born in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan – home to some of the greatest mugham khanendes and instrumentalists – Gochag had his early musical training disrupted by the Armenian invasion.

detailed information about mugham, which has been included on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2003.

She commented that the music and reflects traditions of Sufism. She explained that this concept, whereby vocal jazz is combined with vocal and instrumental mugham, marked a new and significant point of departure in the musical world.

Mirvari Fataliyeva, Secretary-General, AAA, delivered a speech at the event, providing

The vocalists pooled their collective inspiration and technique to develop the

12 / 2017

Dr Sanubar Baghirova, musicologist and member of the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), and one of the leading experts in the field of mugham, characterised the Mugham Souls project as marking a new trajectory for mugham, whereby this ancient semi-improvised modal music is synthesised with western jazz.

The New York-based Ensemble 365 gave voice to one of the most harmonically challenging works by Franghiz Ali-Zadeh

Mugham Souls jazz-mugham concept, which takes inspiration from various mughams and folksongs, including Let Me Be Voice (based on Bayati Kürd), Sari Gelin, and Shelter (based on Bayati Shiraz). The supporting musicians ranked amongst the finest in Azerbaijan, including Elnur Mikayilov (kamancha), Kamran Karimov (naghara) and Vasif Huseynzade (piano). To order Mugham Souls, go to http://bit.ly/mughamsoulscd and visit bit.ly/ gochagandpierre to see them perform Let Me Be Voice at the International Mugham Centre in Baku.

www.teas.eu

10

Personalities – Pervin Muradov

Pervin Muradov – remembering Jevdet Hajiyev, an Azerbaijani talent Pervin Muradov, a long-term resident of Melbourne, Florida, is the daughter of composer Jevdet Hajiyev (1917–2002), a legend of Azerbaijani classical music.

Taking inspiration from Azerbaijani mugham and ashiq music, he organically synthesised the sounds of Azerbaijani classical music on such instruments as the tar, kamancha and saz with western classical forms. Jevdet studied under two musical giants – Uzeyir Hajibeyli, father of Azerbaijani and Eastern classical music – composer of Leyli and Majnun (1908), the first opera of the Muslim East – and Dmitri Shostakovich (1906–75), the leading progressive Soviet composer, who had a challenging relationship with the Soviet authorities.

Jevdet Hajiyev was extremely prolific, composing eight symphonies, three tone poems and the opera Veten (Motherland), in collaboration with Gara Garayev, amongst many other works. His final work was an oratorio to commemorate the victims of the Black January independence uprising in Azerbaijan in 1990.

In the centenary year of her father’s birth, Pervin has done much to commemorate his work. Together with Elena Cobb of EVC Music Publications they published a compilation of his piano works in sheet music form after a gap of more than 60 years. Pervin has organised large-scale concerts of his work in Carnegie Hall

Pervin has done much to cultivate the talent of young pianists, including those afflicted with autism

in New York; the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland; Carmel (Indiana); Vienna, and St John’s, Smith Square, in London, amongst other venues.

Pervin is a professor of piano at the Florida Institute of Technology, the founder and director of the Music Education and Autism initiative and the director of the Art and Education Committee at the Azerbaijani– American Cultural Organisation of Florida. She regularly presents at overseas music festivals and conferences, including Italy, Spain, Germany, Canada, and Russia, and also runs her piano studio, where she

12 / 2017

Pervin Muradov – an acclaimed pianist and educator in her own right – is dedicated to maintaining and raising awareness of the prodigious and varied oeuvre of Jevdet Hajiyev, her father (Photos: Jonathan Milton – Visual Arts Photographer)

successfully combines methodologies from the Russian and American approaches.

Neil Watson caught up with her during her first visit to London to find out more.

This year has seen several concerts and competitions to commemorate the centenary of your father, Jevdet Hajiyev.

How have these concerts been received, and how have they differed?

These were truly remarkable and exciting events as, for the first time, the centenary of an Azerbaijani composer was celebrated in some of the most world-renowned concert halls and venues, such as Carnegie Hall, New York; St John’s Smith Square, London; Vienna Conservatoire; and the UN office in Geneva. The music of my father was very well-received and met by a standing ovation on each occasion. People were fascinated by this music that was unfamiliar to most listeners. They were pleasantly surprised by the variety of musical pieces, each of which was coloured with unique intonation, melodies, harmonies and exceptional eastern-tinged flavours.

Your father studied under two musical giants – Uzeyir Hajibeyli, the father of Azerbaijani and Eastern classical music, and under Dmitri Shostakovich, the most innovative and best-known Soviet composer. How did your father describe their respective impact on his work?

The impact of Uzeyir Hajibeyli on the growth and development of the compositional art of Jevdet Hajiyev was enormous. During his studies at Baku Music Academy, in the class of Hajibeyli, my father received excellent training in the study of the major

principles of Azerbaijani folk music and its specific traits, modes and rhythmic attributes. This left a deep imprint on his works, particularly those that were emblematic of his national origin.

However, Hajiyev absorbed the compositional and formal concepts of western musical culture from Dmitri Shostakovich. Due to his years of study with this master, Hajiyev inherited those musical traditions established by his teacher that became an integral part of his compositional style. In that sense, I would say my father is the musical heir to Shostakovich and a direct representative of his remarkable school.

In his symphonic and chamber works, my father frequently utilised the Shostakovich cryptogram-musical motif of DSCH, thereby referring to the initials of the composer in their German transliteration, emphasising the role of Shostakovich as a teacher, artist and even a personal friend, expressing his admiration.

The modal characteristics of the music of Shostakovich effectively re-echoed the musical ideas and national heritage of Hajiyev. This influence is apparent in many of his works, and particularly his symphonies. For example, in the Sixth Symphony (1977), there is a clear evidence of a link between Shostakovich’s modalities and those in Azerbaijani music.

Furthermore, the use of the DSCH motif in this symphony resulted in the development of polydramaturgical lines and a unique sound. This type of mutual modal influence is also evident in Hajiev’s chamber– instrumental work entitled Dialogiya, dedicated to Shostakovich.

www.teas.eu

Personalities – Pervin Muradov Although your father lived to see the regaining of Azerbaijani independence, he was primarily a composer during the Soviet period. To what extent did ideas of formalism and perceived concepts regarding the comprehension of his music by the proletariat impact his creative freedom?

You are right – my father was an Azerbaijani (Soviet) composer who lived through several epochs, from the Stalinist era to the contemporary independent Republic of Azerbaijan! We are all aware of the Stalinist terror and the infamous campaign whereby all key figures of Soviet music were accused of ‘formalism’, including Dmitri Shostakovich, Sergei Prokofiev and other great composers. This ruthless campaign also affected my father.

In fact, my father fearlessly raised his voice in defence of Shostakovich, whose opera The Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District (Catherina Izmaylova) was viciously criticised in 1934, with accusations of formalism being levied against the composer. My father was only 19 years old when he defended his teacher – Shostakovich – during his speech at a meeting of the Communist Party and government officials. Immediately following this, there was expulsion of my father from the Moscow Conservatory and he was included on the KGB blacklist. However, after the rehabilitation of Shostakovich in the eyes of the authorities, my father was reinstated.

and inspiration, and they were married for 63 years. Altogether, they had four children, 10 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren. As a dancer, my mother was unique, and continued performing without any breaks whilst raising her offspring.

It is still true that Azerbaijani classical music – including that of Jevdet Hajiyev – is almost unknown in the west. Why is this, and what can be done to redress the balance?

It is most unfortunate that Azerbaijani music remains virtually unknown across the world. There is now no excuse for this – we are in the 21st century, and there is no Iron Curtain or Cold War to which this can be attributed. To date, very little material has been published in English on this subject.

Firstly, very limited promotion of Azerbaijani music is due to the inertness of such cultural organisations as the Azerbaijani Composers’ Union and the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in addition to embassies around the world. As a result, many people know about Azerbaijan only through the prism of pop music, including hosting the Eurovision Song Contest and similar ventures in the sphere of popular culture. Azerbaijani missions and organisations must be more proactive and utilise the expertise and enthusiasm of highly-educated Azerbaijanis living abroad.

11

Secondly, Azerbaijani music has yet to be published in the West – this is the single biggest obstacle that must be overcome.

The scarcity of information became apparent when I discovered that the name of Uzeyir Hajibeyli, the father of both Azerbaijani and Eastern classical music and opera, and other great composers from my homeland, remains absent from the Oxford Dictionary of Music. It is disappointing that such prominent composers are unknown to so many in the west.

During his lifetime, the music of Jevdet Hajiev elicited a great reaction from musicians and audiences around the world, but the demand for his music was left unfulfilled. His piano music was published during the Soviet era in the 1950s. We need cultural lobbyists who can present and promote Azerbaijani art and musical culture abroad, including the publication of books, the performance of musical works, and the filming and distribution of documentaries, amongst other activities.

I feel fortunate and grateful that I was able to positively contribute towards expanding the appreciation of Azerbaijani music by publishing a collection of the scores of my father’s piano music in the UK. This was published in a limited edition in the UK to celebrate the centenary of his birth. I was hoping that Hajiev’s music would be reprinted in his homeland on the occasion of his centenary celebrations; this would

Your father was married to Amina Dilbazi, the famous folkdancer and choreographer. To what extent were folk themes incorporated into his work?

Folk music played a principal role in the work of my father. He participated in many folkloric expeditions during his student years, headed by Bul-Bul Mammadov, the famous Azerbaijani and Soviet operatic tenor and folk music performer. He produced extraordinary studies of Azerbaijani folk songs and dances, and particularly the work of the ashiqs. Jevdet Hajiyev determined the specificity and logic of the distinguishing traits of our national musical heritage, together with exploring contemporary music, and fused the two in a phenomenal and dynamic manner.

It is impossible to imagine Azerbaijani music today without his work. In the majority of my father’s works – in fact, across his entire oeuvre – he used such ancient Azerbaijani modes as segyakh, chargyakh, shur and shushter, especially in his symphonies. My mother was his muse

12 / 2017

Jevdet Hajiyev speaks at the opening of the museum dedicated to Uzeyir Hajibeyli in 1975, located in his former house in Shusha, Nagorno-Karabakh, standing alongside Tikkon Khrennikov, Head, Union of Soviet Composers

www.teas.eu

12

Personalities – Pervin Muradov

have provided a great opportunity to leave his music legacy to furture generations and to promote Azerbaijani music overseas.

Unfortunately, very little has been done in this regard – in particular, the board of the Azerbaijani Composers’ Union did nothing to publish his rich musical legacy.

objective is to let the students take centrestage, enhance their self-confidence and develop awareness of their talent. We aim to embrace as many children as possible and proudly report that none were left without our support, or had their talents submerged. It is our duty and vocation to help children with autism enjoy a full, successful life that is full of hope.

We all benefit from international cultural exchange, and it is our duty and responsibility to protect and promote our cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations. Hopefully, circumstances will change for the better and assist in achieving this objective. If the situation does not improve, there is a risk that we may lose our cultural identity.

The concerts have featured works by Alexander Peskanov – the Azerbaijani Rhapsody and Spring Concerto. Did Alexander know Jevdet Hajiyev, and how did they come to be commissioned?

Alexander was unaware of the musical legacy of my father before we met. When I informed him of the forthcoming centenary of my father, he asked for more information on my parents. He became so fascinated and inspired by their story that he composed a piano concerto – Azerbaijani Rhapsody – where he beautifully and emotionally described their love story.

One movement depicts the famous Dilboz Horses, which is an evocation of my horsebreeding ancestors in the 18th century.

How are you involved in developing the talent of autistic child musicians?

I was unfamiliar with autism until a student with Asperger’s syndrome joined my studio around a decade ago. For me, as a teacher, working with him was a unique challenge and experience. I worked with more autistic students over several years,

How do you see the musical legacy of Jevdet Hajiyev being further propagated?

Jevdet Hajiyev, an exemplary symphonist, seamlessly combined mugham and ashiq music with the harmonic developments of the Soviet school

gained knowledge of the condition, even had several success stories, and became fascinated by the sufferers’ untapped talent and love of music.

The music of my father ranks among the jewels of classical music, both Azerbaijani and on an international level. Even though his oeuvre was predominantly composed over half a century ago, his music continues to awaken the emotions of both listeners and performers. In my view, publication, performance and recording of his works will continue to delight audiences for centuries to come, exemplifying the music of Azerbaijan for listeners and performers across the world.

It has been scientifically proven that, unlike many other activities, music can engage the attention of such children. It helps focus their attention, increases their communication skills, reduces anxiety, and enhances body co-ordination. In 2015, I established the Music Education and Autism Foundation jointly with composer/ pianist Alexander Peskanov.

In October 2015, we organised our first Gala Benefit Concert in Carnegie Hall, where autistic children performed with an orchestra. In 2018, we are planning to organise an international music competition jointly with my colleagues, where children with special needs will perform. Our

The extraordinary folkdancer Amina Dilbazi, wife and muse to Jevdet Hajiyev for a staggering 63 years

Visit http://bit.ly/jevdetbook1 to purchase the Jevdet Hajiyev Piano Collection: Book 1 from Amazon (publisher: EVC Music Publications).

Go to www.pervinmuradov.com to learn more about Pervin Muradov.

Jevdet Hajiyev (left) and Gara Garayev flank their teacher and mentor, Dmitri Shostakovich

12 / 2017

See http://bit.ly/jevdetpeace to hear Jevdet Hajiyev’s Symphonic Poem for Peace, as performed by the Baku Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Rauf Abdullayev.

www.teas.eu

Culture

13

Strategic brand management – the definitive guide Tofig Husein-zadeh, a young Istanbulbased Azerbaijani entrepreneur and Founder and Executive Editor of The Intelligentsia magazine has penned a landmark publication in collaboration with Markus Kramer, a Swiss business leader, who specialises in advising businesses, boards, executives, operational teams, private equity and growth funds, and is former Global Marketing Director of Aston Martin and Director of Marketing Operations EMEA for Harley-Davidson. Entitled The Guiding Purpose Strategy, the new book focuses on the journey

towards uncovering a deeply-rooted inner purpose to create and sustain a meaningful brand or, indeed, to achieve a fulfilling life.

Combining strengths and experience and bridging geographic, cultural and generational borders, Markus and Tofig bring a unique perspective on how purpose is the navigational code for growth in the 21st century. Visit http:// guidingpurposestrategy.com to preorder either the hard or soft copy, to find out more and to read an extract.

Allegiance to the EU pledged 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 arouse 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 entered into a strategic partnership with 10 EU countries, and continued: “We expect to sign strategic Partnership Agreements with two more countries, and believe

Markus Kramer and Tofig Huseinzadeh discuss brand strategy in an interconnected and globalised world

the agreement with the EU should be strategically important.

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

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

Azerbaijan – biggest partner for France in the South Caucasus Speaking in Baku at the Caspian Platform event dedicated to Franco–NATO relations, H.E. Aurelia Bouchez, French Ambassador to Azerbaijan, commented that Azerbaijan remains the biggest partner of France in the South Caucasus in the political, economic and cultural spheres.

She explained that meetings between the respective Heads of State take place on an annual basis, and that these are supported by more frequent dialogue between delegations from the two countries’ foreign ministries. Ambassador Bouchez went on to explain that France welcomes the steps taken by Azerbaijan to preserve peace in the South Caucasus, and that this is evident through its work as a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, tasked with achieving a negotiated solution to the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict.

The Ambassador also commented on the exponential growth in economic relations between the two countries.

Currently, around 50 French companies are operating in Azerbaijan, the most recent example being Alstom, which is supplying Prima M4 (AZ4A) electric passenger locomotives for the 3000km landmark Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) railway, initially carrying 5m tonnes of cargo per annum.

Ambassador Bouchez stressed French support for the measures being undertaken to diversify the Azerbaijani economy, and outlined how her country is supporting development of the tourism sector in Azerbaijan, particularly due to the expansion of French hotel chains.

Her speech culminated with some comments on education, focusing on the work of the French–Azerbaijani University (UFAZ) and the Baku French Lycée, which enables Azerbaijani students to become specialists in a range of disciplines without leaving the country.

H.E. Aurelia Bouchez, French Ambassador to Azerbaijan, has focused on the exponentially developing Franco– Azerbaijani business relationship (Photo: Adil Yusifov)

Azerbaijani–Sino trade agreement The Azerbaijan National Confederation of Entrepreneurs and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) have signed a memorandum of understanding. The CCPIT Yunnan SubCouncil and China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) finalised the document during a working visit to Baku. Representing the Azerbaijani side, the document was

signed by Mammad Musayev, President, Azerbaijani National Confederation of Entrepreneurs’ Organisations.

The CCPIT Yunnan Sub-Council, since its foundation in 1952, has followed its mission to serve the government and enterprises, promoting international trade, foreign investment inflows, the internationalised

management of enterprises, and economic co-operation in Yunnan Province. By the end of 2014, the CCPIT Yunnan Council had established long-term co-operative ties with National Chambers of Commerce in over 70 countries and mobilised approximately 3000 companies to participate in exhibitions, conducting training and undertaking study tours.

SOCAR–Petrofac joint venture to raise skills levels The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) has signed an agreement with London-based Petrofac, an international service provider to the hydrocarbons production and processing industry. This joint venture will facilitate more advanced education and training for employees involved in international energy projects.

The purpose of establishing the joint venture is to enhance the commerciality of training opportunities in the oil, gas and

12 / 2017

petrochemical sectors of the country, thereby raising the level of knowledge and skills of oil industry workers. The joint venture will be split 51:49 between SOCAR and Petrofac.

Rovnag Abdullayev, President, SOCAR and Karim Osseiran, Global Head, Training Services at Petrofac Engineering and Production Services, signed the agreement. Training courses will utilise the infrastructure of the SOCAR Department of Education, Training and Certification.

www.teas.eu

14

Personalities – Ed Kashi

Despite the completion of demining and UXO clearance, the newly-repatriated inhabitants of Jojug Marjanli are still discovering bullet cases and other detritus from the ‘Four Day War’ (Photos: Ed Kashi/VII Photo)

Ed Kashi turns his socially-aware lens to Jojug Marjanli – a liberated territory US-based Ed Kashi is a photojournalist, filmmaker, speaker, and educator dedicated to documenting social and geopolitical issues. His sensitive eye and an intimate relationship with his subjects are signatures of his work. Having been a member of the VII Photo Agency since 2010, Ed has been repeatedly recognised for his complex imagery and its compelling rendering of the human condition. He has received numerous international awards, including the UNICEF Photo of the Year and the World Press Photo Prize.

Furthermore, his work has been published in myriad leading publications including the National Geographic Magazine, Newsweek, Time and The New York Times Magazine. In addition to editorial assignments, filmmaking and personal projects, Ed is a mentor to students of photography and an active participant in forums and lectures on photojournalism, documentary photography and multimedia.

In 2013, he visited several camps in Western Azerbaijan, housing some of the estimated one million Azerbaijani internally displaced persons (IDPs), who are the ongoing victims of the unresolved Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakah. He captured vignettes from their lives, demonstrating

The rebuilding work has been swift and industrious

12 / 2017

how IDP populations were surviving in the face of adversity, and interviewing his subjects to learn more about their backstories and future aspirations. Some of the photographs were later published in a book, and the exhibition subsequently toured London, Berlin, Brussels and Paris.

In October, Ed returned to Azerbaijan on a more upbeat mission – to capture the work undertaken to rebuild Jojug Marjanli, the first Azerbaijani territory to be liberated from Armenian control in over a quarter of a century. Neil Watson caught up with Ed in his studio to find out more: You last paid a visit to the camps for Azerbaijani IDPs in 2013. What prompted you to return to the country?

I heard about the recapturing of a strategic high point by Azerbaijani forces last year, which facilitated the return of some of the IDPs to a town that had been lost for nearly 25 years. I thus thought it would make a good story, and that the timing was opportune.

On this occasion, the focus of your visit was the village of Jojug Marjanli – an Azerbaijani region liberated during the ‘Four-Day War’ of 2016. What did you see there? To what extent has the village been reconstructed?

It is amazing how rapidly the government and local communities have constructed and reconstructed a new town in such a short time! At least 50 homes have been completed and are being lived in now.

Fazil Mustafa MP has recently stated that another 100 or so are slated for completion in the near future. The commitment of the people, ranging from young families to elders who remember the expulsion, is inspiring to see.

Did you meet any IDPs who had originated from that village? If so, what stories did you hear?

We met one 50-year-old man – Ogtay Haziyez – who only left this village for approximately five days in 25 years before the invasion. He spoke of the loss, fear and sufferings experienced by himself, and also his fellow villagers, due to the war and occupation of the region. It was also inspiring to meet two young teachers who have moved here to raise their young families and teach at the new primary school. In a sense, they are pioneers of the next generation of Azerbaijanis who will build a new future in this small village.

What was the spirit of the settlers living in this village? Was there any sense of fear due to the fact that Armenian armed forces had only been pushed back a few miles?

One of the most incredible aspects was the complete lack of fear I sensed from those who have already moved back. They act as if this is where they are supposed to be, where their ancestors and history remain, and thus it is only natural for them to return to this place.

During your previous photographic mission, you were focused on capturing vignettes from the lives of IDPs in camps who were struggling to maintain a normal life, despite their challenging situation. How did the more positive story, on this occasion, impact your photographic choices?

www.teas.eu

Personalities – Ed Kashi

15

For this story, there was less emphasis on the sufferings of the people, instead the focus visually being on showing people living decent lives, at school, eating in good homes, undertaking rebuilding, etc. Naturally, this results in less drama visually, but my aim is to present reality and truth.

How did you gain access to Jojug Marjanli?

I was able to obtain access through the good offices of TEAS. Although it required a long drive from Baku, working with TEAS facilitated effortless access to the community and individuals. We had no problem talking to people, interviewing or getting permission to photograph them.

Do you think that the success of the Azerbaijani armed forces in seizing back this territory and then withstanding a determined counterattack by the Armenian armed forces will tempt them to try and recapture more territory by force of arms?

I am not a military man, so I cannot read the tea-leaves of military strategy.

However, I would imagine this success would encourage more advances and attempts to recapture territory. There is also a practical aspect, as Azerbaijan is still trying to temporarily house nearly 10 per cent of their population, who remain as IDPs, in an orderly and decent manner. The best way is to allow them to return to their beloved villages, towns and homeland.

What was the highlight of your trip?

The highlight was climbing to the top of one of the minarets in the new mosque in Jojug Marjanly. From this vantage point, I could look over a wide expanse that included a view of the new town immediately below us. In the distance, I could see the hilltop that Azerbaijani forces captured in 2016 that facilitated the construction below us.

I then looked in the other direction and saw the barren, sandy mountains of Iran to the left, and the mountains of NagornoKarabakh in the far distance.

The new homes are comfortable and modern

Children born more than a decade after the ceasefire look forward to a bright future in the recaptured homeland

How will your photographs and video footage be used?

My intention is to distribute these works worldwide through my picture agency, VII Photo, and through my direct solicitations to media outlets. I will also use my social media channels to distribute this work. I also understand that TEAS is preparing to show my work in exhibitions and to publish a book.

Go to https://edkashi.com for more information on the work of Ed Kashi.

12 / 2017

Girls learn English in the reconstructed secondary school, looked down upon by portraits of martyrs from the Armenian– Azerbaijani conflict

www.teas.eu