AZERBAIJAN'S CITY OF SHUSHA FOSTERS CLOSER PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIES THROUGH CULTURAL EVENTS - EMBASSY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (Bernama) -- The recently held Shusha arts and cultural events showcasing the rich heritage of the ancient city, have attracted many visitors a well as strengthened cultural ties between Malaysia and Azerbaijan.

According to a statement from Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Malaysia, the three-day event at the  KL City Art Gallery titled "Shusha from the Perspective of Malaysia“, had created awareness among Malaysians about the city of Shusha -the Cultural Capital of Azerbaijan and promote friendship between the peoples of the two brotherly countries.

“Shusha, having endured nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation, was liberated by the Azerbaijani army in November 2020, marking the beginning of its reconstruction. The city stands as a sacred symbol of Azerbaijan, a hub of culture and art, and a testament to historical triumph,” said the statement.

The event was organised by Sonmaz Mashal Cultural Relations Public Union, with the financial support of the Agency on State Support to Non-Governmental Organisations of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Malaysia and the KL City Art Gallery.

The project was realised  in collaboration with the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Malaysia, KL City Art Gallery and Azerbaijan State Art Gallery , in conjunction with the declaration of the city of Shusha as the "Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" for 2024 , at the 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture of the Islamic World, in Doha, Qatar last year.

The art exhibition titled "Travel to Karabakh with Colours" showcased works by Azerbaijani artists, highlighting the history, cultural and religious monuments, and daily life of the ancient city of Shusha, which in Azerbaijani language means glass, clean and pure.

About 30 paintings by Azerbaijani renowned artists Rafail Alizade, Yusif Mirza, Gunel Agakishiyeva in Azer, Togrul Aghayev, Iqbal Hasanelizade, Narmina Ulukhanova, Narmin Abdullayeva, Leyla Orujova, Abbas Mammadov and Saadat Abdullayeva were exhibited.

The exibition was opened by the KL City Art Gallery director, Maizon Omar.

Elsever Salmanov, Counselor of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Malaysia, spoke about the importance of Shusha for Azerbaijanis and in the country’s history, adding that following its liberation, Shusha has entered a new period of development.

Musical performances on the theme of Shusha and Karabakh were also presented. Azerbaijan’s young singer Zeynab Najafova performed popular songs such as "Garabagh," "My Shusha," and "The Clouded Mountains of Shusha". Malaysian singer Royce Saayan's rendition of  "My Heaven-Garabagh" followed by a duet with Zeynab Najafova on "The Clouded Mountains of Shushawas was also part of the opening programme.

 Aybaniz Ismayilova, originally from Shusha and a professional in Shusha cuisine, presented samples of Shusha and Karabakh dishes to the guests. Participants were invited to enjoy dishes such as "Dill Plov” and "Plov with Giyma”, as well as Garabagh and Azerbaijani sweets.

The Chairwoman of  Sonmaz Mashall Cultural Relations Public Union, Shahla Naghiyeva noted that the purpose of these events was to create an understanding of Shusha's turbulent history and to highlight the role of the city, in the history and development of Azerbaijani culture.

On June 25,  a "round table" dedicated to the history of the city of Shusha was organised at the Yunus Amre Institute in Kuala Lumpur, within the framework of the "Shusha from the Perspective of  Malaysia"

The audience also had the opportunity to watch a feature-documentary film "The Clouded Mountains of Shusha".

.The Deputy Head of Mission of Turkish Embassy in Malaysia Tolga Uçak said that Shusha is a city of pride and emphasised the importance of seeing and showing the history of Shusha through film.

-- BERNAMA