The Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijani embassy in France organized an exhibition marking the 900th anniversary of Azerbaijani poetess Mahsati Ganjavi in the Palace of Tau in Reims, France.
Opening the exhibition, administrator of the palace Benua-Anri Papuno said such events have an exceptional role in helping people belonging to various cultures to get to know each other better. He said the exhibits showcased point to ancient and rich culture of Azerbaijan.
In turn, Deputy Mayor of Reims Jacques Quen said he was pleased that Azerbaijan participates in an international fair in Reims for the first time, adding that Azerbaijani artists would perform in Reims Conservatoire as part of a series of events celebrating Ganjavi’s anniversary.
Noting that Azerbaijan is rich in cultural values, Quen said he was confident that the exhibits displayed here would get the people in this city to see Azerbaijan as an ancient country.
Jean-Paul Bashi, chairman of the Regional Council of Champagne-Ardenne, said he visited Azerbaijan as part of a French delegation a few weeks ago to attend the 3rd World Humanitarian Forum. He said Azerbaijan is located at the intersection of two continents, on border with Muslim countries and at the crossroads of civilizations.
Emphasizing that Azerbaijan is rich in natural resources, particularly, oil and gas, he added that Baku and Ganja are largest cities of the country and both have acquired modern look lately. He noted Reims University is interested in building ties with Ganja State University.
Recalling that he participated in a wine festival in Ganja, Jean-Paul Bashi said Champagne-Ardenne is known for its wines worldwide, and that they attach importance to cooperation with Ganja in this area. He underlined growing tourism potential of Azerbaijan and a need to build ties in this field, too.
He said Mahsati Ganjavi is not only known for rubais (quatrains) where she glorifies the beauties of her homeland, but also as a singer of lyric love songs.
Counselor of the Azerbaijani embassy in France Nigar Huseynova said Mahsati Ganjavi, who was the 12th century poetess, writer, artist and master of calligraphy, was born and created her works in Ganja, one of the culture centers of East Renaissance.
She said Ganjavi’s works are marked out by their worldliness, humanity and optimism and that her ideas are still relevant though 900 years have passed.
Huseynova said schools and streets are named after Ganjavi in Azerbaijan, a monument to her was built in her hometown in 1980. She added President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on her 900th anniversary, her rubais were translated into various languages upon the initiative of President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva and that she has also been commemorated by UNESCO.
Ganja Mayor Elmar Valiyev said being second largest city of Azerbaijan, Ganja is also an ancient center of art and culture and great writers like Nizami Ganjavi and Mahsati Ganjavi originated from this city.
He said he was proud that 870th anniversary of Nizami Ganjavi and 900th anniversary of Mahsati Ganjavi are marked in Azerbaijan and abroad under the presidential decree. He noted that Ganja was announced Capital of European Youth 2016.
Valiyev said Heydar Aliyev Foundation led by First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva implements significant projects to promote cultural values of Azerbaijan in France and that a ceremonial event about Azerbaijan which also involved the First lady was held in Reims last year.
Vice-President of Reims University, Professor Nuraddin Manamanni said they were interested in building ties with Ganja State University, including bilateral cooperation and exchange of students.
Women’s clothing dating back to the period of Mahsati Ganjavi, carpets reflecting illustrations of the poetess` works, samples of old coins, pieces of copper and pottery works, porcelain and other exhibits caused great interest among the visitors.

AzerTAc