In the grandeur of the Nieuwe Kerk of The Hague, an evening of cultural celebration unfolds. Ambassadors, special guests, and music lovers friends of Azerbaijan gather for a spectacle of Azerbaijani classical music, an homage to the nation’s rich heritage and its commitment to global cultural dialogue.
Hosted by His Excellency Mr. Rahman Mustafayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and His Excellency Mr. Seymur Fataliyev, Secretary-General of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO, this event commemorates the 30th anniversary of the establishment of National Commission of Azerbaijan for UNESCO.
As the audience settles into the pews of the baroque-style church, Ambassador Mustafayev welcomes them to an evening of musical enchantment. The ambiance is imbued with reverence for the centuries-old tradition of Azerbaijani classical music, a tapestry woven from the threads of history, geography, and cultural diversity. In his address, the Ambassador emphasizes the profound significance of music as a medium for storytelling, emotional expression, and cultural preservation.
Azerbaijani music, with its intricate melodies and poetic lyricism, embodies a harmonious fusion of East and West, reflecting the nation’s diverse cultural landscape.
“We are immensely proud that Mugham and the music of Ashig, as well as national musical instruments of Azerbaijan such as “Kamancha’’ and “Tar” are recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. To date, 23 cultural heritage samples of Azerbaijan were inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. This underscores the global importance and the vital role of Azerbaijani culture in fostering cultural diversity and human creativity.”
Beyond the realm of music, Azerbaijan’s commitment to UNESCO’s mission is exemplified through its initiatives in education and cultural preservation. The country’s support for the UNESCO Global Education Coalition reflects a dedication to advancing access to quality education, particularly for marginalized communities. By allocating resources to initiatives that promote gender equality and connectivity, Azerbaijan exemplifies the transformative power of education in fostering social inclusion and sustainable development.
As the concert unfolds, the audience is treated to excelent performances by Azerbaijani musicians, including merited artist Jeyla Seyidova, opera singer Afag Abbasova, and Tar virtuoso Ibrahim Babayev. Their virtuosity and passion pay homage to the luminaries of Azerbaijani classical music—visionaries such as Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Gara Garayev, and Fikrat Amirov, whose compositions have left an indelible mark on the world stage.
Through excerpts from iconic operas and ballets, the audience embarks on a musical journey that traverses the landscapes of Azerbaijani folklore and mythology. From the timeless tale of “Leyli and Majnun” to the evocative melodies of “Seven Beauties” and “Path of Thunder,” each composition is an example to the strong legacy of Azerbaijani composers and their ability to captivate audiences with their creativity and innovation.
In commemorating 30 years of collaboration with UNESCO, Azerbaijan reaffirms its role as a custodian of cultural diversity and a champion of global cultural diplomacy.
