On May 31, 2023, the closing ceremony of the VI International Painting Festival "Nakhchivan - Cradle of Humanity" dedicated to the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev was held at the Nakhchivan "Youth" Center.

First, the dear memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the spirit of our martyrs were honored.

Chairman of the Union of Artists of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Honored Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ulviyya Hamzayeva said that the VI International Painting Festival "Nakhchivan - Cradle of Humanity" hosted by Nakhchivan and attended by artists from 11 countries was remembered with pleasant moments. The artists created beautiful works of art related to the history, culture and art monuments of our country, as well as the ancient land of Nakhchivan. A grand opening ceremony of the exhibition of works painted in the Bahruz Kangarli Exhibition Hall of the Union of Artists was held. We invite all art lovers to get acquainted with the works of artists.

At the end of her speech, Ulviyya Hamzayeva expressed her gratitude to Fuad Najafli, the authorized representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Culture Committee of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Culture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and all the organizations that supported the festival, including "Jahan Holding".

Then diplomas and gifts were presented to the artists. Our national dances, performed by the dance group of the Music College of Nakhchivan State University, created a good mood in the participants. A commemorative photo was taken with the artists. It should be noted that artists from foreign countries such as Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Russia, Finland, and Poland participated in the VI International Painting Festival "Nakhchivan - Cradle of Humanity" this year. The biography of the artists and their works will be placed in the catalog, which will be printed as a souvenir.

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As we previously reported, on May 29-31, the VI International Painting Festival "Nakhchivan - Cradle of Humanity" dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev was organized in Nakhchivan. On May 31, guests visited Bahruz Kangarli Museum within the framework of the festival. The organizers and participants of the festival shared their impressions with the "East Gate" newspaper.

Ulviyya Hamzayeva - Chairperson of the Union of Artists of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Honored Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan: - The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, signed the relevant Decree on the declaration of 2023 as the "Year of Heydar Aliyev". Based on this, numerous events are organized in the autonomous republic, the anniversary of the Great Leader is solemnly celebrated. In Nakhchivan, one of the ancient and beautiful corners of our country, the biennial festival, which has been held every two years since 2012, and which is the sixth in number, is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev this year. This festival, organized by the Union of Artists of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, was remembered with interesting moments. You know that Nakhchivan is known for its science, art and political figures. Nakhchivan is the birthplace of Heydar Aliyev, the founder of independent Azerbaijan, the National Leader of our people. The prominent statesman paid attention and care to art and artists during both periods of his political leadership in the country, and was their patron in the truest sense of the word. One of his contributions to the development of our culture and art is the creation of the Nakhchivan Organization of the Union of Azerbaijan Artists in 1971 on the basis of the order of the Great Leader. Today, this creative organization, which continues to operate as a "union", continues its activities based on the demands of the day, and the political legacy of the Great Leader, multifaceted activities are constantly reflected in the activities of Nakhchivan artists. Today, the voices of the members of the Nakhchivan Union of Artists come from outside the republic, from high and prestigious exhibitions and temples of science in other countries.

About the festival, let me say that since 2012, many artists from Azerbaijan and abroad have participated in ArtFest, which has gathered famous artists who are "Peace Heralds" around them, and magnificent works reflecting our history, culture, and national values have been created. Our wish is that in the future the Museum of Modern Art will be opened in Nakhchivan and the paintings will be displayed there.

"Nakhchivan - Cradle of Humanity" VI International Painting Festival was great. 52 artists from many countries of the world showed their skills at Ajami promenade. Our artists shared their experience with other artists here. Young artist students of Nakhchivan State University and Nakhchivan Teachers' Institute sponsored by the Union of Artists participated in the festival and got to know well-known artists and their works. Very good conditions were created for this. I express my gratitude to everyone who supported the organization of the festival.

Irina Eldarova - Azerbaijan

Honored artist of the moment: - I am happy to be in Nakhchivan. This is my fourth visit here. I am pleased to participate in the festival on the 100th anniversary of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev. Every time I come to Nakhchivan, it has become an incredible holiday for me. It is the same today. We visited Nakhchivan, the nature here caresses the human soul. The festival was very nice. Here, together with our artist friends from different countries, we created various paintings dedicated to Nakhchivan. The mood was good, everything went well. The works we drew will remain in Nakhchivan and will be exhibited in the museum. Our interviewee from Poland, Katya Sokolova Zuzak, is originally from Russia, but has been living in Poland for forty years and continues her work there. Mrs. Katya says that she came to Nakhchivan for the first time four years ago: - Since then, she has loved this land, its hospitality, culture, and the smiles on people's faces. Although he wanted to come before this festival, it was not possible for certain reasons. He is here because of this festival, very happy and joyful. During our conversation with Ms. Katya, she graciously conveyed her congratulations to the people of our country, where she was a guest, on the occasion of May 28 - Independence Day, which we celebrated two days ago, and wished happiness and love to the people of Azerbaijan. We also thanked Mrs. Katya for these good wishes and congratulations. My interviewee Intigam Agayev, who was invited to the festival on behalf of Sumgait city artists, said that 3 artists from Sumgait city were invited to the festival: - This is my fifth visit to Nakhchivan city. I believe that the city of Nakhchivan, which is native to everyone, is the cradle of humanity. Looking at the places we are familiar with, it is impossible not to admire Nakhchivan. At the festival, the exhibition of handicrafts of students of Nakhchivan State University aroused our interest. On behalf of all my colleagues, I express my deep gratitude to the Chairman of the Union of Artists of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Ulviyya Hamzayeva, for inviting us. I hope that Nakhchivan, where our national and moral values are kept alive and is known in the world for its high art, will often host such events in the future. We will be happy to come and participate.

Among the festival participants, we had a conversation with Hülya Sezgin from Izmir, Turkey. Mrs. Hulya said that this is her fourth participation in the festivals organized in Nakhchivan: - Even though we always maintain relations as "one nation, two states", it is very nice to get to know the handicrafts exhibited at such festivals, meet our artist friends, exchange ideas, and make new friends. . This festival also shows that the field of art in Azerbaijan is developing further and there are enough talented artists. I was also proud to be a participant of this festival.

Another artist, Tolga Akalın, who participated in the festival from Turkey, says that this is his first visit to Nakhchivan. He said that Nakhchivan is a very well-developed city than what he heard and thought. He noted that he liked the patterns he saw on the buildings while walking around the city and that art is kept together with modernity in this land. The interviewer also said that familiarization with the Heydar Aliyev Museum gave him a good impression of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people. Tolga Akal, who said that she is proud to be a brother of Azerbaijan, emphasized that she was happy to participate in the festival, and after seeing the beauties of Nakhchivan, she is thinking of traveling to other regions of our country. Nafisa Gilmanova participated in the festival from Uzbekistan. He said that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have close and strong ties of friendship. Here we understand each other well. I am happy to be in Nakhchivan. The architectural structure of Nakhchivan is beautiful, the natural scenery is attractive. I was interested in the history of the Momina khat monument that we were standing in front of, and the fact that it was built in honor of a woman, and I decided to depict a historical female character - the Momina khat - in the painting I will work on. It is gratifying that such events are organized and our cultural relations and friendships are getting stronger.

Festival participant, businesswoman Songul Bashar noted that she has been coming and going to Azerbaijan for 8 years. But this is the first time he participates in such a festival and feels a great honor. Only art and culture can conquer a person's heart and soul. As two friendly and brotherly countries, it is very valuable to keep art and culture together. Nakhchivan is the cradle of art, and this art is in harmony with its people and spirituality, - added Ms. Söngul.

Guntaj SHAHMOMMADLI

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Bulbul Guliyeva