BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. The first stage
of a series of events dedicated to the theme “Heydar Aliyev and
Culture”—a roundtable titled “Rashid Behbudov-110”—has been jointly
organized by the Presidential Library and the “Culture Uniting Us”
Public Association, Trend reports.
The meeting took place in the Art Hall of the Presidential
Library.
Prominent luminaries from the realms of artistic expression and
cultural discourse, embodying a diverse array of disciplines within
the Azerbaijani cultural landscape, convened at the event.
The round table opened with an introductory speech by the
Director of the Presidential Library, Professor Afat Abbasova.
Welcoming the guests, Abbasova said that the strategic vision
formed by National Leader Heydar Aliyev for the sustainable
development of cultural heritage is today being consistently and
purposefully implemented by President Ilham Aliyev and forms the
basis of modern policy.
According to her, the initiation of this sequence of occurrences
coinciding with the commemoration of Rashid Behbudov exemplifies a
coherent extension of the overarching strategy.
She also noted that the work carried out by Azerbaijan’s First
Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva in preserving, systematically
collecting, and promoting Azerbaijan’s musical heritage worldwide
holds special significance. Abbasova emphasized the exceptional
role of Mehriban Aliyeva not only in the development of musical
culture but also in presenting national cultural heritage at the
international level, making her a true patron and inspirational
figure of Azerbaijani culture.
The event showed a video dedicated to the world-renowned singer,
People’s Artist of the USSR, laureate of state awards, and Hero of
Socialist Labor Rashid Behbudov, which highlighted his rich
performance legacy, the distinctive features of his vocal school,
and his contributions to promoting Azerbaijani music worldwide.
Within the round table, People’s Artist and composer Faig
Sujaddinov, Chairman of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan Farhad
Khalilov, and Director of the Rashid Behbudov Foundation Kamil
Shahverdi shared their thoughts on the artist’s role in the
development of Azerbaijani culture, the influence of his
performance school, and innovations he introduced to music and
theater, as well as his life, creativity, and memories. During the
event, musical performances were presented by Sujaddinov, Orkhan
Jalilov, Honored Artist Emil Afrasiyab, and Honored Artist Ramil
Gasimov.
In her concluding speech, Abbasova emphasized that the
presentations and reflections voiced during the round table
contributed to a deeper understanding of Rashid Behbudov’s legacy,
and she expressed gratitude to the participants. She articulated
that this convening represents the inaugural event in the series,
and the subsequent assemblies will likewise convene prominent
luminaries of Azerbaijani cultural heritage.
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