Elchin Amirbekov: "Heydar Aliyev Foundation committed to preservation of world cultural heritage"

The First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, along with well-known public and political figures of France took part in the official opening ceremony of the Azerbaijani Village, organized with the support of the Foundation in Paris. Azerbaijani Ambassador to France Elchin Amirbekov told Vestnik Kavkaza about the promotion of Azerbaijani culture in France.

- What is the meaning of the Azerbaijani Village held in these days in Paris for promotion of Azerbaijani culture in France?

- The opening of the Azerbaijani Village and the realization of the project is part of the cultural diplomacy being carried out by Azerbaijan abroad, including in European countries, in France, with the aim of strengthening cultural ties between the two countries, and at the same time for a more extensive public awareness, the French public, in this case, about the realities of Azerbaijan, to acquaint them with the culture, music and various aspects of the life of the republic. Therefore, we believe that the realization of the project is positive in terms of strengthening bilateral relations in general.

-  The Azerbaijani Village is being held in France for the third time. What is the main difference between this event and the previous ones?

- This project has been implemented in other areas of Paris. Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, and the first Azerbaijani Village was held two years ago in the sixth arrondissement of Paris, and a year ago – in the first arrondissement, close to the Louvre. Now it is located near the Champs de Mars. The Azerbaijani Village's differences are that, firstly, we have been able to agree with the district mayor's office to expand the area of ​​the village, due to which we presented to the French public artifacts and objects that are part of the "village" more extensively and in detail. Secondly, the subject is much broader. There are not only cultural aspects, but also exhibitions devoted to tolerance, including religious, and the cultural diversity of Azerbaijan. I will note that 2016 was declared the year of multiculturalism in our country. In addition, two exhibitions are devoted to Ganja and Gabala – the ancient Azerbaijani city. Also, this year Azerbaijan is marking the 25th anniversary of the restoration of independence, part of the extended exposition of the Azerbaijani Village is dedicated to this.

- What has changed in the last year, since the last such event, in the French perception of Azerbaijan and its culture?

- The interest of the French people in Azerbaijan has increased dramatically in the last five-six years, this is evidenced by the increased number of French tourists in the republic and the number of French people who visit many cultural events organized in France by the Embassy, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, as well as other state structures. This year the number of visitors has increased by a third: the French marvel at seeing Azerbaijan once again and discovering some new aspects of its life. That is why the content of this year's Azerbaijani Village was broader, richer and much more detailed. Those who are passionate about our country have had a good opportunity to plunge into Azerbaijani culture in the center of Paris.

- What is the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the preservation and protection of French historical heritage?

- The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been continuing its activities to preserve not only the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan, but also the world's cultural heritage for more than 10 years, carrying out great work in a large number of countries, including in Europe. In France the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has taken part in a number of projects which were aimed at preserving French cultural heritage. For example, its participation in the restoration of the stained glass windows of Strasbourg Cathedral, the reconstruction of the Palace of Versailles, participation in the establishment of the department of Islamic art in the Musée du Louvre. The funds of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation helped restore dozens of small rural churches in the Upper Normandy region, and so on. Thus, Azerbaijan demonstrates its commitment to the preservation of world cultural heritage, regardless of the culture or civilization. We should consider in this context, for example, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's funding of the restoration of the Roman catacombs and other objects of cultural and historical value, which are included on the list of protection in many other states.

- How can such cultural events contribute to the strengthening of relations between Azerbaijan and France?

- I think that they contribute to this directly, because it is not just about maintaining a high level of political, economic and commercial relations: in my opinion, the development and deepening of cultural and humanitarian ties plays one of the main roles in the relations between states. Such an active cultural diplomacy of Azerbaijan in France, which is one of the leading countries in Europe, plays a positive role and positively affects the general dynamics of the development of our bilateral relations.