In Paris, an exhibition of the famous French photographer of Azeri origin Reza Degati 'Azerbaijan – a Country of Tolerance' opened, it was visited by the First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, well-known masters of arts, public figures of France. The photographer spoke about the exhibition and about his perception of Azerbaijan in an interview to Vestnik Kavkaza.
- Which of your works are presented at the exhibition "Azerbaijan – a Country of Tolerance "?
- I devoted 35 years of my life to photography, took a lot of shots dedicated to the culture and life of Azerbaijan. Recently I published two books, both in English and in French. One of them is dedicated to the culture and history of Azerbaijan, the other – to the tragic events of the Azerbaijani people – the Karabakh war, 'Black January', the massacre in Khojaly, etc. I am currently writing my third book dedicated to tolerance in Azerbaijan.
Most of my life I worked in conflict areas, I saw how hostile to each other Jews, Muslims, Christians can be on a religious basis, in different parts of the world. And only in Azerbaijan was I able to witness a complete idyll between peoples and religions. Azerbaijan does not have such a problem as religious intolerance, there are Sunnis, Shiites, Jews and Christians, they live in peace and harmony, everyone in this country feels very cozy and comfortable. That's what I try to show in the exhibition. 70 works made in different years are presented here.
- How is Azerbaijan perceived in France?
- French people started to closely study Azerbaijan only recently. It is gratifying that in recent years such activities were carried out not only in the capital but also in other cities. Today, various cities of France are establishing relations with the regions of Azerbaijan, and slowly, that void in the relationship, which was observed until recently, is being eliminated. People are interested in my art, they show interest in everything that is connected with Azerbaijan. And that is why interest in my exhibition is very large.
- How do you assess the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the popularization of Azerbaijan in France?
- Everything that is being done here is associated primarily with the name of the first lady of Azerbaijan, Head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva. For the last few years, the Foundation has implemented many important projects in France, the purpose of which was to open Azerbaijan to France. Mrs. Mehriban is very well known here, and the public of France appreciates all the good things, which are implemented by the first lady of Azerbaijan.
- In your works, how often do you refer to the theme of tolerance?
- Over the past 35 years, I have visited more than 100 countries, I was deeply disturbed by wars, violence, motivated by religious or ideological intolerance. But still, I am an optimist and I think that one day humanity will find peace and rest. Our task in the current difficult situation, when there is chaos in many parts of the world, is to show that at this time, people live in harmony in other parts of the world. To bring an example of true tolerance, show an alternative world where Jews, Christians, Catholics, Orthodox, Muslims can live together, live under one roof and sit at the same table.
- What is the basis of your interest in Azerbaijan?
- I was born in Tabriz, of course, I am Azerbaijani. Since childhood, we never understood the concept of "two Azerbaijans." For us, it was always one. I always perceived Azerbaijan as the motherland. When I arrived in Baku for the first time in the years of Gorbachev's perestroika, I saw to what a miserable condition this rich region had been brought. People never lived there like this before. But most of all I was shocked when a little later I witnessed the fact that the world is silent while knowing about one million refugees from Karabakh.
At the time, the country faced global injustice. It seemed that the world does not know about the existence of this nation and the problems of Azerbaijan. Then I set a goal for myself, to show the world the truth and the realities of Azerbaijan.
