The Azerbaijani Diaspora worldwide celebrated the Day of Baku. The people of Baku, including those who live abroad, congratulated each other with this unofficial holiday on social networks and forums.
Vestnik Kavkaza gathered what prominent Russian politicians and figures of culture and art think about Azerbaijan's capital.
Baku is a city of perfect harmony, which combines the present and traditions, the first deputy chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture, a representative of the executive body of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Lilia Gumerova, told Vestnik Kavkaza.
"I was impressed by its skyscrapers, modern residential buildings and the infrastructure. The Old Town touched me deeply. We had an opportunity and joy to be there, to walk through its streets. It was an unforgettable experience, and the Old Town has an amazing atmosphere: old traditions and Caucasian ‘flavor.’ You can see it in every shop, in every vendor of souvenirs. This atmosphere left very good memories. So Baku is a city of perfect harmony for me. It is still great that it combines these features," the senator said.
The member of the Committee of the Federation Council on Social Policy, the representative of the executive body of state power of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, Eduard Isakov, also expressed his admiration about Baku. He said that he would be pleased to visit Baku again. "Baku is a beautiful city and Azerbaijan is a beautiful country and we just be glad for you," he noted.
The member of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Construction, the senator from the Magadan Region, Anatoly Shirokov, shared with Vestnik Kavkaza his dream of visiting the capital of Azerbaijan. "Baku is called the 'Caspian Odessa', because there is a great mix of different cultures and peoples that created the unique atmosphere of Baku, which the city of Odessa also has. In this sense, it is based on the thesis that the Caucasus is a dream for me. And Baku is one part of this dream," the politician said.
People's Artist of Russia, laureate of international competitions, soloist of the Moscow State Philharmonic, an Academic of the Academy of Natural Sciences, professor and head of the Department of Special Piano of the Gnessin Music College, Yuri Rozum, said that Baku is a "city of profound, ancient culture, which is interesting to everyone". "And its external appearance and its musicians, its traditions. The amazing jazz musicians are famous all over the world. Also, it is communication, the Azerbaijani people are incredible friendly, hospitable. Especially in this regard, it must be said about the cuisine of Azerbaijan. It is a sunny country, a country which, of course, went through incredible hardships and tragedies, but it has retained a love and joy of life. Therefore, a visit to Baku is always like a touch of the sun's rays. In all senses, both spiritual and physical," he said.
