― 4 июля 2025 г.
14th International ‘Silk Road’ Music Festival of Sheki
The 14th International ‘Silk Road’ Music Festival of Sheki has begun with great enthusiasm in Sheki, one of Azerbaijan's cradles of art and culture.
Organised in cooperation of TURKSOY with the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, the Association of Composers' of Azerbaijan, and the City Administration of Sheki, the festival features renowned music ensembles and famous musicians from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and China. The festival's first day began with a concert at the ‘Yukarı Kervansaray’ hotel complex, one of the historical sites of Sheki.
With the support of the Baku International Centre of Multiculturalism, the concert featured a colourful programme of choral performances, songs, and dances by minority groups living in Azerbaijan. Performances by folklore ensembles from the Talish, Avar, Lezgi, Molokan, and Tat communities were strongly appreciated by the audience.
The ‘Cahan’ Avar Folk Ensemble, the ‘Hovalim’ Talysh Folklore Ensemble, the ‘Suvar’ Lezgi Song and Dance Ensemble, the “Slavyanoçka” Russian Folk Choir, and the ‘Kınayakdı’ Tat Folklore Ensemble performed traditional songs and famous melodies of their own peoples.
The festival started with a performance of the ensemble of kindred Turkish artists.
The official opening ceremony of the festival was held at the Summer Theatre of the ‘Marhal’ recreation complex. On the first day of the festival, the concert area was decorated with the flags of both countries to mark the performance of Turkish artists.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the concert, the Governor of Sheki Mr. Elhan Usubov emphasised that the ‘Silk Road’ International Music Festival of Sheki which is held annually, is an important event in the city's cultural life. Usubov also noted that the event holds special importance in terms of the promotion of Azerbaijan's rich historical and cultural heritage and the development of the region's tourism potential. Governor Usubov also highlighted Sheki's natural beauty, its historical architectural sites, unique traditions, precious handicrafts, delicious cuisine, and hospitable residents.
The festival's artistic director, President of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, member of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan and People's Artist of Azerbaijan, Prof. Firengiz Alizade, stated that the 14th International ‘Silk Road’ Music Festival will once again bring music lovers together this year, delighting fans and offering them unforgettable moments together with the people of Şeki and guests.
Mr. Elchin Gafarlı, the representative of Azerbaijan to TURKSOY, emphasised the contribution of TURKSOY to the festival and stated that it continues to fulfil its mission as a unifying force for culture and art in the Turkic world.
The official speeches were followed by a concert featuring performances of the Education Centre of Sivas for Folk Music and the Folk Dance Association from Türkiye.
The folk music melodies performed by the group, along with Turkish folk dances such as ‘Halay,’ ‘Horon,’ ‘Zeybek,’ ‘Bar,’ ‘Kaşık,’ and ‘Karşılama,’ attracted great interest from the audience.
The colourful concert ended with a closing ceremony in which the ensemble was handed over the festival's symbol by the Governor of Sheki Mr. Elhan Usubov and a plaquette of TURKSOY by the representative of Azerbaijan to TURKSOY Mr. Elçin Gafarlı.
