― 5 марта 2024 г.

Exhibition on Tomyris Khatun held in Azerbaijan

The exhibition on the legendary heroine of the Turkic World "Tomyris Khatun" held in cooperation of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Centre was inaugurated  on March 5th, 2024 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Prior to the opening of the exhibition, the  Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Kerimli visited the Heydar Aliyev Centre, met with the artists of the Turkic World and was informed about  works featured at the exhibition.

Minister Kerimli who expressed his pleasure to host valuable artists from different countries of the Turkic World in Azerbaijan  emphasised the importance of bringing together painters of kindred countries in joint projects. Minister Kerimli  further stated that as an example of these works, the exhibition on "Tomris", the emblematic female ruler and commander of the Turkic World will be open to visitors  for the first time in Baku. Minister Kerimli, who was closely interested in the paintings featured at the exhibition, wished success to  painters of the Turkic World in their future activities.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Centre was attended by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, the  Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Seadet Yusifova, the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova, state and government officials, parliamentarians and representatives of the cultural and artistic community as well as many guests.

In the speech he delivered  at the event, Secretary General Raev stated that this exhibition inaugurated on the eve of the International Women's Day on  March 8th, was dedicated to Tomyris Khatun, the first female ruler and commander, in order to highlight the importance attached  to women in the Turkic World.

Stating that the exhibition includes 35 works on the theme of "Tomyris Khatun" by 21 artists from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Türkiye, Mr. Raev said: "Many historical works have been written about the ruler-commander Tomyris, and her character was dealt with in various  cinema films and theatre works. This character, which has been treated with great interest by the painters of both the world and Turkic countries and regions, has also enriched our cultural heritage. The opening of the painting exhibition on "Tomyris Khatun" which is held  for the first time in Azerbaijan has a special significance. According to the information we have obtained from historical documents, Tomris Khatun lived in these lands and received the title of the First Female Ruler of the Turkic World.  On the occasion of this special and important exhibition, I once again greet all painters from our member countries and convey our gratitude to those among them  who could not attend our event but presented their works to your attention."

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Mrs. Seadet Yusifova stated that Tomyris Khatun who is known worldwide, is a historical figure of key importance in the Turkic World and added: "Tomyris is recognised as one of the symbolic figures of both Western and Eastern art. Although her image is remembered by the great artists, authors and other artists of the Renaissance Period through Herodotus, it has gained a new spirit and a new colour in the 21st century. Tomyris, the ruler, war commander and  elegant lady and  mother is the embodiment of many characters in one person. Hence, she has a unique place in Turkic history and culture.

The President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova who also took the floor at the event stressed that  works by artists of the  Turkic World express our common heritage, history and traditions. Mrs. Raimkulova further stressed the importance of such events in the field of culture and art and said: "Organising such events fosters ties among Turkic peoples trough bridges of friendship built on our  common roots. I would like to thank each of you for your participation in the exhibition and invite you to enjoy the art world of our own people".

The People's Artist Sakit Mammadov, whose works were also part of the exhibition, stressed  that, for the first time in the world, an exhibition on "Tomyris" was held with the contribution of the most important representatives of the art of kindred Turkic peoples.

Mr. Botagoz Tolesh, a member of the Association of Artists of Kazakhstan, Azer Turan, Editor-in-Chief of the Edebiyat Newspaper, and Salhab Mammadov, Vice-President of the Association of Painters of Azerbaijan , also delivered  speeches and touched upon the importance of the exhibition. 

The speeches were followed by a ceremony in which  plaquettes and certificates of appreciation were presented to the participants.

Painters of the Turkic World whose works were exhibited at the event were: Sakit Mammadov, Arif Eziz, Khan Ehmedov andTomyris Veliyeva  from Azerbaijan, Sembigali Smagulov, Agimsal Duzelhanov, Edilğali Bayandı, Elibi Baygojanov, Tolkin Tabısbek, Moldir Baygojanova, Bakytbek Zerde, Aytkul Tasmagambetova, Botagoz Tolesh and Rahat Saparaliyeva  from Kazakhstan, Talant Ogonbayev, Jylkici Jakypov, Rahat Itikeyev, Yuristanbek Shigayev, Eldar Aitmatov and Suyutbek Torobekov  from Kyrgyzstan, Sardor Allabergenov from Uzbekistan and Refik Aziz  from Türkiye.