― 21 февраля 2025 г.
Opening Ceremony of the Comemmorative Year of Bahtiyar Vahabzade held in TURKSOY Headquarters
The International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) hosted the opening ceremony of the Comemmorative Year of Bahtiyar Vahabzade, the great Azerbaijani poet on the 100th anniversary of his birthday. The ceremony was attended by high-level officials from Azerbaijan and Türkiye, prominent figures of literature and art as well as representatives of TURKSOY member countries.
Opening speech by TURKSOY Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf
Delivering the opening speech of the ceremony, TURKSOY Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf conveyed the greetings of TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev and emphasised the importance of Bahtiyar Vahabzade for the Turkic World. Mr. Yusuf further said: ‘Bahtiyar Vahabzade is a common heritage not only of Azerbaijan but also of the entire Turkic World. His works have made a great contribution to the preservation of Turkic culture and language. Today, we have come together here to pass on his legacy to future generations. Bahtiyar Vahabzade's works and thoughts will be promoted in Türkiye, Azerbaijan and other Turkic republics throughout 2025’.
Vahabzade was a brave intellectual who defended Turkic identity and language even during the Soviet era
The Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Ferid Caferov who touched upon the role of Bahtiyar Vahabzade in Azerbaijan's struggle for independence further said: ‘Vahabzade was a brave intellectual who defended Turkic identity and language even in during the Soviet Era. His poems nurtured the spirit of independence of Azerbaijan. Today, with his legacy, we are further strengthening the unity of the Turkic World.’ Deputy Minister Caferov also stressed the importance of efforts to preserve and promote the common cultural heritage of the Turkic World.
Vahabzade was not only a poet, but also a man of ideas
The Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye Dr. Serdar Çam who also took the floor at the event stated that Bahtiyar Vahabzade was a unifying figure for the Turkic World and said: ‘Vahabzade was not only a poet, but also a man of ideas. His works strengthened the common memory and identity of the Turkish nation. Today, with his legacy, we are further developing the cultural cooperation among Turkic states.’ Mr. Çam concluded his speech expressing his gratitude to TURKSOY for hosting this meaningful event.
Two sons of one mother, two branches of a tree
Delivering a speech at the event, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Ankara, H. E. Mr. Reşad Memmedov stressed that Bahtiyar Vahabzade was a poet who strengthened the ties of brotherhood between Türkiye and Azerbaijan and said: ‘Vahabzade has found a place in the hearts of both countries with his lines “Two sons of one mother, two branches of one tree”. His legacy is a great source of inspiration for the unity and solidarity of the Turkic World.’
Homeland
After the opening speeches, the event went on with a short film on Bahtiyar Vahabzade's life and work followed by a performance of the Polyphonic Choir of the Turkish Radio and Television of Ankara which took the scene under its Choirmaster and State Artist of Azerbaijan Mrs. Elnara Kerimova and sang famous works composed by Vahabzade such as ‘Ana Torpaq’ and ‘Azerbaijan-Türkiye’ with Mrs. Naile Ahmedova accompanying the choir on the piano.
Panel on the Life and Work of Bahtiyar Vahabzade
The second part of the event featured a panel on Bahtiyar Vahabzade's life, works and contributions to the Turkic World. At the panel, the People's Poet of Azerbaijan Mr. Sabir Rustemkhanli presented a paper entitled ‘Bahtiyar Vahabzade and the Independence Movement of Azerbaijan’ in which he explained the role of Vahabzade in the struggle for independence and the impact of his poems on the people. The President of the National Library of Azerbaijan Prof. Dr. Kerim Tahirov who also took the floor at the panel presented a paper on ‘Bahtiyar Vahabzade and the Turkic World: Introduction of the Electronic Information Database’ in which he talked about the project aiming at the transfer of Vahabzade's works to the digital media to ensure the access of future generations thereto. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rıza Heyet from the Ankara University presented a paper entitled ‘Bahtiyar Vahabzade in my memories’ in which he shared his personal memories with Vahabzade and made a presentation on his personality as an artist as well as his devotion to humanity. Prof. Dr. Alizade Asgerli, the Deputy Director of the Institute of Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi who also delivered a speech under the motto ‘Azerbaijanism, Turkism and Turanism in Bahtiyar Vahabzade's Creativity’shed light upon the unity and cultural heritage of the Turkic World and the way these subjects are dealt with in Vahabzade's works.
Poetry Recital and Mugham concert
The panel was followed by a recital of Bahtiyar Vahabzade's poems featuring performances of Mrs. Solmaz Ismayılova, student of the Ankara University and Mrs.Victoria Burca, student of the Gazi University in Azerbaijani and Turkish languages.
The last part of the event featured exquisite examples of mugham, the traditional music of Azerbaijan. The mugham performance of Mrs. Melekhanım Eyubova, State Artist of Azerbaijan accompanied by Araz Ağaverdiyev (kamancha), Ramin Abdullayev (nagara) and Altay Niftaliyev (tar). The colourful performance of the Mugham Ensemble was highly appreciated by the participants and added a special meaning to the event.
Bahtiyar Vahabzade's legacy is kept alive
The event held as the opening ceremony of the Commemorative Year of Bahtiyar Vahabzade declared by TURKSOY on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Birthday of Bahtiyar Vahabzade has been an important step in the efforts to preserve the common cultural heritage of the Turkic World and pass it on to future generations. The event ended with a group photograph after the handover of souvenirs to the participants.
TURKSOY will continue to promote the precious legacy of Bakhtiyar Vahabzade throughout 2025.
