The concert was organized by the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Swiss Confederation.
The event was attended by Swiss officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Switzerland, member of the Milli Majlis, head of the working group on Azerbaijani-Swiss Interparliamentary Relations Hijran Huseynova, scientists and artists, members of local communities and the Azerbaijani Diaspora.
In his speech at the event, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Switzerland Fuad Isgandarov spoke about Heydar Aliyev’s unprecedented contributions to his homeland and people during his time at the helm of the country. He pointed out that in a difficult geopolitical period, when Azerbaijan faced the threat of losing its newfound independence and being divided, as well as Armenia’s military aggression, was paralyzed by political, economic and social crises, Heydar Aliyev came to power and, saving the country from recession, led it to progress, making sure that Azerbaijan’s independence would become eternal, unshakable and irrevocable. The brilliant leader decided the historical fate of the republic thanks to his management skills, perseverance and determination.
The Ambassador stressed that Azerbaijan is one of the key transport and communication hubs in Eurasia and spoke about the importance of the international conference dedicated to the restoration of the historical Silk Road (TRACECA) held in Baku on the initiative of national leader Heydar Aliyev.
The diplomat noted that intensifying ties with Turkic-speaking countries had always been the focus of the great leader’s attention. It is no coincidence that musicians from 7 Turkic countries, representing Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Hungary, participated in the concert devoted to the 100th birthday of the national leader today.
President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Gunay Efendiyeva spoke about the political activity of great leader Heydar Aliyev and his unique contribution to the development of Azerbaijan. She said that Heydar Aliyev was a great son of Azerbaijan and Turkic world, a brilliant leader who created vast opportunities for the development of our state. Emphasizing that the great leader attached great importance to the values of multiculturalism and tolerance, G. Efendiyeva said that modern Azerbaijan, founded by Heydar Aliyev, has restored its territorial integrity, that it is an independent country where the environment of ethnic, cultural and religious diversity is fostered at the national level. Highlighting great leader Heydar Aliyev’s exceptional achievements in the restoration of relations among Turkic nations and the deepening of ties, the president of the foundation spoke about the cooperation established on the initiative of the national leader with influential international organizations of the world. She recalled what the great leader said in his speech when the Republic of Azerbaijan became a full member of the Council of Europe: “We should all rely on the search for unity in diversity, and not transform our differences into contradictions. We are all different, but we speak the same language, the language of a united Europe, the language of freedom, democracy and law. And our strength lies in that.”
G. Efendiyeva spoke about the mission, goals and activities of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and presented the musical group Seven Beauties, founded under the auspices of the foundation and composed of talented professional female musicians representing Turkic states. She pointed out that despite its young age, the group has successfully performed at events organized by the foundation in various countries.
The event continued with a concert program. Musicians from 7 countries, led by Türkiye-based Azerbaijani pianist and conductor, Honored Artist Turan Manafzade, performed music by Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkish, Uzbek, Turkmen, Hungarian and world composers. The audience enjoyed works by Uzeyir Hajibeyov, Fikret Amirov, Azerbaijani folk songs “Sari Gelin”, “Lachin”. Pieces “Turkey 100” by T. Manafzade and “Intermezzo” by Seven Beauties were performed for the first time.
After the concert, the participants were treated to delicious dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine.
