Azerbaijan’s 2015 folk art capitals named

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

The towns of Shamakhi and Gakh have been named the folk art capitals of Azerbaijan for 2015.

Shamakhi has been named the literature capital, while Gakh has become the national cuisine capital of Azerbaijan.

The ceremony of folk art capitals was held at the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum on March 4.

Addressing the event Abulfaz Garayev, the culture and tourism minister noted the country pays great attention to the preservation and development of Azerbaijani intangible cultural heritage.

He explained that the measure aims to preserve such cultural heritage as folk, local history and crafts.

“The intangible cultural heritage of Azerbaijan is based on trends of species and forms of modern society’s popular culture. To preserve it the government prepares special projects. As "Capitals of folk art in 2010-2014" program has given positive results. So, within the new program in 2015, Shamakhi was declared “Literature capital of Azerbaijan”, and Gakh “National cuisine capital of Azerbaijan,” he said.

Vugar Mammadov, the adviser of folk art and the intangible cultural heritage department of the ministry talked about the measures held in 2014, when Azerbaijani region Gabala was named the capital of legends, Balakan region was named the capital of folklore and Absheron region was the capital of crafts.

Later, representatives of Shamakhi and Gakh executive powers gave information about numerous ceremonies, national and international scientific conferences, round tables, concerts, competitions, festivals, exhibitions, fairs, and info-tours to be held.

The activities within the framework of the "Capitals of folk art in 2010-2014" program are held as a tradition.

The measure aims to preserve Azerbaijani intangible cultural heritage, achieve international recognition of folklore bands and performers, craftsmen, national traditions and customs, and support Azerbaijani regions and cities, as well as develop domestic and international tourism.

Shamakhi, rich with its mountain forests and meadows lies 122 km west of the capital city.

In its history eleven major earthquakes have rocked Shamakhi, but through multiple reconstructions it maintained its role as the economic and administrative capital of Shirvan and one of the key towns on the Silk Road. The only building to have survived eight of the eleven earthquakes is the landmark Juma Mosque of Shamakhi, built in the 10th century.

The region is famous for its traditional dancers, and also for giving its name to the Soumak rugs.

Shamakhi since ancient times has been famous as Azerbaijan's carpet weaving center. A carpet factory still operates here. The favorable climate of the region is also favorable for wine growing.

Gakh is a pleasant and tranquil provincial town, northwest of the country’s Sheki region.

The town's name translates as "fortress". Historical sites abound in Gakh region. Artificial hills suggest that the region was already inhabited in the Bronze Age.