President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Gunay Afandiyeva participated in the event “Witness of the past and future humanity” dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the world-famous photographer Reza Deghati. The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

The event was attended by Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Anar Karimov, officials, ambassadors, culture and art figures.

Speaking at the event, Gunay Afandiyeva shared her memories of Reza Deghati. The president of the Foundation emphasized that many Azerbaijanis were invited to the country through the “Vatan” Society, created in the 80s of the last century, which laid the foundation of the current State Committee on Work with Diaspora and whose main goal was to establish contact between countrymen living outside Azerbaijan and introduce them to the country. Gunay Afandiyeva pointed out that Reza Deghati has a special place among these people: “This is how his connection, cooperation with Azerbaijan was born. He was a professional photojournalist who, although young in those years, had already had a say in his field. He conveyed the truth to the world community by photographing the hottest spots of the world. Then, in bloody January and in all the well-known Karabakh events, he boldly demonstrated the realities of Azerbaijan to the world, honestly fulfilled his duty to the Motherland. When looking at Reza Deghati’s photos, people are both impressed and express admiration.”

Gunay Afandiyeva noted that under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, a new history was written in the chronicle of the Turkic world by heroic Azerbaijani soldiers and proud days were lived with the return of lands. Gunay Afandiyeva stated that Reza Deghati was closely involved in many events held by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in various countries under the leadership of First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, and in the projects of the “Justice for Khojaly” campaign initiated by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva: “Along with the truths of Azerbaijan, Reza Deghati demonstrated the history, culture and traditions of Azerbaijan at the international level.”

Gunay Afandiyeva emphasized the constant participation of Reza Deghati along with the representatives of foreign states in Azerbaijan during visits to the regions of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation as well as assessing him as a true person of the world.

Then, Gunay Afandiyeva presented to the world-famous photographer the painting “Kharibulbul” by People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Arif Huseynov, as well as an official congratulatory letter from the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.

Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency