Shusha: On July 17, another edition of the Vagif Poetry Days kicked off in Shusha, organized by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The event, held under the slogan "The Story of the Word", was attended by Aydin Karimov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha, Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture, state and government officials, as well as scientists and cultural figures.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Sultan Raev, Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), addressed the gathering, emphasizing Vagif's significant literary contributions. Raev noted that Vagif's poetry celebrates the beauty of nature and a love for humanity, serving as a historical bridge between generations. He underscored the importance of preserving the memory of literary figures such as Vagif, Samad Vurghun, Khagani Shirvani, Mahammadhuseyn Shahriyar, and Ashig Alasgar.
People's Poet Vahid Aziz reflected on the evolution of the Vagif Poetry Days, highlighting its growing impact each year. Rashad Majid, Chairman of the Press Council and Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, remarked on the enhanced solemnity of the festival following Azerbaijan's significant victory, which led to the liberation of Shusha. He recounted the festival's traditional journey from Vagif's birthplace, Gazakh, concluding in Shusha's Jidir Duzu plain. Since Shusha's liberation, the city has become the festival's permanent venue, celebrating it as the cultural capital of Azerbaijan.
The festival also included the awards ceremony for the 2nd Turkic World Young Poets Festival, organized in collaboration with TURKSOY. A cultural program featured a stage performance titled 'The Hunter of the Word - My Heart Passes Through Karabakh,' marking the 120th anniversary of People's Poet Samad Vurghun. Following the performance, attendees enjoyed a concert program.
Commencing on July 16 in Gazakh, the Motherland of Molla Panah Vagif, the poetry festival is set to conclude on July 18 in Shusha, offering a rich cultural celebration in Azerbaijan's cultural capital.