Paris: A concert program dedicated to the 140th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibeyli, the founder of Azerbaijani national music and author of the first opera in the East, was held at UNESCO headquarters. The composer, renowned for creating Azerbaijan's National Anthem, was celebrated in an event organized by Azerbaijan's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO and the France-Azerbaijan Dialogue Association.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Elman Abdullayev, Permanent Delegate of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, addressed the audience, expressing that commemorating Hajibeyli's 140th anniversary reflects deep respect for the composer's life and creative legacy. He emphasized the event's focus on the unifying power of music, its role in fostering intercultural dialogue, and its importance to universal human values. Abdullayev highlighted Hajibeyli's exceptional contribution to shaping Azerbaijan's national musical identity.
Isa Habibbayli, President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, also spoke, noting that Hajibeyli's works have transcended Azerbaijan's borders, appearing on world stages and acting as a cultural bridge between nations. The celebration of Uzeyir Hajibeyli's 140th anniversary at an international cultural platform such as UNESCO underscores the significance of his legacy to all of humanity.