TODAY.AZ / Baku-2015

Nakhchivan welcomes flame of Baku 2015

28 April 2015 [12:43] - TODAY.AZ

/By AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

The Baku 2015 torch arrived in the western part of Azerbaijan – Nakhchivan on April 27.

The torch of the inaugural European Games started its journey from Baku, where it was lit by President Ilham Aliyev in the ancient temple of Ateshgah on April 26. In some 48 days, it will cover 60 regions to show the diversity and richness of Azerbaijan, to finally arrive in the magnificent Baku National Stadium on June 12.

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, one of the most ancient dwelling locations of Azerbaijan, is the first stopover on the Journey of the Flame.

The capital city Nakhchivan marked the arrival of the flame of Baku 2015 as a solemn event. Eleven people, passing the torch relay, took it to the square of Heydar Aliyev.

Locals also took to the streets to join in the celebrations and cheer the torchbearers as they passed by, carrying the flame on its inaugural journey - lighting the way to the Games.

Polad Aliyev ran with flame before handing it to Afgan Gurbanov, the second of the torchbearers. Ibrahim Musayev. Kanan Asadov, Sahil Rusanov, Tural Gozalov, Farida Hanifayeva, Sakina Ibrahimova and Gulkhanim Jalilova all ran part of the relay with Khanim Khudadanova finishing up.

The torchbearers covered 4.1 km to the square, where a grand Festival of Fire was held celebrating Azerbaijan’s historic event.

Recently, Nakhchivan became famous for hosting sporting events. It previously hosted the Chess World Cup in 2003 and currently holds the traditional Nakhchivan Open for masters each year as well as the annual Nakhchivan Cup – an International Wrestling Tournament.

The area may be renowned as the homeland of national leader Heydar Aliyev, but folklore tells us that the tomb of Prophet Noah can also be found here and that there is evidence his arc visited the region.

Not being a tourist destination so far, Nakhchivan is a perfect place to visit during the early summer, with its ancient history and natural beauties. This mountainous area is located 600-1000 meters above sea level with continental climate.

The region is covered with innumerable quantity of ruins, towers, fortresses and mausoleums. This land has always been attractive to invaders for both its important strategic position and natural deposits. It also has captivating legends to tell.

Locals link the history of the ancient settlements in the area of Nakhchivan with Prophet Noah, who after his escape from the Deluge, lived and died here.

Being the home of prominent architects Nakhchivan has also much to show for in terms of historic monuments - like the Mausoleum of Yusuf ibn Kuseyr, Alinja-Gala Fortress, the majestic Khan Palace and other historical venues.

With its vivifying nature and delicious cuisine, the region has much to offer.

The torch will continue on its way, this time heading for the southern part of the country, Lankaran, which it will reach on April 29.

To follow the flame please visit: http://flame.baku2015.com/.

150 production team members and 132 vehicles will participate in the Torch Relay. One thousand torchbearers have been selected for their connection to the regions and their support of the European Games.

Baku 2015 Celebrity Ambassadors will attend the relay and regional events.

Evening events and Festivals of Fire will be held at 15 locations- Nakhchivan, Lankaran, Jalilabad, Sabirabad, Horadiz, Guzanli, Berde, Genje, Shemkir, Mingechevir, Sheki, Gebele, Shamakhi, Guba, Gobustan. 44 smaller events and welcome ceremonies will take place in the remaining locations.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/baku2015/140230.html

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