Baku 2015 torch visits art centers in Baku

/By AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

On the final days of its journey, the Olympic torch for the first European Games has visited several art galleries and museums in Baku.

The Museum of Modern Art, which serves to expose Azerbaijani culture to the world, was the first stop on the torch’s route on June 10.

People's Artist Farhad Khalilov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Artists Union, carried the torch through the halls of this unique cultural center, home to more than 1,000 works of art created over the past 70 years by artists and sculptors of the avant-garde movement in Azerbaijan.

The Journey of the Flame continued to the Heydar Aliyev Center, where the torch was passed on to famed sculptor, People’s Artist Omar Eldarov.

The People's Artist stressed that holding the first European Games in Baku is a great historic event for the country.

"All of the torchbearers of the first European Games experienced very great joy,” he said. “I was able to carry the torch and hand it over to the next participant. I have fulfilled my mission, and I am proud of it," said Eldarov.

The bright white pearl of modern Baku, the Heydar Aliyev Center is a masterpiece of modern architecture by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid,. The overall shape of the center, which opened in the capital on May 10, 2012, resembles a wave-like ascension from the ground towards the sky followed by gradual descents.

The next destination on the torch’s journey was the Heydar Aliyev Palace and park. The torch was carried by the rector of the Baku Music Academy, People's Artist, professor Farkhad Badalbeyli.

Weightlifting world champion Nizami Pashayev, Celebrity Ambassador Tahir Imanov, singer Agahan Abdullayev continued the relay breaking the distance from Nizami street to Fountain Square, the city’s most popular destination for tourists and guests.

The relay was continued by world famous writer Chingiz Abdullayev, who carried the torch through the National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi.

The torchbearers then visited the Central Park from where the flame was then delivered to 28 May metro station.

Torchbearer Vitaly Rahimov carried the torch for the most commonly used type of public transport - Baku Metro, from 28 May station to Icherisheher station.

At the next stage, Murad Adigozalzadeh, sports veteran Yashar Mammadov, Celebrity Ambassador Roya Ayhan and singer Abbas Bagirov carried the torch from the Philharmonic garden to the Baku funicular.

Then, the flame of the European Games was delivered to Highland Park, from where the best view opens on the Baku bay. Patrick Hickey, the president of European Olympic Committee, was one of the torchbearers.

In the State Philharmonic Hall named after Muslum Magomayev the torch was taken by People's Artist Teymur Goychayev.

After that, the torch was taken to the Center for Contemporary Art YARAT. The relay ended in the Gallery of Traditional Art, located near the YARAT Center.

Sharing her impressions of another day of the torch relay, director of ceremonies for the Baku 2015 European Games Operating Committee Catherine Ugwu said, "The Journey of Flame on the eve of the first European Games, which we look forward, demonstrated that, along with the construction of a high-level facilities and relevant international standards infrastructure, Baku is a beautiful city, that unites high culture based on national and spiritual values, social environment and rich historical heritage."

The Journey of the Flame started at the Ateshgah temple on April 26 and visited 60 regions of the country as well as the legendary Oil Rocks over 48 days, arriving in Baku on June 7 by the Caspian Sea.

The torch also visited some venues of the Baku 2015 European Games along with the Old City.

The Flame will end its journey at the grand Opening Ceremony of the first European Games at Baku Olympic Stadium on June 12.