Azerbaijan presents its ‘capital of folklore’

/By Azernews/

By Amina Nazarli

The capital of Azerbaijan’s folklore 2016 was solemnly presented at the Museum Center in Baku on March 11.

Gusar, the country’s majestic region in the north, was honored with the title of the capital of Azerbaijan’s folklore, welcoming scientific and practical conferences, round tables, concerts, competitions, festivals, exhibitions, info-tours and other events during this year.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev, Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, director general of the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), as well as by prominent public figures, and representatives of Gusar region’s executive power.

Garayev, addressing the event, stressed that the region will hold the title in accordance with the "Folk Art Capitals" program by the Culture and Tourism Ministry.

He informed that the program is aimed at preserving and supporting the intangible cultural heritage of Azerbaijan, promoting folk art, as well as developing internal and external tourism.

The minister underlined that Baku was chosen the capital of the Islamic culture in 2009 and beautiful Nakhchivan is preparing to become the capital of the Islamic culture in 2018.

In his speech, Altwaijri highlighted Azerbaijan as the country with a rich historical and cultural heritage.

During the realization of the program the country’s regions such as Ganja, Shabran, Gadabay, Khachmaz, Gabala were declared “The capital of Legends of Azerbaijan”, Lankaran, Gazakh, Masalli, Zagatala and Balakan were chosen “The capital of Azerbaijan’s folklore”, while Sheki, Ismayilli, Guba, Goy Gol and Absheron were announced “The capital of Azerbaijan’s literature”, and Gakh -- “The capital of Azerbaijan’s national cuisine”.

Called “Northern Gates” due to its geographical location and located 180 km away from Baku, Gusar is the last large region in the north of Azerbaijan.

Favorable natural conditions create a great opportunity for organization of the resorts, recreational and tourist complexes in this area. The recently opened Shahdag winter and summer tourist complex has gained a high popularity both among Azerbaijanis and foreigners. This is a popular ski resort in winter and a camp site in the lap of the Caucasus Mountains in summer.

Not far from the complex is located an ancient village Laza surrounded by mountains and well known for its majestic waterfalls. Competitions on climbing are held at the frozen waterfalls in winter here.

Many historical monuments are preserved in Gusar. Around the region, one can also find carpet weaving, handicraft embroidery, wood engraving, and souvenir shopping.

Gusar has all the conditions necessary for ecological tourism, and here tourists might observe historical monuments and samples of folk art in the village of Anig, as well as become familiar with samples of folk art and the traditions of the local population.