Year of Shusha.Spectacular celebration at Mugham Center

By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

Spectacular events have been held in Baku within the Year of Shusha in Azerbaijan. The country's cultural capital turns 270 this year.

President Ilham Aliyev signed an order declaring the city of Shusha as Azerbaijan's cultural capital in order to restore Shusha's historical appearance, bring its former glory to the city as well reunite it with the traditionally rich cultural life.

Gala Concert at Mugham Center

The gala concert "Karabakh is Azerbaijan" at the International Mugham Center brought together the soloists of the International Mugham Center,  Baku Choreographic Academy, People's artists Nuraddin Mehtikhanli, Anvar Sadikhov, Honored artists Sabuhi Ibayev, Ehtiram Huseynov, Tayyar Bayramov, Sevinj Sariyeva, Ilaha Afandiyeva and many others.

The musicians captivated the audience with mugham music, classical and instrumental works. 

The event was co-organized by the International Mugham Center, the Agency for State Support to NGOs and the Khan Shushinsky Foundation.

Executive Director of the  Agency for State Support to NGOs Aygun Aliyeva spoke about the fruitful activities of the state in restoring Azerbaijan's liberated territories  and implementing major projects.

The audience was presented a video about the ten year activity of the Khan Shushinsky Foundation which aims at promoting the art of mugham. 

Stunning fashion exhibition 

Famous fashion designer, Honored Art Worker  Fakhriya Khalafova  mesmerized the guests with her stunning collection titled "Kharibulbul in flourishing Karabakh. 

The elegant gowns were harmoniously complemented by silk scarves, a restored version of the Karabakh kelagayi. 

The exhibition also included dresses from the fashion collection "Karabakh Princess"  presented at Azerbaijan Fashion Week 2021. 

Sophisticated dress inspired by Azerbaijani poetess Agha Beyim Aga, a daughter of the second khan of Karabakh Ibrahim Khalil khan, instantly won the hearts of fashionistas.

Widespread among the peoples of the Middle East and the Caucasus, the silk headscarf  varied in size and color.

The older women wore a dark kelagayi, mostly black and dark blue, whereas younger women preferred the brighter ones, such as white, beige, etc.

The most ancient and widespread kelagayi patterns were the image of the peacock pair, buta, flower motifs and geometric patterns.

A distinctive feature of the Karabakh  kelagayi was the symbol of the sun, an important symbol in many cultures.

The fashion designer stressed that it's important to restore ancient patterns  and to produce Karabakh kalagai in a modern style.

She expressed her confidence that kelagayi will be met with great interest by the world community at fashion events.