Thursday, March 31, 2011

31st of March - Remembrance Day in Azerbaijan...



Call me subjective but Azerbaijan is about European Orient, South, music, poetry, dance, art, leisure, beauty, literature, nature...anything beautiful…its not about violence and aggression…Albeit historically it suffered from aggression…unfortunately due to many reasons many times in different dates of its history...31st of March is the date that Azerbaijan remembers as the date of genocide and terrorism against its people...

This day is also birthday of Rafig Babayev. Famous pianist and jazz composer…His birthday coincides with remembrance day…and Rafig Babayev tragically died at terrorist tube explosion in Baku in 1994 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafig_Babayev)…Person of art who was all about what Azerbaijan is about suffered from aggression…this is another example in Azerbaijani history and similar examples can be found in many pages of our history…

Azerbaijan is learning to remember its past, build its present and have a strategy for future...

Be well...
Share

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Novruz_Fire Tuesday...

First of March this year for us here in Azerbaijan was not only to enjoy as first date of approaching spring but also as second Tuesday of Novruz, so called Fire Tuesday. Fire does not leave anyone indifferent on this land of fire - Azerbaijan...

Let me take here a sudden turn and advise that although this post is devoted to second Tuesday of Novruz I am posting a picture...no...not of a fire...

Below picture was taken by photographer Asim Talib in 1982! in Kalbadjar region of Azerbaijan which is currently under occupation... I love this photo very much and was looking for opportunity to share it with you...Who would know, understand and appreciate all traditions if not older men and women that bring them to us - younger generations...The way they dress, behave, expressions they use, stories they tell are precious...Today when remembering this ancient tradition of celebrating Tuesdays of Novruz I think it would be the right time to thank once more and wish good health to all old people...Who if not them understand and cherish the beauty of another spring to come...
My year 2009 post on fire Tuesday can be read here.
Share