The International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation has hosted a presentation of the national clothing collection “Karabakh” designed by famous Azerbaijani fashion designer Gulnara Khalilova.

The purpose of the presentation of the collection is to convey to a wide audience the centuries-old clothing culture of Karabakh - an integral part of Azerbaijan and the entire Turkic world as a whole. The event was attended by officials, ambassadors accredited in Azerbaijan, heads and representatives of international organizations, culture and art figures.

Opening the event, President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Gunay Afandiyeva noted that this presentation is timed to the date of the Great Victory. Gunay Afandiyeva also stressed that Turkey is celebrating the 98th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, and congratulated the Turkish state and people in the person of Ambassador of Turkey to Azerbaijan Cahit Bagci. Afandiyeva also congratulated Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan Kairat Osmonaliev on presenting credentials to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and wished him success in his future activities.

Stressing that the collection of national costumes prepared by head of the Azerbaijani National Clothing Center Gulnara Khalilova occupies a special place in the culture of Azerbaijan, Gunay Afandiyeva said: "This collection is history, because it unites 12 historical cities of Karabakh. Each sample of the collection represents a separate region of Karabakh and seems to create its living image. At the same time, this collection is a memory. This is the renewal of national traditions that begin with one of the oldest written monuments of the Turkic world, the epic “Kitabi-Dede-Korkut", formed over the centuries, this is the preservation of spiritual values, the singing of mughams, the performance of gazelles and rubai.

The president of the Foundation noted that representatives of the intelligentsia of Karabakh, such as Aghabeyim agha, Khurshidbanu Natavan used outfits decorated with beautiful ornaments, patterns, special elements reflecting the artistic features of folk art. "This collection is a dedication to the return of Karabakh, the Supreme Commander, the victorious Azerbaijani army, the Martyrs and veterans who gave us these unforgettable feelings," the president of the Foundation emphasized. Gunay Afandiyeva noted that the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation always supports projects reflecting the cultural and spiritual values of the Turkic world.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sevda Mammadaliyeva said that the presentation of the collection on a historic day carries a symbolic meaning. She noted that a year ago, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the lands that had been under occupation for many years were liberated, and a new page opened in the history of Karabakh. Sevda Mammadaliyeva noted that construction works are underway in Shusha and other districts of Karabakh, large-scale projects are being implemented, and along with the restoration of territories that have been vandalized for many years, cultural events are being organized. Emphasizing the special place of national costumes in the rich cultural heritage of Karabakh, Sevda Mammadaliyeva stressed that clothing is closely connected with the culture of each nation. It embodies folk traditions, worldview, creativity and national thinking. Azerbaijani costumes and kelagai have been distinguished by bright colors since ancient times. These clothes are a valuable property of the Azerbaijani people, a wealth that has come down to us from the depths of centuries. Emphasizing that the events organized by the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation are always held at a high level, the Deputy Minister thanked Gulnara Khalilova for preparing the collection "Karabakh".

Speaking at the event, head of the Center for National Clothing of Azerbaijan, fashion designer, PhD in Art History Gulnara Khalilova said: "Our observations give reason to say that Karabakh costumes occupy a special place in the national dress of Azerbaijan. The clothing culture of Karabakh is an integral part of our national, spiritual and material values." Providing information about the collection, Gulnara Khalilova thanked the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, which always supports projects related to the material and cultural heritage of the Turkic-speaking peoples, for promoting the national clothing collection on a large scale within the framework of the project "Karabakh is Azerbaijan!".

Then the demonstration of the collection of national costumes "Karabakh" took place.

Each sample of the collection bears the name of one of the 12 cities of Karabakh (Aghdam, Aghdara, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Khankandi, Khojali, Khojavand, Kalbajar, Gubadli, Lachin, Shusha and Zangilan).

Also at the event, the guests were provided with catalogs published by the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, which reflected information about the cities, ancient monuments and national costumes of Karabakh.

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