(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Laman Ismayilova read more Gobustan rock carvings in art have been in the spotlight on
International Day for Monuments and Sites.
The Day is observed on April 18 worldwide to raise awareness of
cultural heritage diversity, the vulnerability of sites and
monuments, and the measures needed to maintain and conserve them, Azernews reports.
The event themed "Gobustan rock carvings in art" was organized
by Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Reserve at Baku Museum
Center with the support of the Culture Ministry, Azernews reports.
Director of Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Reserve Vugar
Isayev briefed the guests on the history of the International Day
for Monuments and Sites as well as its celebration in
Azerbaijan.
"This significant day was designated by UNESCO 1983 on the
initiative of the International Council on Monuments and Sites
(ICOMOS) in order to draw people's attention to the protection of
monuments and historical places. The International Day for
Monuments and Sites is also widely celebrated in Azerbaijan. Every
year on this date, various events and exhibitions are organized in
order to promote the preservation of monuments and historical
places in reserves and historical places. Protecting the historical
monuments of our country is the civic duty of every Azerbaijani. We
are proud of our ancient history and historical monuments. As we
know, during the leadership of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev,
great attention was paid to the preservation and protection of
historical monuments. Now this tradition is continued by
Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev," said Vugar Isayev.
Head of the State Service for Protection, Development, and
Restoration of Cultural Heritage Sabina Hajiyeva thanked the event
organizers and stressed the importance of the exhibition.
"Every Azerbaijani citizen knows the value of the Gobustan State
Historical and Artistic Reserve for Azerbaijan. Gobustan monuments
are also equally important for the whole world. I am sure that the
issue of preservation and protection of our historical sites will
be always kept in mind not only on this significant day. Because
this is both our past and our future," she said.
People's Artist Arif Huseynov, Honored Art Worker, Art Critic
Ziyadkhan Aliyev, Honored Artist of Nakhchivan, MP Ulviyya
Hamzayeva spoke about the spiritual significance of Gobustan
monuments for Azerbaijani people.
In their remarks, they noted that Gobustan has always been a
source of inspiration for artists and creative people. Handicrafts
displayed in the exhibition demonstrate Azerbaijani artists' deep
love and respect to national culture and history.
Gobustan petroglyphs make it possible to trace the history and
culture. They will always be the research object of scientists and
source of inspiration for artists.
Note that Gobustan rock carvings were discovered in 1939 at the
foot of the mountain Jingirdag and on the top of Yazili Tepe.
The rock engravings depict primitive men, animals, battle
pieces, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen,
warriors with lances in their hands, camel caravans, and pictures
of the sun and stars. These unique petroglyphs were recognized as
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2007.
Nearly 100 handicrafts were demonstrated as part of the
exhibition.
The national artists brilliantly reflected Gobustan rock
paintings in their paintings, sculptures, ceramics, graphic works,
batiks, carpets and other art works.
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