Within the framework of cooperation between the Union of Artists of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan, and the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Azerbaijan, an international online exhibition entitled “Friendship on the Silk Road” was held.
The project is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The exhibition featured works by a total of 18 professional artists representing Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, bringing together diverse creative styles and aesthetic viewpoints.
The paintings reflect the shared civilizational space shaped by the Great Silk Road and, in this context, the common historical memory and cultural-spiritual heritage of the Azerbaijani and Uzbek peoples through the lens of contemporary artistic thought.
As part of the online exhibition, a catalogue was presented that complements the conceptual and artistic content of the project.
The catalogue opens with a foreword by a member of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Deputy Chair of the Culture Committee, and Cultural Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Gunay Afandiyeva. It notes that the joint exhibition of Azerbaijani and Uzbek artists titled “Friendship on the Silk Road” is another wonderful example of the cultural unity of the two brotherly countries and peoples.
The MP emphasized the importance of bringing together artists from both countries on a single cultural platform and strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
Evaluating this initiative as a contribution to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, she stated:
“The project once again reflects, through the universal language of art, the spirit of the multifaceted partnership between our two countries, based on shared historical values and a common contemporary political will. I am very pleased that, along with various spheres of life, the creative dialogue in the field of fine arts is also successfully developing between our peoples. I express my gratitude to all the organizers of the project and to our talented participating artists, and I wish the exhibition’s creative team inspiration and the continued successful strengthening of mutual cooperation. May the embodiment of Azerbaijani-Uzbek brotherhood in art once again revive our common cultural heritage!”
The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Bahrom Ashrafkhanov, in his opening remarks, described the project as a vivid symbol of the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between the two brotherly peoples:
“Art, as a universal language, clearly reflects the commonality of values, traditions, and worldviews formed over centuries along the Great Silk Road. The special significance of this online exhibition lies in the fact that it is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Over these years, our countries have formed strong relations of strategic partnership based on mutual respect, trust, and support.
I express my sincere gratitude to the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan and to the Union of Artists of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic for their direct support in organizing this important cultural project. I am confident that this exhibition will make another contribution to strengthening friendship between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan and to the development of humanitarian cooperation.”
The curator of the project from Azerbaijan is a member of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Chair of the Union of Artists of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and Honored Artist Ulvia Ghamzayeva; the curator from Uzbekistan is a member of the Creative Union of Artists of Uzbekistan, Khurshed Khalilov.
The designer of the online exhibition catalogue is the photographer-designer of the Union of Artists of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Araz Khudiyev.
It should be noted that the “Friendship on the Silk Road” project is planned as a long-term cultural initiative, and the presented exhibition constitutes the first part of this project.