Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

A press conference with the participation of Azerbaijani Minister of Culture Abulfaz Garayev was held in Baku on March 5.

In his speech, Abulfaz Garayev stressed the attention shown by the state to the sphere of culture, Trend Life reported.

"The attention, care and attitude shown by the state to the sphere of culture have once again shown that culture for the Azerbaijani people is a direction that will never stand aside," said the minister.

It was noted that the meeting of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva with a group of cultural and art workers was held on March 1. The meeting discussed important issues in the field of culture.

The minister emphasized that in recent years, there have been continuous transformations in the sphere of culture. The implementation of these transformations comes from the desire of the head of state to see the activities of this system in a new format, he noted.

It was also stressed that the improvement of the system will continue.

The minister noted that those who believe that the transformation is connected with the reduction of jobs, the dismissal of employees are very wrong.

He also stressed that work is underway to transform libraries and other cultural institutions in country's regions.

The minister added that there are such villages where non-functioning libraries exist.

But in one year it is impossible to restore and provide with all necessary equipment all the libraries or all existing rural clubs. Therefore, this process is implemented in stages.

Abulfas Garayev noted that the main museums in country's all regions are being modernized, but the work has not been carried out completely, and there are still about thirty museums left.

It was noted that ten years ago there were 4,500 libraries in Azerbaijan, but today, in the course of transformations, 2,600 libraries function in Azerbaijan.

"No one heard complaints about the closure of the library, because the work was organized in such a way that their functions were transferred to other institutions and organizations," the minister said.

The restoration works are also planed in the building of the Azerbaijan State Pantomime Theater.

"After the repair and reconstruction of the building of the Irevan Azerbaijani State Drama Theater, it is planned to carry out repair and restoration work at the Azerbaijan State Pantomime Theater," the minister said.

Abulfas Garayev also commented on the issue related to YUĞ State Theater, which currently operates in the building of the Azerbaijan State Puppet Theater.

"We are thinking about the place for the Azerbaijani Theater YUĞ," the minister said.

In his speech, Abulfaz Garayev also touched upon Azerbaijan's art heritage.

"Azerbaijan has a great literary, as well as a heritage associated with art," he said.

“We are interested in promoting this heritage in a new form. But, every creative person who appeals to this heritage should have a great responsibility. Therefore, today we are talking about the formation of television councils. This is necessary for the framework to be defined," he said..

Abulfas Garayev also answered questions from media representatives related to the grave of Imadeddin Nasimi.

"As you know, Nasimi’s grave is located in the Syrian city of Aleppo. The place where Nasimi’s grave is located is considered sacred. We discussed the issue of restoring the grave, but the conflict there does not allow to realize this project," the minister said.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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