Days of Hungary solemnly held in Azerbaijan

The Days of Hungary kicked off in Baku on March 16-17 featuring a series of events to present Hungarian history, culture and art in Azerbaijan.

The two-day event was attended by Azerbaijan's First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s spouse Aniko Levai as well as prominent public, science and art figures, representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Azerbaijan.

The project, which targets at promoting the Hungarian culture in Azerbaijan, was co-implemented by Hungary's Embassy in Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation under the aegis of Azerbaijan's First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva.

The Days started with the presentation of the book "The Tragedy of Man" by Imre Madach.

The presentation took place at the Library of the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences on March 16.

Hungarian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Imre Laslotski, addressing the event, stressed that the Days of Hungarian culture in Baku will contribute to the festive mood of Bakuians.

ANAS Vice-President Isa Habibbayli, in turn, noted that relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary have historical roots, while the two nations have always treated each other with respect and love.

On the same day, Nizami Cinema center hosted premier of the same name movie, while the International Mugham Center presented a fascinating concert of the Hungarian musicians and dancers.

As part of the Days, the Boulevard Hotel Baku held a fashion show and presentation of Hungarian cuisine.

Before the official opening ceremony, Hungary’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Imre Laszloczki told reporters that as part of the Days of Hungary, Library of Azerbaijan’s National Academy of Sciences hosted the presentation of Imre Madach’s “The Tragedy of Man” book, published in Azerbaijani language.

The diplomat stressed that relations between Hungary and Azerbaijan are at a high level.

"There are quite strong relations at the level of ministries of the two countries," added Laszloczki.

The show titled “FolkTREND” presented the Hungarian brands manufacturing clothing and adornments - Zema, Anni Pastor, Meyke, Romani, Igéző, and Innoé.

Alongside with the Hungarian designers, famous Azerbaijani designer, winner of the European Fashion Award-2016 Fakhriya Khalafova also showcased her collection.

After the fashion show, guests were treated themselves delicious Hungarian cuisine, distinguished by a wide variety of meat dishes with seasonal vegetables, fruits, fresh bread, dairy products and cheese.

The most delicious and exquisite dishes of Hungarian cuisine were presented during the event.

The next day the library of Azerbaijan's National Academy of Sciences hosted an event dedicated to Azerbaijani and Hungarian classics-prominent Azerbaijani poet, scholar-Turkologist, Bakir Chobanzadeh and well-known Hungarian Turkologist Professor Georg Khazaee.

In his speech, Hungarian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Imre Laslotski expressed his gratitude to First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for the support in holding the Days of Hungary in Baku.

The ambassador named Bakir Chobanzadeh, who he worked in Budapest, a "bridge" between Azerbaijan and Hungary.

Afterwards Janos Hovari, Hungarian Professor and researcher of the Ottoman history spoke about the poet's creativity.

Leyla Imanova, director of the Central Library, in turn, spoke about creativity of the Hungarian Turkologist.

The Days of Hungary in Azerbaijan also featured the opening of an exhibition and a gala concert at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and First lady of Hungary Aniko Levai attended the event.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Hungarian Ambassador Imre Laszloczki thanked First VicePresident Aliyeva for her patronage of the project. He praised the Embassy's cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

The ceremony then featured the launch of an exhibition of works of acclaimed Hungarian painter Ferenc Eisenhut.

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva and First lady of Hungary Aniko Levai cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the exhibition. Participants of the ceremony viewed the exhibition.

The event then continued with a gala concert featuring Hungarian State Folk Ensemble.