Javad Khan ballet to be on

“JThe event is timed to the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

The ballet tells about the historical events taking place in Azerbaijan in the 18th century, about the heroic resistance of Ganja people led by fearless and noble ruler of Ganja Javad Khan against the conquerors.

The choreographer is People's Artist of Azerbaijan, artistic director of the ballet company of the Opera and Ballet Theater Kamilla Huseynova.

The author of the libretto is Ajdar Ulduz, musical director and conductor- People's Artist, Prof. Javanshir Jafarov, artist-directorPeople's Artist Rafiz Ismayilov.

The leading soloists of the ballet troupe are People's Artist of Azerbaijan Gulagasi Mirzoyev (Javad Khan), Nigar Ibrahimova (the wife of Javad Khan), Samir Samadov (General Tsitsianov), Makar Fershtandt (Tsar Alexander I) and Ayan Eyvazova (Georgian Princess).

Jafar al-Javad Khan Ziyad oghlu Qajar was the last khan of the Ganja khanate from 1786 to 1804.

During the first Russo-Persian War (1804-1813), Ganja was considered by Russians as a town of foremost importance. General Pavel Tsitsianov approached Javad khan several times asking him to submit to Russian rule, but each time was refused. In November 1803, the Russian army moved from Tiflis and in December, Tsitsianov started the siege preparations. After heavy artillery bombardment, on January 3, 1804, Tsitsianov gave the order to attack the fortress. During the fierce fighting, Armenians residing in the city open the gates of the castle and, as a results, the Russians were able to capture the fortress. Javad khan was killed together with his sons at war.