On February 2, a musical and poetic event b to Egyptian and Azerbaijani poetry was held at the Egyptian Culture and Education Center in Azerbaijan. The event took place in Baku and brought together poetry, music, and the shared spiritual heritage of two ancient cultures, creating a space for artistic dialogue and cultural exchange.
The program opened with remarks by the Director of the Egyptian Culture and Education Center, Professor Dr. Tarek Mohammed. In his opening speech, he emphasized the enduring role of poetry as a bridge between nations and highlighted its power to foster mutual understanding and cultural dialogue. He expressed his gratitude for the ongoing development of cultural relations between countries and praised the collaborative spirit that made the event possible.
A welcoming address was delivered by Ulvia Huseynova, Director of the Saudi Arabia Center and Doctor of Philology. She underlined the importance of international cultural and literary initiatives, noting their significant role in strengthening humanitarian ties and deepening mutual respect between peoples. Her remarks reinforced the idea that literature and art serve as universal languages capable of connecting societies beyond political and geographical boundaries.
The event was further enriched by the participation of Baba Veziroglu, an Azerbaijan People’s Writer whose poetic legacy occupies a special place in modern Azerbaijani literature. His presence added symbolic and cultural depth to the gathering. Sevda Rzayeva, Vice Chancellor for Foreign Relations of Baku Eurasian University, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of cultural and academic cooperation in advancing international literary dialogue and fostering sustainable partnerships between educational and cultural institutions.
During the event, works by prominent Azerbaijani and Arab poets were performed, reflecting the diversity and richness of both literary traditions. The program featured poetry by renowned classical and contemporary authors, including Mikail Mushfig, Samed Wurgun, Bakhtiyar Wahabzadeh, Ahmed Shauki, and Ibrahim Hafiz, among others. These selections highlighted shared themes of humanity, identity, and spiritual values that resonate across cultures.
Poetic performances were presented by participants of the literary project “Modern Poems,” including Samira Shikhiyeva, Sabina Aliyeva, Gunatay Huseynova, Olga Shalaeva, Turkan Bayramzadeh, Ziba Rasul, and Tarana Mammed. In addition, students of the Saudi Arabia Center—Telly Aliyeva, Mustafa Mammedli, Maryam Rustamova, and Nurtaj Magerramova—took part in the readings, demonstrating the involvement of younger generations in international cultural initiatives.
Musical performances played a vital role in the overall atmosphere of the evening. Fargana Kerimova and Elzhan Khudiev presented musical numbers that organically complemented the poetic recitations, creating a harmonious blend of sound and word. The concert successfully combined poetic readings with vocal and musical elements, offering the audience a multidimensional cultural experience.
The event was hosted bilingually by Lala Hasanova in Azerbaijani and Al-Rahm Ilyaf in Arabic, emphasizing the international and inclusive format of the program. This bilingual presentation underscored the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect at the heart of the gathering.
The organizers of the event were the literary project “Modern Poems,” the Egyptian Culture and Education Center, and the Saudi Arabia Center. The author of the event was Lala Hasanova, a member of the Union of Azerbaijan Writers, a member of the World Writers’ Organization, and the head of the “Modern Poems” literary project.
At the conclusion of the concert, Professor Dr. Tarek Mohammed presented souvenir gifts and certificates of gratitude to the participants and guests. The musical and poetic evening stood as a vivid example of poetry’s enduring mission—to unite cultures, peoples, and spiritual values through art and shared human expression.
