The second Eurasian International Book Exhibition "Eurasian Book Fair-2017" was held in Astana, where the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Kazakhstan told the guests about their culture.
A presentation "Ancient traditions of making Azerbaijani carpets" was held by carpetologist Zakir Binnetli. Among the visitors were representatives of the intelligentsia, businessmen, students, and diplomats.
After the presentation Zakir Binnetli answered questions of interest to the audience. "Carpet weaving is inextricably linked with the history and culture of the Azerbaijani people. Each knot, every pattern is like a forever fixed sign, like encrypted DNA, which cherishes our national genetic information. Even the ancient historians of the world - Herodotus, Claudius Elian, Xenophon left information about the carpet weaving of Azerbaijan. Without exaggeration, one can speak of the influence of our carpet weaving on world culture. The Embassy invites all connoisseurs of art to touch the magic world of Azerbaijani carpets and make a journey into the ancient history of the Land of Lights."
Then the presentation "Traditions of the Azerbaijani tea drinking" was held. The cozy atmosphere like at home created at the event attracted the attention of all participants of the book exhibition. The presentation gradually flowed into the tasting of different types of Azerbaijani tea and jam, which obviously pleased the guests of the event.
"Azerbaijan is a country of beautiful tea traditions. None important event in the life of Azerbaijanis can not do without tea drinking. "Tea in Azerbaijani" has its own philosophy of life, its own order and principles. Any feast among Azerbaijanis begins with tea, and it ends. Tea is brought even when the guest did not come to sit with the owners, but on business, for several minutes," the embassy noted.
Secretary of State of Kazakhstan Gulshara Abdykalikova showed special interest to the Azerbaijan stand. Recalling her visit to Azerbaijan (in September 2016 - author), Ms. Abdykalikova spoke about the meetings with First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva and other officials, noted that Azerbaijan is one of the developed countries today, has an ancient history and a deep culture.
At the Azerbaijani stand there are a lot of works concerning the Day of National Salvation on June 15. The bulk of publications are about the life and activities of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev. And, of course, magazines and brochures tell about the history of carpet weaving and the tourist potential of the country. The materials of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation speak about the material and spiritual heritage of the Azerbaijani people. A very important role was given to the works of the head of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, academician Ramiz Mehdiyev; his works were translated into Kazakh, and the works of the assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the head of the socio-political department of the Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov. There are magazines in which in Russian and Kazakh languages are told about Azerbaijan. In total there are more than 1000 books and magazines.
Organizers of the book exhibition thanked the Embassy of Azerbaijan for the bright presentations, for the incredibly tasty tea and invited to participate again at the third Eurasian international book exhibition, which will be held in April 2018.
Translated by Raushan MAKHMETZHANOVA
