TM-12-07-RFW_0

CULTURE | BUSINESS | PUBLIC AFFAIRS

AZERBAIJAN GOES FOR OLYMPIC GOLD Also in this issue: Azerbaijani-Turkish TANAP pipeline agreement paves way for future energy security TOTAL discovers new gas field off Absheron OSCE Secretary-General Zannier condemns escalation of violence over Nagorno-Karabakh Jazz pianist Sarabsky acclaimed in Berlin and Montreux Enter the TEAS photography competition and have your work exhibited across Europe www.teas.eu

07 / 2012

www.teas.eu July 2012

(Vatan Huseynli – Photo: AIBA)

03 / 2012

Welcome to The European Azerbaijan Society The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) is a pan-European organisation dedicated to promoting Azerbaijani culture, business and public affairs to international audiences. TEAS is also actively involved in helping create a sense of community amongst expatriate Azerbaijanis.

TEAS was launched in November 2008, having initially been established as the London Azerbaijan Society four years earlier. The organisation now has offices in the UK, Belgium, France and Germany, together with a representative office in Azerbaijan.

TEAS has three main façets to its operations: •

•

•

Culture – TEAS raises awareness of Azerbaijan’s rich and vibrant culture to a worldwide audience by organising cultural events and operating as a networking centre.

Business – TEAS supports its membership of European and Azerbaijani businesses. It provides a platform for organisations to establish links and strengthen their existing business relationships via a programme of networking opportunities across the region.

Public Affairs – TEAS works to increase awareness about Azerbaijan amongst key opinion formers, key decision-makers and other political, academic and civil society stakeholders.

TEAS is focused on achieving the following: •

• •

• •

The establishment of strong links between key Azerbaijani and European stakeholders, thereby helping Azerbaijan to integrate fully into the European family of nations.

Strengthening ties between Azerbaijan and key economic, political and social structures across Europe.

The promotion of Azerbaijan as a modern, secular, Western-facing country with tremendous economic opportunities and a strong cultural heritage.

Creating a community spirit amongst expatriate Azerbaijanis in Europe.

Increasing awareness of the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the plight of the 875,000 refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Newsletter

TEAS is always bringing the latest news, views and interviews on all aspects of Azerbaijan, and is launching a biweekly free e-newsletter. To find out more, please sign up at www.teas.eu.

Forthcoming Azerbaijani events 25 September Royal Philharmonic Orchestra plays Amirov and Stravinsky Cadogan Hall, 5, Sloane Terrace, London, SW1X 9DQ 19.30hrs (18.15hrs film Mountains of Gabala) This landmark concert will commemorate the 90th anniversary of the birth of Azerbaijani composer Fikret Amirov (1922–84). It will comprise his Azerbaijan Capriccio and Piano Concerto after Arabian Themes, followed by the 1947 revision of Igor Stravinsky’s Petrushka ballet. The soloist in the piano concerto will be Farhad Badalbeyli, the renowned composer and conductor and director of the Baku Music Academy.

The conductor will be Dmitry Yablonsky, who co-directs the annual forthcoming Gabala International Music Festival alongside Mr Babalbeyli, for which the Royal Philharmonic will be the resident orchestra. A short film entitled Mountains of Gabala will precede the concert, focusing on the festival.

TEAS is delighted that the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are enabling friends of TEAS to purchase the best available tickets on the day of booking for just £15 (normally £15–45). Call +44 (0)20 7730 4500, quoting ‘The European Azerbaijan Society’.

Outreach and Engagement

The TEAS Facebook page is your chance to learn about the latest TEAS news, events, campaigns and other items of interest to the Azerbaijani community. Please ‘like’ the page at http://on.fb.me.

Latest Members

Membership

TEAS offers a range of corporate and individual membership packages, providing such benefits as advertising, networking, travel discounts and assistance with visas. To find out more, e-mail: membership@teas.eu

Media Partner

printed by www.turquoisemedia.eu

Please see website for more members July 2012

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Political News Inese Vaidere MEP hailed the enthusiasm demonstrated by the members of the EP Friends of Azerbaijan Group

EP Friends of Azerbaijan Group meet in Brussels

A meeting of the European Parliament (EP) Friends of Azerbaijan Group took place in Brussels on 20 June, co-organised in collaboration with TEAS Belgium. This Group gathers together MEPs that are committed and interested in the development of Azerbaijan. The MEPs also met a delegation of Azerbaijani MPs during their visit to the Belgian capital to attend a meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Co-operation Committee in the EP. The delegates demonstrated their strong commitment and the importance of these initiatives in raising awareness of Azerbaijan in the EP and across Europe.

Inese Vaidere MEP (EPP, Latvia) stated: “Located at the edges of the European continent, far away from Brussels, it is a pity that Europeans do not know more about the nation. With the Friends of Azerbaijan Group in the EP, we hope to promote Azerbaijan more intensively, and aim to bring together high-ranking MEPs and diverse stakeholders on a regular basis to discuss various topics.”

of further integration with the EU will entice Yerevan and Baku to make greater strides towards reaching a solution.”

The analyst continued: “Azerbaijan is a very important partner for the EU in terms of its energy diversification plans. Gas from the Caspian will be fundamental in reducing EU dependence on Russia. Furthermore, Azerbaijan may also act as a key transit state for gas eventually coming from Central Asia to the EU market.”

However, she remained pessimistic about the potential for a change in Armenian policy, commenting: “Going into a cycle of elections in the region, Armenia is not going to change its policy. Rather, the negative rhetoric may increase, as the election draws closer. Generally, Armenia continues to feel vulnerable, and maintains a siege mentality to this end.

“Furthermore, Russia’s military exercises – which it is presently conducting from its military base in Armenia – further aggravate tensions in the region. This is set to increase, as the exercises will culminate in a massive Caucasus 2012 exercise in September, which will be carried out in Armenia, the occupied territories of Georgia (South Ossetia and Abkhazia) and Russia.

The Armenians seem to be claiming that the current exercises demonstrate that Russia will now allow war, whilst the Georgians see them as a blatant provocation, increasing regional instability, being aimed at escalating tensions within Georgian politics in the run-up to key parliamentary elections in October.”

European integration conference held in European specialist Paris gives short-term perspective on Nagorno-Karabakh

In an interview with news.az, Amanda Paul, Policy Analyst, EU Eastern Neighbourhood, Russia, Turkey and Eurasia at the Brusselsbased European Policy Centre gave her assessment of the current EU-Azerbaijani relationship. She commented: “The EP, firstly through its report entitled The EU Strategy for the South Caucasus in May 2010, and now through the Association Agreements with Azerbaijan and Armenia, is demonstrating that it recognises the importance of the region. It also acknowledges the danger of the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the need to adopt further methods for pushing the leaderships of both Azerbaijan and Armenia into increasing their efforts in the peace talks. It is hoped that the ‘carrot’ www.teas.eu

Gulsel Safarova, Chair, AGAT, outlined the future role of youth in achieving cohesion between Azerbaijan and the EU

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Gulsel Safarova, Chair, AGAT, informed the guests about her organisation, and explained they were working towards the evolution of Azerbaijani-EU relations and developing greater youth activity in order to enhance co-operation with European organisations. She explained: “Today, France and Azerbaijan are closely working towards developing strategic partnerships.

Youth initiatives aimed at the evolution of such co-operation should be supported.

France is an active, significant, participant in European public, political and cultural institutions, and the development of relations between the civil societies of France and Azerbaijan is important. Azerbaijan i has chosen European integration as its main model of development.”

Elchin Amirbeyov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France, spoke about the integration of Azerbaijan into Europe. He recalled the historical connection of Azerbaijan and Europe in the economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, and informed the audience about the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) in 1918, which embraced European values.

Ambassador Amirbeyov stressed that the main obstacle for Azerbaijan is the continuing Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Amirbeyov also outlined the current state of AzerbaijaniFrench relations.

Gulmira Rzayeva, Representative, Azerbaijani Centre for Strategic Studies (SAM), spoke about Azerbaijan’s oil and gas policy regarding the EU, and its current and future contribution to European energy security. Following this, Fazil Zeynalov, Law Professor, Baku State University, went on to speak about the legal aspects of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The event concluded with a panel discussion and questions from the delegates.

NEWS IN BRIEF US Senate confirms Morningstar as US Ambassador to Azerbaijan The US Senate has confir me d R i c h a rd Mor ningstar’s

appointment

as

US

Ambassador to Azerbaijan, f o l l o w i n g his nomination by US Preside n t B a r a c k Obama in April. The positio n o f U S Ambassador

A conference entitled the Integration of Azerbaijan into Europe: Challenges and Prospects has taken place in Paris, organised by the Organisation for Integration of Azerbaijani Youth into Europe (AGAT), the Embassy of Azerbaijan in France, and the French-Azerbaijani Youth Association.

It was attended by academics, expatriate Azerbaijanis, students, journalists, and other guests.

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Boxer and Rober t Menendez b l o c k e d his subsequent election no m i n a t i o n .

July 2012

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Political News

Photo: Devin Mitchell

Rural Azerbaijan provides excellent conditions for the cultivation of fruit and vegetables, and soon the infrastructure will meet modern standards

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $30m (£19.4m) loan to finance the Second Rural Investment Project in Azerbaijan (AzRIP-2). The purpose of this is to improve access to communitydriven rural infrastructure and expand the economic potential for rural households. This will enhance access to infrastructure and social services for nearly 1.5m rural residents.

Allocated alongside $23.6m (£15.2m) from the Azerbaijani government, the total financing for AzRIP-2 will amount to $53.6m (£34.6m). This will build on the results of a highly successful earlier project that contributed towards raising the incomes of 600,000 farmers, improved irrigation services for 700,000 people and provided potable drinking water for 150,000 villagers.

Daniel Owen, Senior Social Development Specialist, World Bank and Project Leader commented: “AzRIP is widely recognised as having been a highly successful programme. Over the past seven years, it has comprehensively demonstrated the dividends that can be derived from investing in community empowerment and local development to serve and improve the wellbeing and economic prospects of the poor.

AzRIP-2 will upscale the project into currently unserviced districts; providing support for building livelihood opportunities for the rural poor; continuing to finance community rural infrastructure investments; and strengthening the capacity of communities, in partnership with municipalities, to identify, plan and effectively implement their development priorities.”

Almost half of Azerbaijan’s population, and about 40 per cent of the country’s workforce, currently reside in rural areas. Despite the substantial increase in Azerbaijani government investment in basic infrastructure over the past few years, access and the quality of public services for the rural population remains inconsistent. A key constraint is the infrastructure deficit caused by a lack of rural roads, irrigation and drainage systems.

The project objectives will be achieved by financing demand-driven micro-projects, July 2012

ASEAN welcomes Azerbaijani Ambassador

Tamerlan Karayev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), has presented his letter of accreditation to Dr Surin Pitsuwan, SecretaryGeneral, ASEAN. During the ceremony, Karayev underlined Azerbaijan’s commitment towards pursuing further co-operation with ASEAN. He commented on some potential areas for co-operation, such as historical education, cultural exchange, oil exploration, agricultural exports, and tourism.

Karayev, who is also Azerbaijani Ambassador to Indonesia and Singapore, and has been nominated as future ambassador to the Philippines and East Timor, also explained the potential for Azerbaijani investment in ASEAN countries. Dr Pitsuwan said that stability in these nations would encourage greater investment in the area, creating opportunities for future cooperation between the two regions. He also encouraged Azerbaijan to play a greater role in enhancing co-operation between ASEAN and the Economic Co-operation Organisation (ECO), of which it is a member nation. Karayev invited Dr Pitsuwan to attend the proposed ASEAN-ECO Ministerial Meeting, to be hosted

by Azerbaijan on 15 October.

similar agreements with think-tanks in 14 countries.

Azerbaijani-South African economic

Photo: WEF

World Bank improves living conditions for 1.5m Azerbaijanis

including such basic economic infrastructure as the rehabilitation of secondary roads, potable water systems, irrigation infrastructure and electricity transformers; and social infrastructure, including rehabilitation and construction of schools and clinics. The project will target rural communities with populations of 1,000–10,000 people. It will also support pilot income generation activities from selected communities that earlier benefited from infrastructure improvements. Since Azerbaijan joined the World Bank 20 years ago, it has received loans of approximately $3.1bn (£2bn) across 43 projects.

Rob Davies, Minister for Trade and Industry in South Africa, expressed an interest in enhancing bilateral economic relations with Azerbaijan

relations discussed

Elkhan Polukhov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to South Africa, met Rob Davies, Minister for Trade and Industry, South Africa, in Johannesburg. The economic situation in Azerbaijan, its role as the leading state in the South Caucasus, and the expansion of bilateral business relations between Azerbaijan and South Africa were discussed.

According to the Azerbaijani Embassy in South Africa, topics included the development of the legal framework for the establishment of relations between the Ministry of Economic Development of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of South Africa, in addition to the organisation of mutual visits by business people from both countries.

Ambassador Davies was also informed about the current state of negotiations regarding the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over NagornoKarabakh.

C o n t r o v e r s i a l Nagorno-Karabakh airport ready to service Azerbaijani and flights The renovated airport in Khankendi Georgian think-tanks (Stepanakert), constructed by the Armenian occupying force in Nagorno-Karabakh, is technically ready for operation, according to sign MOU Representatives of Azerbaijani and Georgian think-tanks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the implementation of joint projects in Baku.

The document was signed by Farhad Mammadov, Head, Azerbaijani Centre for Strategic Studies (SAM) and Alexander Rondeli, Director, Foreign Policy Research and Analysis Centre, Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mammadov commented that the MOU would signal the opening of a new page in Azerbaijani-Georgian co-operation, promoting the development of joint projects in collaboration with the Georgian Centre for Strategic Studies. SAM has already signed

a senior aviation official. Dmitry Adbashyan, Head, Civil Aviation Department of the unrecognised republic, revealed that issues relating to the certification of the airport’s staff have also been settled. The airport was closed in 1994, following the ceasefire declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Renovation work took place from 2009–11, but the reopening of the airport has since been postponed, following condemnation of the move by the Parliamentary Assembly for the Council of Europe (PACE).

www.teas.eu

Corporate Profile – E. Pihl & Søn A.S. Pihl is ranked amongst the oldest Danish contracting companies, founded in 1887. It is engaged in every aspect of the construction and civil engineering industry, including building and rehabilitation, infrastructure projects, harbour and marine works and environmental technology.

Pihl is a privately-owned company, driven by experience, commitment and creativity, combined with the insight and ability to recognise new opportunities. Its corporate values, the art of engineering and Scandinavian building traditions form the basis of the corporate culture developed by the company over many generations. Pihl’s organisation is project-orientated and flexible, and it takes pride in the projects undertaken for public and private clients.

During the past few decades, Pihl has undergone rapid expansion, and has seen a considerable growth in the number of civil engineering and building contracts that it has undertaken, both within Scandinavia and on an international level.

Pihl has a vision of continued growth and expansion, and the objective of the company is to develop by attracting and developing the most talented, committed and responsible employees.

Pihl entered the Azerbaijani market five years ago. As a leader in design and construction, it focuses on bringing overall sustainable solutions and the latest technology to Azerbaijan. TEAS spoke to Rolf Carlsen, Director, Business Development, Pihl, to find out more.

What is the specialisation of Pihl?

Pihl is a modern engineering and contracting company. It offers a wide range of specialisations, and covers most of the competences within the civil engineering and construction spheres. It holds broad in-house specialisations on design and engineering, and construction capabilities regarding harbour and marine works, dams, bridges, tunnels, airports, buildings and water supply projects.

Where do you sit in the Azerbaijani marketplace?

Pihl entered the Azerbaijani market in 2008, and has been introducing its Scandinavian management style and construction methods, incorporating the latest technology.

Rolf Carlsen, Director, Business Development, E. Pihl & Søn A.S.

Are you experiencing any competition from outside of Azerbaijan?

Pihl is experiencing competition from Italian, Austrian, Turkish, Korean, German and English contractors. It is aware that its existence depends on the ability to fulfil the needs of its customers and society, and that this must be achieved in a responsible, qualitative way.

Do you have a presence in other countries?

Pihl is active in nearly 50 countries, and its export activities account for approximately half of its total turnover. Pihl’s international activities are co-ordinated between the head office in Scandinavia and its subsidiaries and joint venture companies.

by international financial institutions.

What are the aspirations of Pihl in Azerbaijan?

The company’s values imply professional curiosity and competence, combined with the ability and desire to co-operate, whilst crossing professional and cultural boundaries. It applies the company’s Scandinavian tradition of design and construction, and is comfortable when entering new markets.

What is the skills base amongst the Azerbaijanis?

There is a huge potential for committed, young professionals in Azerbaijan, and the company has observed a high level of expertise across various different sectors. It is company policy to fully harness the potential for local cooperation, and it is confident of achieving an excellent result, using local subcontractors for the benefit of all parties.

Pihl’s involvement in all project types ensures the continuous development of in-house capabilities. The technology and overall sustainable solutions offered to customers are always the latest, and are commensurate with high international standards.

What are your wider regional objectives?

Pihl has developed strong, rewarding relationships with numerous overseas business partners and suppliers.

Why Azerbaijan?

What is the size of Pihl?

Pihl is one of the leading contractors in Denmark.

It conducts business worldwide and employs approximately 3,000 people, of whom 800 are salaried staff. The company is ranked amongst the world’s 225 largest contracting companies operating on the international market.

What was the impetus behind your establishment in Azerbaijan?

If there is a demand for Pihl’s skills and competences and the potential for sound cooperation in a new market, the company takes pride in making a difference and in doing its best for the benefit of all parties in a spirit of mutual respect. The ongoing development of Azerbaijan is noticeable, and the company’s interest has consequently evolved.

What are the special strengths of Pihl?

Pihl’s strong, active role in Scandinavia forms the basis of its export activities. With a projectfocused, hands-on approach, it assigns a team of qualified, experienced professionals for each project. One of its strengths is in construction management, where it assumes responsibility for the entire building process – from inception of the concept until completion of the project.

How do you view the business climate in Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan is bustling with activity, investments are being made in both infrastructure and building, and the business climate in Azerbaijan is attracting foreign investments. Construction companies are very active, and foreign banks are investing in the country. Pihl has many years of experience in undertaking projects funded

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How has Pihl grown?

Its first contract in Azerbaijan was on a consultancy basis. Currently, the company is undertaking its first construction contract and more projects are on their way.

Does Pihl provide training or operate apprenticeship schemes?

Scandinavian education has a long tradition that combines excellence with a dynamic, innovative culture. This is reflected in the Scandinavian management style.

Each company and individual has the possibility and duty to contribute towards the common good and to assume the necessary responsibilities.

The opportunity to train and develop the skills of employees is fundamental, and the company is making an effort to pass on its knowledge.

Safety courses are, of course, obligatory and incorporated in construction management education.

Do you use foreign/expatriate workers?

Pihl has attracted a wide range of qualified personnel from many different countries.

The professional and cultural diversity of its employees enriches the company and working environment, and local personnel work alongside expatriates. However, the majority of the workforce is almost always local.

Head office: E. Pihl & Søn A.S., Nybrovej 116, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark Tel: +45 45277200; website: www.pihl-as.com

Azerbaijan office: E. Pihl & Son A.S. FC Gabala Mushvig Kerimov no. 34 3600 Gabala Azerbaijan Tel:+45 02900076

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Nagorno-Karabakh Herman Van Rompuy (left) met Azerbaijani President Aliyev in Baku, during which he praised the development of the country

Van Rompuy requests implementation of the Madrid Principles

During his inaugural visit to Azerbaijan, Herman Van Rompuy, President, European Council, met Azerbaijani President Aliyev, and commented: “Both Azerbaijan and Armenia need to take decisions to reach a lasting and peaceful settlement, based on the Madrid Principles.” He went on to praise the rapid modernisation of the country, and stressed the value of the EU–Azerbaijani relationship, and the benefits that both had gained through co-operation, particularly regarding the future of energy security; Azerbaijani commitment to the principles of religious coexistence; and the strong and developing EU-Azerbaijani relationship within the EU Eastern Partnership.

(Photo: OSCE PA)

Lamberto Zannier, SecretaryGeneral, OSCE, expressed his concern regarding the recent violence along the ‘contact line’

OSCE Secretary-General reiterates need for swift conflict resolution

During his first official visit to Azerbaijan, Lamberto Zannier, Secretary-General, OSCE, emphasised the need for increased political will in negotiating a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He stressed that the OSCE would continue collaborating with the country towards implementing its commitments.

Zannier explained that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict presents an enormous threat to regional security and is inhibiting economic development in the South Caucasus. He reiterated his support of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the OSCE Chairperson’s Personal Representative towards establishing a negotiated solution to the conflict and strengthening the ceasefire régime.

He commented: “The conflict will not be resolved

July 2012

by the use of force. Negotiations are the only way forward; and political goodwill and the commitment of all those involved is an essential prerequisite for finding a lasting, peaceful, solution.”

Zannier underlined that he was “seriously concerned” by the recent incidents on the ‘contact line’, which “marred the efforts to bring long-awaited peace and stability to the people living in these areas.” He we went on to request that all parties should refrain from the use or threat of force, abstain from retaliatory measures, remove snipers from the ‘contact line’, and implement the agreed confidencebuilding measures, including a mechanism for investigating incidents on the front lines. During his visit, Zannier met Azerbaijani President Aliyev; Ziyafet Askerov, Deputy Chair, Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament); and civil society representatives.

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict agreement must respect international law

On 18 June, the OSCE Minsk Group CoChairs from Russia, France and the US met the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers in Paris. Here they expressed their disappointment over the continuing stalemate in the NagornoKarabakh negotiations shared by the three CoChairing Presidents – Vladimir Putin (Russia), Barack Obama (USA) and François Hollande (France) – at the G20 summit in Los Cabos, Mexico.

The OSCE Statement commented: “We, the Presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries – France, the Russian Federation, and the USA – are united in our resolute commitment to a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The parties to the conflict should not further delay making the important decisions necessary to reach a lasting and peaceful settlement. We regret that the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia did not take the decisive steps that our countries called for in the joint statement at Deauville on 26 May 2011. Nevertheless, the progress that has been achieved should provide the momentum to complete work on the framework for a comprehensive peace.

Act – particularly those relating to the non-use of force or the threat of force, territorial integrity, and equal rights and self-determination of peoples – and the elements of a settlement, outlined in our countries’ statements at L’Aquila in 2009 and Muskoka in 2010.

“Military force will not resolve the conflict, and would only prolong the suffering and hardships endured by the peoples of the region for too long. Only a peaceful, negotiated settlement can allow the entire region to move beyond the status quo toward a secure and prosperous future.”

Armenian misinformation discredited by US Chargé d’Affaires

Adam Sterling, US Chargé d’Affaires in Azerbaijan, has strongly refuted claims in the Armenian media that the US government had imposed a ban on the sale of US arms to Azerbaijan. According to the APA news agency, Sterling explained to journalists that US companies selling defence equipment to other states must obtain a license from the US State Department and submit a list of countries engaged in the sale. He acknowledged: “One US private company, after referring to the US State Department, withdrew Azerbaijan from its list.” The diplomat refused to disclose the name of the company.

Sterling reiterated that US-Azerbaijani relations in the security sector are long-established, with broad co-operation in the security field, and this remains unchanged. According to information previously distributed by the Armenian National Committee of America, the US State Department had removed Azerbaijan from a list of countries approved for the sale of American military equipment, and had refused to sell components for military helicopters to the country.

NEWS IN BRIEF NATO expresses support for peaceful Nagorno-Karabakh resolution During a visit to Baku, James Appathurai, Special Representative, South Caucasus and Central Asia, NATO, expressed his support for

“We call upon the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to fulfill the commitment in their 23 January 2012 joint statement at Sochi to ‘accelerate’ reaching an agreement on the Basic Principles for settlement of the NagornoKarabakh conflict. As evidence of their political will, they should refrain from maximalist positions in the negotiations, respect the 1994 ceasefire agreement, and abstain from the hostile rhetoric that increases tension. We urge the leaders to be guided by the principles of the Helsinki Final

a mutually acceptable solution to the ArmenianAzerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He continued: “There is the OSCE Minsk Group process and we don’t participate in that, but we support it and its goals, which are the achievement of a mutually acceptable, peaceful solution. Recently there have been heightened tensions and a number of incidents, which worry us. There must be a political solution, and there will be no successful military solution.”

www.teas.eu

Nagorno-Karabakh

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

‘disputed’, but ‘occupied’ territories”, and supported the European Parliament’s (EP) April 2012 resolution demanding “withdrawal from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.” He noted that Armenia was effectively a Russian protectorate, and that the Azerbaijani military budget was dwarfed by Russia.

Speaking on 20 June during a meeting of the European Parliament’s Security and Defence Subcommittee, a group of MEPs commented that, without action, the stability of the entire South Caucasus could be threatened. They also called on the EU to express its clear support for withdrawal of Armenian armed forces to help achieve a peaceful settlement.

His party colleague, Anna Ibrisagic (Sweden) said: “There is an occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories, and we need courage to tell the other side that this is wrong.” She acknowledged it was necessary to end the occupation, let the internally displaced persons (IDPs) return to their homes and then work on a settlement. She also urged the EU to react to the military parade that took place in Nagorno-Karabakh in May in front of Armenian President Sargsyan. Maria Elena Koppi (Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Greece) reinforced this view by explaining the importance of understanding that Armenia remains reluctant to return the occupied territories.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from across Europe and the political spectrum have requested EU action to challenge the status quo in NagornoKarabakh by demanding Armenian withdrawal from the occupied territories.

Their calls were welcomed by TEAS, and Roman Huna, Head, TEAS Belgium, commented: “We hope that the EU will heed these calls and take prompt action.

It is unacceptable that this conflict on Europe’s borders remains unresolved, due to the Armenian disregard for international standards and the rule of law. We believe that the EU and the international community should be very clear in stressing the necessity for Armenian withdrawal from Azerbaijani territory.”

MEPs backing action included Milan Cabrnoch (European Conservatives and Reformists Group, Czech Republic), who suggested that return of the territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh should be the first step. Ivo Vajgl (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe) said the EU should make its non-acceptance of the status quo clear to Armenia, and not be seen to legitimise the occupation. It should emphasise that Azerbaijani territories remained occupied, and that international conventions are being flouted.

The Parliamentary committee heard from several experts. Philippe Lefort, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and crisis in Georgia, stressed that it is important to “respect the principles of the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act,” and that the “status quo is unacceptable for the EU.” He underlined the importance of the recent EP Resolution, passed on 18 April, which is now a cornerstone of EU policy regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Lefort also commented on the Madrid Principles, drafted by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, which provide a foundation for peaceful resolution. He explained that this does not mention the right of self-determination, or the necessity for a referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Vytautas Landsbergis (European People’s Party, Lithuania) continued: “We need to clean our vocabulary. These are not

Baroness Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has commented that resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict “is vital if Armenia’s political association and economic integration with the EU is to achieve its full potential.” The comments

www.teas.eu

(Photo: European Union 2012 – European Parliament)

Nagorno-Karabakh resolution plays ‘vital’ role towards Armenia’s EU integration

Baroness Ashton highlighted the stifling impact of the NagornoKarabakh conflict on Armenian–EU integration

were made in Brussels on 27 June, following her meeting with Armenian President Sargsyan.

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Baroness Ashton expressed concern over the serious armed incidents in early June along the ‘contact line’. She urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to step up their efforts to reach agreement on the Madrid Principles, and to fully implement the commitments made by their presidents within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.

OSCE PA summer session to hear report on Nagorno-Karabakh

A report entitled OSCE – Region of Change will be heard at the summer session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) that will open in Monaco. Prepared by Vilija Aleknaite Abramikiene, a Lithuanian rapporteur, this will reflect issues of security in the OSCE area, including such protracted conflicts as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Eldar Ibrahimov, a member of Azerbaijani delegation to the OSCE PA, explained that the document notes that protracted conflicts have created a new threat to regional security and stability. He said: “As stated in the document, one of these facts is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as a result of which losses continue, and tension is increasing in the ‘contact line’ between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops. The report calls for the continuation of work on the peace treaty.”

The text initially states that the first step in this direction is the withdrawal of snipers and observance of the ceasefire. It also explains that it remains essential to investigate incidents in the conflict zone.

Provocative election campaign underway in Nagorno-Karabakh

Campaigning began on 20 June in the run-up to the ‘Presidential’ elections in the occupied Azerbaijani region of Nagorno-Karabakh, scheduled for 19 July. The Armenian media claims that the region holds 97,664 eligible voters.

In an open letter, one of the candidates, General Vitaly Balasanyan, former Deputy Defence Minister, accused the incumbent ‘President’ of the occupying regime, Bako Sahakyan, of misusing public funds and resources in his campaign.

Mubariz Gurbanili, Azerbaijani MP, criticised the elections, stating that: “No-one will recognise the elections,” as they are taking place in occupied territories. He went on to explain that many foreign governments have stated that the elections remain illegitimate, so long as the conflict remains unresolved, as the Azerbaijani population of Nagorno-Karabakh that was displaced by the conflict 20 ago is unable to exercise its franchise.

July 2012

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Business News The TANAP legal agreements were signed

by Azerbaijani President Aliyev (left) and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan

TANAP agreement to provide EU energy security

On 27 June, Turkey and Azerbaijan signed the intergovernmental and host government agreements that provide a legal basis for construction of a pipeline to facilitate transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe via Turkey. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan explained that the project would be key to European diversification of energy supply. The objective of the TransAnatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP) deal is to reduce EU reliance on Russian Gazprom.

It is anticipated that the pipeline will have a carrying capacity of 16bn m 3 (bcm) per annum. Erdogan explained that Turkey would have access up to 10bcm.

In May, a consortium for a EU-backed project, Nabucco, proposed to convey Azerbaijani gas from the Turkish-Bulgarian border to Austria. The project was originally designed to bring gas directly from Azerbaijan.

The latest move was hailed by Günther Oettinger, EU Energy Commissioner, who commented: “Europe is now a step closer to its aim of getting gas directly from Azerbaijan and the other countries in the Caspian region.” The pipeline is scheduled for completion by 2018. TANAP will take gas from the Eastern Turkish border to the Western Turkish border, facilitating secure transit across the entire country. The project will link with the expanded Southern Caucasus pipeline that starts in Azerbaijan and continues across Georgia, via various proposed pipelines traversing the EU. Oettinger noted that, for the first time, a direct link from the EU to the Caspian Sea would be established. He added that the Southern Gas Corridor, which will bring gas from the Caspian and Middle East to the EU, is to be facilitated by a new pipeline traversing Turkey.

Vagif Aliyev, Head, Investment Department, State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) told the APA news agency that the pipe size is designed to permit the capacity to be increased. He revealed that project would be implemented July 2012

in four stages, the first of which would be completed in 2018, shortly after Shah Deniz II comes on stream.

The annual pipeline capacity will reach 16bcm in 2020; 23bcm in 2020; and 31bcm in 2026. During the first period, 10bcm of Azerbaijani gas will be sold to Europe, with 6bcm going to Turkey. The gas that is destined for Europe will pass either the Turkish-Bulgarian or Turkish-Greek border.

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan noted that the volume of gas to be delivered to Turkey would be increased to meet the country’s requirements. Due to the development of TANAP, the volume of SOCAR investments in Turkey will reach $17bn (£10.9bn). Rovnag Abdullayev, President, SOCAR, explained that SOCAR would now become the biggest single investing company in Turkey.

Nabucco West pipeline selected by Shah Deniz consortium

On 28 June, the BP-led Shah Deniz II consortium selected the Nabucco West pipeline as one of two possible routes for transporting Caspian gas to Western Europe. The decision forms part of a long process of elimination to select a new pipeline to break Russian dominance over the EU natural gas market.

In a statement, BP commented: “The Nabucco West project, with a route running from the Turkish-Bulgarian border to Baumgarten (in Austria), has been selected as a single pipeline option for the potential export of Shah Deniz Stage II gas to Central Europe. Development of the South East Europe Pipeline (SEEP) project (led by BP), which had been assembled by the Shah Deniz partners in collaboration with Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, will cease.”

Nabucco West hailed the decision as a major step towards diversifying Europe’s gas supplies.

Reinhard Mitschek, Managing Director, Nabucco Gas Pipeline International, commented: “This decision is an important milestone for the Nabucco project and a major step towards the final investment decision.” Günther Oettinger,

EU Energy Commissioner, applauded the move: “Whatever the final decision on the whole route, which runs from the eastern part of Turkey to Europe, Azerbaijani gas is certain to come to Europe. This is a success for Europe and for our security of supply.”

BP to invest in pipelines carrying gas to Europe

BP is to invest in two pipeline projects aimed at carrying Caspian natural gas to Europe, indicating that the company is doubling its involvement in the Shah Deniz project, despite a projected 25 per cent rise in costs. Al Cook, Shah Deniz Development Vice-President, BP, told Dow Jones Newswires that the company is set to soon get a stake in the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the only project left in the contest that would take the gas to Italy, rather than through Central Europe.

Cook also said that BP is negotiating the acquisition of a stake in TANAP, which would transport the gas across Turkey, and plans to sign an agreement in the next few months. He said that a plan to build a larger-capacity pipeline through Azerbaijan to the Turkish border is the main cause of a hike in cost estimates, which have risen to $25bn (£16bn) from the previous forecast of $20bn (£12.9bn). Cook commented: “BP has completed the negotiations in principle to join the TAP pipeline and help provide funding in the short term.” He declined to specify the size of the stake that BP would acquire, but acknowledged that it would be “substantial.” Cook continued: “We will put our money where our mouth is, and will demonstrate that we are very serious about the success of TAP”, adding that a deal should be signed in the next few weeks.

This investment in TAP forms part of an effort to gather support around the pipeline, especially in Italy, after the Shah Deniz consortium decided against the Interconnector Turkey-Greece-Italy (ITGI), which had been backed by the previous Italian government. Cook said that the decision to invest in TAP was partially motivated by the “changing regulatory and economic outlook” in Italy that is enhancing investment efficiency in the country. Enel, the Italian state-controlled utility company, has also been flirting with TAP, and any entry into the project would signal that the country believes in the pipeline. To view an interview with Al Cook, filmed on the sidelines of the recent TEAS Business Forum, go to https://teas.eu/content/ interview-al-cook-teas-business-forum.

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Business News

(Photo: Rashad Pasha Zadeh)

The JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel, seen at night

CSC’s scope of work includes steelwork construction and fabrication of the hull structure, whilst BSC will provide overall project management. This arrangement will expedite construction of the floating dock. BSC is a joint-venture shipyard between Keppel O&M, SOCAR and the Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC).

The new 52ha. shipyard is designed to undertake the construction of craft ranging from offshore support vessels to tankers, together with undertaking ship repair and conversion.

Marriott expands in Azerbaijan with new SOFAZ receives Baku hotel Marriott has opened its first hotel in $75.8bn over 11 years

The new shipyard will refit vessels of all types

New dry dock Baku Shipyard

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Caspian Shipyard C o m p a n y ( C S C ) , a joint venture betw e e n U S c o m p a n y Keppel O&M and SOCA R , h a s s e c u re d a contract to build a flo a t i n g d r y d o c k f o r Baku Shipyard (BSC). To b e c o m p l e t e d in the four th quar t e r o f 2 0 1 3 , t h e floating dock will be e q u i p p e d w i t h t w o sets of 25 tonne jib c r a n e s a n d h a v e a maximum docking w e i g h t o f 9 , 0 0 0 tonnes with a maximu m d o c k i n g d r a f t of 6.5m. www.teas.eu

Mushfig Bayramov, an official for the State Oil Fund of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOFAZ), has revealed that SOFAZ received funds amounting to $75.8bn (£48.8bn) from 2001–12, during which expenditure reached $41.3bn (£26.6bn).

SOFAZ revenues for 2012 are projected at AZN13.7bn (£11.2bn), with expenditure during the same period at AZN10.8bn (£8.8bn). He explained that, during 2012, around AZN1bn (£819.4m) was spent on improving the conditions of internallydisplaced persons (IDPs) and refugees from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; AZN779.6m (£638.9m) was used to finance the laying of a water pipeline from the Oguz-Gabala zone to Baku; AZN762.5 (£624.8m) was spent on reconstructing the Samur-Absheron irrigation system; and AZN297.9m (£244.1m) was assigned to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline construction project. Other expenditure included AZN259.4m (£212.5m) on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway construction project, and AZN39.8m (£32.6m) on Azerbaijani students’ overseas education.

French Total confirms gigantic gas find in Azerbaijan

To t a l h a s d i s c o v e re d h u g e n a t u r a l g a s re s e rv e s i n t h e C a s p i a n S e a . I n a s t a t e me n t , t h e F re n c h c o m p a n y re v e a l e d t h a t w e l l re s u l t s f ro m t h e f i e l d , l o c a t e d o ff A b s h e ro n , h a v e i n d i c a t e d g a s re s o u rc e s o f 1 5 0 – 3 0 0 b n m 3 ( b c m ) . I n a s t a t e m e n t , To t a l s a i d i t had submitted a “notice of discovery a n d c o m m e rc i a l i t y ” i n J u n e o n b e h a l f o f t h e p a r t n e r s h i p b e h i n d t h e A b s h e ro n find, which was initially announced i n S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1 . To t a l i s t h e m a i n o p e r a t o r, w i t h a 4 0 p e r c e n t s t a k e , alongside the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) and G D F S u e z , t h e F re n c h u t i l i t y. Yv e s - L o u i s D a r r i c a r rè re , H e a d o f E x p l o r a t i o n a n d

P ro d u c t i o n , To t a l , e x p l a i n e d that the d e c l a r a t i o n o f c o m m e rc i a l ity marked a n “ i m p o r t a n t s t e p i n o u r a ctivities as a n o p e r a t o r i n A z e r b a i j a n . ” Total is to u n d e r t a k e s e i s m i c t e s t s a t the field d u r i n g 2 0 1 3 a n d d r i l l m o re appraisal w e l l s t o f u l l y a s s e s s t h e e xtent of the find.

A b s h e ro n i s l o c a t e d a b out 100km s o u t h - e a s t o f B a k u , a n d i s close to the B P - o p e r a t e d S h a h D e n i z f i e ld, which is e s t i m a t e d t o c o n t a i n 1 . 2 t n m 3 (tcm) of g a s , i n w h i c h To t a l i s a l s o a par tner.

S p e a k i n g t o t h e F i n a n c i a l T imes , John R o b e r t s , E n e r g y S e c u r i t y Specialist, P l a t t ’s , e x p l a i n e d t h a t To t a l ’s Absheron development, combined with the g a s f ro m t h e U m i d a n d the AzeriC h i r a g - G u n e s h l i ( A C G ) f i elds, could significantly i n c re a s e Azerbaijan’s e x p o r t p o t e n t i a l . H e e x p l a ined: “This b o l s t e r s t h e c a s e f o r a large-scale p i p e l i n e s y s t e m t h a t c o u l d carr y more t h a n t h e a n n u a l 1 6 b c m p ledged by A z e r b a i j a n t o E u ro p e a n d Turkey.”

(Photo: WEF)

Azerbaijan, the 243-room JW Marriott Absheron Baku, under a management agreement with Yeni Absheron Oteli. The hotel overlooks Baku’s famed Azadliq Square and the Caspian Sea, and is 25 minutes’ drive from the city’s main airport. Amy McPherson, President and Managing Director: Europe, Marriott International, explained: “We are thrilled to grow our luxury JW Marriott portfolio in Europe and to open world-class hotels, such as the JW Marriott Absheron Baku.

A dynamic and cosmopolitan city, Baku is a destination on the rise, experiencing impressive growth and a cultural rebirth.

With its beautiful natural surroundings, fascinating history and vibrant nightlife, Baku is the perfect location to showcase our JW Marriott brand in Eastern Europe.

Baku is fast becoming a new European and international hotspot, and we see a great opportunity to expand our portfolio here.”

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Ali Abbasov, Azerbaijani ICT Minister, has given impressive predictions for the development of the ICT sector

Investment in Azerbaijani ICT sector projected at $3–4bn

The income derived from the burgeoning Azerbaijani infor mation a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n s t e c h n ology (ICT) s e c t o r w i l l re a c h $ 1 4 b n ( £ 9 b n) by 2022, a c c o rd i n g t o A l i A b b a s o v, Azerbaijani I C T M i n i s t e r. H e a l s o re v ealed that t h e f i g u re w o u l d re a c h a ro und $10bn ( £ 6 . 4 b n ) b y 2 0 2 0 . A b b a s o v commented t h a t i n c re a s i n g i n c o m e would also p o s i t i v e l y i m p a c t t h e p ro p o r tion of ICT i n c o m e i n t h e c o u n t r y ’s G D P. H e e x p l a i n e d t h a t i n v e s t m ent remains o n e o f t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t issues in I C T d e v e l o p m e n t . A c c o rd i n g to the ICT M i n i s t r y ’s d a t a f o r 2 0 1 1 , t h e volume of i n v e s t m e n t i n A z e r b a i j a n ’s I CT amounts t o $ 4 1 5 m ( £ 2 6 7 m ) , i n c reasing to $ 8 0 0 m ( £ 5 1 4 . 7 m ) b y 2 0 2 0 . T he Minister w e n t o n t o p re d i c t t h a t p r i vate sector i n v e s t m e n t i n I C T f ro m A z e r baijani and f o re i g n c o m p a n i e s w o u l d amount to $ 3 – 4 b n ( £ 1 . 9 – 2 . 6 b n ) d u r i n g the next decade.

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Culture and Sport

(Photo: Tom One Photography)

Azerbaijani jazz star delights German fans

The 22-year-old Isfar Sarabsky, winner of the piano prize at the Montreux International Jazz Festival 2009, has attracted plaudits from jazz aficionados and politicians alike during two concerts in Berlin, organised by the German office of TEAS. On 24 June, in a concert organised in collaboration with JazzRadio Berlin, he performed alongside his regular trio musicians, Makar Novikov (bass) and Alexander Mashin (drums) in the subterranean Asphalt Club before an appreciative audience of listeners to Jazz Radio Berlin. Initially, violinist Sabina Rakcheyeva, Member of the European Cultural Parliament and Cultural Advisor, TEAS, explained TEAS’ commitment to raising awareness of Azerbaijan’s unique culture on a pan-European level. Following this, JazzRadio’s Michael Fischer introduced the musicians.

The following night, Isfar’s trio played another concert on the roof terrace of Ewerk, in the middle of Berlin’s governmental district. The concert, entitled Summer Jazz and Politics, attracted an audience of around 200 people, including numerous Bundestag members and other dignitaries.

During her introduction, Leslie Nachmann, Presenter, Pro7 TV, and Chief Presenter, JazzRadio, spoke about the long tradition of Azerbaijani jazz and its connection with traditional Azerbaijani mugham music, which similarly features a high level of improvisation.

She also announced that she would be presenting a special feature news item for JazzRadio, exploring the roots of jazz-mugham, and the rich cultural heritage of the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. All attendees were captivated by Isfar’s unique fusion of western jazz compositions and jazzmugham pieces, attracting several encores at both concerts.

Isfar followed his concerts in Berlin with a performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival, introduced by Quincy Jones, where he participated in the Quincy Jones Global Gumbo Project, held at the Miles Davis Hall.

Claude Nobs, Director and Founder, Montreux Jazz Festival, acknowledged Sarabsky’s talent, stating: “There is remarkable music by July 2012

Isfar Sarabsky’s unique improvisations astounded jazz fans in Berlin

remarkable people in Azerbaijan.” The evening concluded with performances by Chick Corea and Bobby McFerrin.

The delicate and beautiful Fabergé brooch, dedicated to the innovations of Branobel

Delicate Fabergé artefacts of Branobel brought to London

The New York-based Á La Vieille Russie arthouse has participated in Masterpiece London 2012, one of the world’s leading art, antique and luxury lifestyle fairs. Taking centre-stage were two glittering artefacts of the Nobel Brothers’ Branobel oil company, which mechanised oil extraction and revolutionised oil transportation in late 19th Century Baku. These Fabergé ruby- and diamond-set enamel brooches depict Zoroaster, the world’s first oil tanker, built in 1878, and the world’s first railway oil tank car, constructed in 1883.

At the centre of each piece is an oil-drilling rig, marked with the Russian Imperial eagle. The painted enamel images are on an opalescent guilloche background, each with a miniature on the reverse side. One is the portrait miniature of Robert Nobel, still in its original case. The other has a miniature of his brother, Ludwig. These unique items were crafted by Mikhail Perchin, chief Fabergé master, in St. Petersburg on the occasion of the opening of the Russian National Industrial Exhibition in Nizhni Novgorod in 1896.

To find out more, go to www.alvr.com.

Azerbaijani poetry on the South Bank

The London-based Azerbaijani poet Nigar HasanZadeh has participated in the Poetry Parnassus festival on London’s South Bank before an international audience of 300 people. This is the largest UK festival for poets and spoken-word artists, and Nigar’s Russian-language poetry

was also translated into English. Nigar wrote her first poem at the age of four, and gave readings before large audiences from the age of 15. Two years later, she became a student at the M.F. Akhundov University Slavic Department in Baku, studying Russian Language and Literature.

In 2002, she won the Azerbaijan National Academy public prize. Her writing synthesises several traditional writing styles in a unique way, and she has recently published a new illustrated book in the narrative Sufi tradition entitled The Little Fairy Teller and White Bird Nara. The Russian-language version is available from http://bit.ly/Nigar1, and an English version is in preparation.

Mugham nightingale to perform at WOMAD

Devotees of Azerbaijani mugham will be aware that Nazaket Teymurova ranks amongst one of the foremost female mugham singers, regularly appearing at the International Mugham Festival in Baku and the Baku State Opera. Simon Broughton, Editor, Songlines magazine, stated that she has a “warm, expressive voice that isn’t too showy or diva-like”, describing her recent CD on the Italian Felmay label as “one of the best recordings of Azerbaijani mugham I have heard in a long time.”

World music fans in the UK will now have the chance to hear Nazaket live when she visits the UK with her mugham ensemble to perform at the long-running World of Music and Dance (WOMAD) Festival at Charlton Park, Wiltshire.

Broadcast on BBC Radio 3, her performance will take place on the Radio 3 stage on 27 July from 18.00–19.00hrs. To book tickets, visit www. womad.co.uk, and hear Nazaket’s remarkable voice in a performance of The Cloudy Tabriz and the ashiq song Misri by visiting http://bit.ly/ Nazaket.

J-Lo says Baku”

“Salam,

The international singing sensations Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Shakira will perform during the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup 2012 in Baku, being the first time that any of the songstresses have appeared in the country.

Jennifer Lopez will perform at the opening ceremony at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium on 22 September; Rihanna will appear before the quarter-final match on 5 October; and Shakira will perform on 13 October, prior to the final match. Teams from Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, China, Gambia, Ghana, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Uruguay, and the US, amongst others, will participate in the tournament. To see Jennifer Lopez’s promotional video, go to http://bit.ly/JLoAz.

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Culture and Sport Scarves featuring Karabakh horses were launched during the event in Berlin

The ties and pochettes bore the hallmark of Karabakh carpet designs

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for the Shusha Children’s Music School in Azerbaijan. Shusha – the largest town in the Nagorno-Karabakh region – was synonymous with Azerbaijani culture. It was occupied 20 years ago, and the purpose of this music school is to educate the children of the IDPs to ensure that this culture is kept alive.”

The attendees then viewed a film about the inspiration and manufacturing of the new range, which included an interview with Sammy Voigt, Designer, EDSOR Berlin. To see this, and to learn more about the range, go to www.karabakh-azerbaijan.com.

Badalbeyli plays Amirov: special discount for TEAS friends Jan-Henrik ScheperStuke, Manager, EDSOR Berlin enthusiastically introduced the KarabakhAzerbaijan range

EDSOR Berlin’s KarabakhAzerbaijan range enters European fashion arena

Images of Azerbaijani Karabakh horses, and designs derived from Karabakh carpets, have featured on a new range of top-quality ties, pochettes (pocket handkerchiefs) and scarves, handmade from Italian silk, by the long-established German fashion house EDSOR Berlin, working in collaboration with TEAS. These were launched on 19 June at the historic Hotel de Rome in the heart of Berlin during an outstanding sound and light show, attended by around 500 people from the worlds of fashion, business, politics and society. This high-profile event was covered

by German and Azerbaijani television, in addition to numerous journalists.

Jan-Henrik Scheper-Stuke, Manager, EDSOR Berlin, stated: “The inspiration for the collection is the Azerbaijani region of Karabakh. This project, and the recent Eurovision Song Contest in Baku have stimulated our interest in Azerbaijan. We need to know more about this country. I did not believe that an event of such elegance could be held in Berlin, and we had to reach out to Azerbaijan to make such an event possible. I am delighted by the Karabakh-Azerbaijan range, and hope that this joint venture will be the first of many between EDSOR Berlin and TEAS.” www.teas.eu

Tale Heydarov, Chairman and Founder, TEAS, explained: “EDSOR Berlin has supplied its products to politicians, film stars and the public alike since 1909. It’s this sense of heritage that makes EDSOR Berlin the ideal partner for the new Karabakh-Azerbaijan range of scarves, pochettes and ties. Tonight, we are celebrating this new collection, which represents Karabakh, one of the most beautiful Azerbaijani regions.

“The Karabakh region was home to some of the foremost Azerbaijani poets, authors, artists and composers. The Karabakh school of carpet design, elements of which are featured on the ties and pochettes, is renowned for its intricacy. The region has also given its name to the Karabakh racing and riding horse. This horse was originally bred during the 19th Century, and is known for the golden tint on its head. I am pleased to see its athletic form represented on the scarves.

“Today, the traditions and culture of Karabakh are in danger of extinction, as the region continues to be occupied by neighbouring Armenia, resulting in 875,000 Azerbaijanis becoming internally-displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. By wearing the products in the new Karabakh-Azerbaijan range, you will be showing that these people and their ancient culture are not forgotten. A percentage of the profits from this range will also go towards purchasing musical instruments

On 25 September, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a landmark concert at Cadogan Hall to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the birth of Azerbaijani composer Fikret Amirov (1922–84). The concert will comprise his Azerbaijan Capriccio and Piano Concerto after Arabian Themes, followed by the 1947 revision of Igor Stravinsky’s Petrushka ballet. The soloist for the piano concerto will be Farhad Badalbeyli, the renowned composer, conductor and director of Baku Music Academy.

The conductor will be Dmitry Yablonsky, who will collaborate with Badalbeyli to direct the annual Gabala International Music Festival, taking place from 24 July–5 August. For the second time, the Royal Philharmonic will be the resident orchestra. The concert will begin at 19.30, and will be preceded by a short film at 18.15 entitled Mountains of Gabala, focusing on the Festival.

TEAS is delighted that the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are enabling friends of TEAS to purchase the best available tickets on the day of booking for just £15 (normally £15–45).

Simply call +44 (0)20 7730 4500, quoting ‘The European Azerbaijan Society’. To find out more, and to hear excerpts from the programme, go to http://bit.ly/Amirov1.

Azerbaijani virtuoso Farhad Badalbeyli will perform Amirov’s Piano Concerto after Arabian Themes in London

July 2012

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Culture and Sport Azerbaijani Greco-Roman Wrestler Rovshan Bayramov (red) floors Elbek Tazhyiev of Belarus during the World Championships in Istanbul

Azerbaijani Olympians come to London

Altogether, 53 Azerbaijani competitors across 15 sporting disciplines have qualified to participate in the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, which run from 27 July–12 August and 29 August–9 September, respectively.

This will be the fifth Olympiad in which the country has participated since regaining its independence in 1991. Previously, Azerbaijani athletes competed as part of the Soviet Union at the Olympics from 1952–88 and, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijani athletes participated as part of the Unified Team in 1992.

Azerbaijani athletes have won 16 medals at the Summer Olympic Games in the disciplines of wrestling, shooting, boxing and judo. The National Olympic Committee for Azerbaijan was created in 1992.

Here, TEAS profiles some of the greatest Azerbaijani athletes of the past 20 years, and looks at some of the names to watch during this year’s games.

Heroes of the Past

Namig Abdullayev Men’s Freestyle Wrestling 2000: Sydney Olympics – Gold (55kg) 1996: Atlanta Olympics – Silver (52kg) Namig Abdullayev (born 4 January 1971, Baku) won a gold medal for Freestyle Wrestling at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He also won three gold medals at the European Championships and four silver medals at the World Championships.

July 2012

A three-time Olympian, Abdullayev won a silver medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in the Men’s Freestyle 52kg and gold in the Men’s Freestyle 55kg at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He also competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics, but was eliminated early. Abdullayev’s talent remains probably perhaps best-known in the US for his controversial 2000 Olympic match against the American Sammie Henson, where he achieved the gold medal. This came two years after Henson’s defeat of Abdullayev in the 1998 World Wrestling Championships.

Zemfira Meftakhetdinova Women’s Shooting 2004: Athens Olympics – Bronze (Skeet) 2000: Sydney Olympics – Gold (Skeet) Zemfira Meftakhetdinova (born 28 May 1963) won two Summer Olympic medals in skeet shooting. Born in Baku, she is a police officer and sports teacher, speaking three languages.

In the final, he beat the favourite, Wang KiChun, of Korea, in 13 seconds by achieving ippon – the highest score a fighter can attain in a martial arts contest.

Athletes to watch

The sports media is particularly focusing on Azerbaijani boxers, led by Magomedrasul Medzhidov, the reigning amateur super heavyweight champion, one of the biggest stars in amateur boxing, who will lead a seven-strong team at London 2012. Aged 25 years, he is the reigning International Boxing Association (AIBA) Elite Boxer of the Year and the world number one ranked amateur super heavyweight. He proved his ability in the gold medal match at the 2011 World Championships in Baku, where he defeated Anthony Joshua (UK).

Earlier this month, Medzhidov became one of the first signatories to the new AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) programme that will enable fighters to box professionally, whilst retaining their Olympic eligibility, to be launched next year.

Another major Olympic medal hope for Azerbaijan is the accomplished 19-year-old heavyweight Teymur Mammadov, who won silver at the 2011 World Championships.

His teammate, Vatan Huseynli, a 20-yearold light heavyweight, has competed in the AIBA-run World Series of Boxing (WSB), winning silver in the European Olympic qualifying competition. Middleweight Soltan Migitinov, who also competed in the WSB, could also prove destined for a medal at London 2012.

Farid Mansurov Men’s Greco-Roman Wrestling 2004: Athens Olympics – Gold (66kg)

Heybatulla Hajialiyev, the 21-year-old light welterweight, will be an outside medal contender, as will 25-year-old bantamweight Magomed Abdulhamidov, who remains unranked by AIBA. The team is completed

by Elvin Mamishzadeh, the number three ranked flyweight.

Farid Mansurov (born 10 May 1982) competed in the Men’s Greco-Roman 66kg category, winning the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Born in Dmanisi, Georgia, he retired in 2010, after conceding jaw injury during the 2010 European Wrestling Championship. During 2010– 11, he coached the Azerbaijani National Wrestling Team.

The following Olympians are also participating in the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. BP Azerbaijan is the official partner of the Azerbaijani National Olympic Committee and the Azerbaijan National Paralympic Committee, and these seven talented athletes are BP Ambassadors, being considered as particularly bright hopes for Azerbaijani success.

Elnur Mammadli Men’s Judo 2008: Beijing Olympics – Gold (Lightweight; 73kg)

Farida Azizova Women’s Taekwondo (under-67kg)

Elnur Mammadli (born 29 June 1988, Baku) won the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the Lightweight; 73kg division.

Coming from a sporting family, Farida first took up Taekwondo at the age of seven years and quickly progressed through the junior rankings. In 2008, at the age of 12 years, she won a bronze medal at the World Youth

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Culture and Sport Championships in Turkey. The following year, she achieved a gold medal at the European Cadet Championships and bronze in the European Youth Championships. Last year, she entered international competition at a senior level, where she won two gold medals in the Russian Open International Taekwondo Tournament and the Korean Open Taekwondo Championship.

In July 2011, Farida qualified for London 2012 by being placed second in the World Taekwondo Olympic Qualification Tournament in Baku. Already this year, Farida has won silver at the US Open Championship in Las Vegas. For the past two years, Farida has been working with Karam Garibov, her personal coach, alongside national team coach Sung Mi Rark.

Rovshan Bayramov Men’s Greco-Roman Wrestling (under-55kg category) Rovshan is a graduate of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Culture and Sport, remaining a popular, well-known figure in Azerbaijan. He attained his first major honour at the 2006 World Wrestling Championships, where he took home a silver medal. In 2007, Rovshan was crowned as European Champion, when he won gold at the competition in Sofia. He successfully defended his European title in 2008, just prior to his first Olympics, and continued by winning a silver medal in Beijing.

Last year, Rovshan qualified for the London 2012 Games in the 55kg category by winning the World Championships in Istanbul.

Rovshan trains with Hijran Sharifov, with whom he has worked for a decade.

Jabrail Hasanov Freestyle Wrestling category)

(Men’s

Olokhan Musayev Shot Put (F55-56: double amputee) Olokhan was born with his disability and has always used a wheelchair. He started his sporting career as a weightlifter, and competed until 2007, when an injury to his left arm led him to switch to the Shot Put. He found immediate success, winning at the World Games in Thailand. Six months before his first Paralympics, Olokhan’s preparations for Beijing were affected by a severe arm injury. His determination led him to continue to train intensively, ensuring that he gained a qualification for the 2008 Games. Olokhan’s dedication paid dividends, and he went on to win the Gold Medal in Beijing, setting a new World Record in the process.

Since Beijing, Olokhan’s success has continued. He achieved first place in the World Games in 2009 and 2011, in addition to winning the Italian Open Championships in 2010. His coach is Vagif Museddig, who initially introduced him to weightlifting.

Oleg Panyutin Long Jump, Triple Jump (F12: Visually Impaired) Oleg has attended a specialist sports school since 1999 and, for the past five years, has been at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Training and Sport. Originally from Russia, Oleg has been a member of the National Paralympic Committee of Azerbaijan since 2003 and is a highly decorated athlete, achieving success at national and international level.

under-66kg

Jabrail is a graduate of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Culture and Sport who took up the sport whilst at school. He was first picked to represent his country at the age of 11 years. In 2009, Jabrail won his first major honours at the European Wrestling Championships in Vilnius, where he took home a silver medal in the 66kg Freestyle category. The following year, he went one step further by winning the European Championships in Baku. During the same year, Jabrail won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Moscow.

Last year, Jabrail successfully defended his European title, and added another bronze to his collection at the World Championships in Istanbul. He has worked with Aslan Aghayev, his coach, since 2005. He was particularly inspired by the achievements of

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Namig Abdullayev, an Azerbaijani Olympic champion wrestler, who won gold at the Sydney Games in 2000.

In 2003, Oleg competed in the European Championship, where he won two silver medals in the long jump and triple jump.

A year later, he won gold, and set a new World Record for the long jump at the Paralympics. His run of success continued into 2005, when he achieved gold at both the European and Open European Championships. In addition, he won silver at the 2006 World Championships, despite having suffered a serious injury.

In 2008, Oleg competed in his second Paralympics, despite suffering from the injury sustained in 2006. He was consequently unable to achieve his full potential, yet still managed to win bronze.

In 2009, he returned to winning form at the European Championship, achieving gold in the long jump and silver in the triple jump. This feat was repeated at the Italian Open Championship. Oleg qualified for

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London 2012 when he won gold in both the long jump and triple jump at the 2011 World Championships in New Zealand. He has worked with Maharram Sultanzade, his coach, since 2008.

Afag Sultanova Paralympic Judo (B3: Visually Impaired, Women’s under-57kg) Afag took up Karate at the age of eight years and moved on to Judo when she was 13, where she achieved success in the junior rankings of several international tournaments.

In 2007, Afag started to compete in Universal Fighting, becoming the European Youth Champion and World Champion one year later. Unfortunately, Afag then sustained a serious injury and the resulting trauma had a significant impact on her eyesight.

Following this, Afag was unable to train and considered giving up sport entirely.

After being inspired by the story of Ilham Zakiyev, the Azerbaijani Paralympic Judo Champion, Afag made the decision to return to Judo, competing in the visuallyimpaired category.

She re-entered competition in 2009, and her victory at the 2011 World Games in Turkey secured her qualification for London 2012. Afag has been training in Surakhani since 2000 with her coach Aghanaghi Jafarov.

Ilham Zakiyev Paralympic Judo (B1: Blind Men’s over 100kg category) Ilham is a well-known, respected athlete in Azerbaijan. In 2008, he was awarded the Shohrat Order (Order of Glory) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of sports in the country.

Ilham’s older brother initially encouraged him to take up Judo at 11 years. At the age of 18, he was drafted into the army and sustained a serious head wound from an Armenian sniper’s bullet. Due to this, he completely lost his eyesight.

After a long period of rehabilitation, Ilham returned to Judo to compete as a visuallyimpaired athlete, and his career has subsequently developed. He is already a veteran of two Paralympics, winning gold medals in 2004 and 2008. In 2009, Ilham won gold at the European Championships, being crowned as World Champion one year later, augmenting his medal tally the following year with a World Championship silver medal.

Ilham has been based in Sumgait for the past 17 years, and has worked with Ahmaddin Rajabli, his coach, since 1995.

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Personalities – Agdes Baghirzade Agdes’ photograph Harmony won a first prize in the International Photo Contest in Kazan in the Landscape category

Agdes Baghirzade – an eye for beauty

Born in Baku, Agdes Baghirzade i s re n o w n e d f o r t h e q u a l i t y o f h e r p o r t r a i t u re , e m p a t h y w i t h h e r s u b j e c t s and fascination with the natural world. Since 2004, she has exhibited p ro l i f i c a l l y i n m a n y c o u n t r i e s , i n c l u d i n g t h e U S , U K , R u s s i a , Tu r k e y, I t a l y, a n d S p a i n . S h e a l s o re c e i v e d t h e a w a rd f o r T h e B e s t P h o t o g r a p h e r o f 2 0 0 5 f ro m t h e A z e r b a i j a n i M i n i s t r y o f To u r i s m , Yo u t h a n d S p o r t s , a m o n g s t o t h e r a w a rd s . T E A S c a u g h t u p w i t h A g d e s a t h o m e i n B a k u t o f i n d o u t m o re .

Yo u o r i g i n a l l y r e a d f o r a B A i n Management and Banking. What prompted your decision to retrain as a photographer?

Ye s , I g r a d u a t e d f ro m U n i v e r s i t y w i t h a d e g re e i n m a n a g e m e n t , b u t b e f o re that I spent 11 years studying piano

at the Bulbul Music School. During my teens, the majority of my time was taken by my music studies, although I was always keen on art and drawing.

Yo u s t u d i e d a s a p h o t o g r a p h e r a t K a n s a s U n i v e r s i t y. W h y d i d y o u decide to study in the US? Which aspects of photography did you focus on?

T h e A m e r i c a n C o u n c i l a w a rd e d m e a grant for a training course at Kansas U n i v e r s i t y. D u r i n g m y t i m e t h e re , I was most fortunate to quickly gain c o n s i d e r a b l e k n o w l e d g e re g a rd i n g t h e a r t o f p h o t o g r a p h y, a r t m a n a g e m e n t a n d m a r k e t i n g . M o re o v e r, I l e a r n e d a g re a t d e a l a b o u t t h e g a l l e r y b u s i n e s s and exhibition organisation.

The g e n re s o f a r t a n d s t re e t p h o t o g r a p h y attract me the most.

When you began your studies, digital p h o t o g r a p h y w a s i n i t s i n f a n c y.

Did you learn about analogue film The thoughtprovoking At the Threshold, captures an important moment in a young woman’s life

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photography techniques?

P ro f e s s i o n a l q u a l i t y d i g i t a l c a m e r a s w e re n o t y e t i n u s e w h e n I f i r s t s t a r t e d t a k i n g a n i n t e re s t i n p h o t o g r a p h y, a n d I gained considerable experience in the f i e l d o f f i l m p h o t o g r a p h y. I s t i l l c a n n o t bring myself to part with my old Soviet Zenith SLR camera, which is without a n y a u t o m a t i c f u n c t i o n s . W h e n t h e re is an opportunity to take photographs f o r m y o w n p l e a s u re , I u s u a l l y t a k e this old camera and a couple of 35mm film cassettes. I like the very sound of winding the film, and undertaking the manual focusing. I find the analogue p ro c e s s f a s c i n a t i n g .

Which photographers of the past influenced your work?

I t i s h a rd t o n a m e o n l y o n e p h o t o g r a p h e r – many photographers influenced me i n d i ff e re n t w a y s a t v a r i o u s t i m e s i n my life. I could mention, for instance, t h e s t re e t p h o t o s a n d p o r t r a i t s t a k e n b y H e n r i C a r t i e r- B re s s o n a n d R o b e r t Part of the Jazz Party series, featuring renowned Azerbaijani jazz pianist Salman Gambarov

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Personalities – Agdes Baghirzade This humorous photo, entitled Faces, was featured in two series – The Other Side of Me and Doors of the Old City

Doisneau; the photo series of Roman C a t h o l i c a rc h i t e c t u re a n d c a t h e d r a l s b y F re d e r i c k H e n r y E v a n s ; t h e u n i q u e p i c t u re s o f P a r i s a t t h e t u r n o f t h e 2 0 t h century by Eugene Atget; and the art a n d t r a v e l p h o t o s b y A l f re d S t i e g l i t z , particularly the series of portraits of t h e a r t i s t G e o r g i a O ’ K e e ff e , w h o w a s his muse and wife.

Yo u r b r e a k t h r o u g h y e a r w a s 2 0 0 5 , when you won the New Opportunities, New Horizons category in the Muslim Eldarov International Photographic Competition in Baku and the A z e r b a i j a n i M i n i s t r y o f To u r i s m , Yo u t h a n d S p o r t s a w a r d e d y o u t h e diploma for Best Photographer of 2005. For which photographs or series of photographs did you receive these awards?

T h e y e a r 2 0 0 5 w a s a b re a k t h ro u g h year for me, not only because of the prizes and certificates of honour I w a s a w a rd e d , b u t a l s o re g a rd i n g m y p ro f e s s i o n a l g ro w t h a n d i n c re a s e d re s p o n s i b i l i t y. T h e a w a rd s w e re m a d e i n re l a t i o n t o t h e t w o w o r k s e n t i t l e d W i n d o w t o t h e F u t u re a n d N o s t a l g i a for Summer.

What essence were you aiming to capture in your Jazz Party series, exhibited at the Art Incubator centre in Kansas?

With the Jazz Party series, I wanted to show Azerbaijani jazz musicians, both at the sublime moments of their artistic inspiration during the concerts, and in various informal situations – during re h e a r s a l s o r f r i e n d l y c h a t s b e h i n d t h e stage.

The theme of jazz was not particularly popular with Azerbaijani photographers when I first turned my attention to it, b u t m y i n t e re s t w a s n a t u r a l . I h a v e a l w a y s a p p re c i a t e d j a z z , re g a rd l e s s i f t h e g e n re i s c l a s s i c , L a t i n , e t h n o , o r e v e n j a z z i m p ro v i s a t i o n s o n c l a s s i c a l music. For a few years, I worked as a photographer at the Baku International Jazz and Blues Festival, and was fortunate to be able to take photos of

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The remarkable and disturbing Dervish

Billy Cobham, Herbie Hancock, and Al J a r re a u , a m o n g s t o t h e r s , b o t h d u r i n g their concerts and after they had p e r f o r m e d , w h e n t h e y w e re re l a x i n g .

Since that time, you have participated in several competitions and exhibitions, most notably winning one of the first prizes in the International Photo Contest in K a z a n i n t h e L a n d s c a p e c a t e g o r y.

For which photographs did you win this award?

M y w o r k H a r m o n y w a s a w a rd e d a prize in Kazan; the Doors of the Old To w n s e r i e s re c e i v e d a g o l d m e d a l i n Uzbekistan; and the series The Inner To w n w o n t h e H PA C o n t e s t i n C h i n a i n 2 0 0 9 , i n t h e a rc h i t e c t u r a l c a t e g o r y. I could also mention, as one of my latest achievements, my personal exhibition a t t h e C e n t re o f C o n t e m p o r a r y A r t (Zamenhof Galleria) in Milan in F e b r u a r y – M a rc h t h i s y e a r, w h e re I exhibited The Other Side of Me, my latest series.

Which countries have you photographed, to date? Which of these proved the most inspirational?

I have taken photographs in the US, U K , G e r m a n y, F r a n c e , S p a i n , Tu r k e y, C y p r u s , C h i n a , Ta t a r s t a n ( R u s s i a n Federation), Uzbekistan, Georgia, and, of course, in Azerbaijan. I could n o t t e l l y o u w h e re I f e l t m o s t i n s p i re d .

Each country attracted me in a unique w a y.

Other photos focus on extreme, almost abstract details that sum up a particular place or culture (i.e. door hinges, a submerged winch, the tufts in a carpet). What are you seeking when you select such elements?

Sometimes fragments and details can t e l l m u c h m o re a b o u t a s u b j e c t t h a n o n e e x p e c t s . M o re o f t e n t h a n n o t , t h e y i m p l y a b ro a d e r m e a n i n g a n d i m a g e .

Yo u have also undertaken the photography for several CD covers.

Does this present any particular challenges?

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T h e A z e r b a i j a n i M i n i s t r y o f C u l t u re a n d To u r i s m h a s re l e a s e d a s e r i e s of six CDs entitled Tr a d i t i o n a l Music of Azerbaijan in collaboration w i t h F e l m a y, a n I t a l i a n l a b e l . I a m undertaking the photographic work for the CD packaging, including the cover p h o t o s . I h a v e p ro p o s e d d e c o r a t i n g the discs with art photography in an ethno style, avoiding the conventional portraits of the performers or d o c u m e n t a r y c h ro n i c l e s o n t h e C D covers.

Which projects are you working on at the present time?

M y c u r re n t p ro j e c t s i n c l u d e w o r k o n t h e p ro j e c t B a k u N o w a n d T h e n , a n d I am adding to my two series of works entitled Melodies of the Old City and G o b u s t a n a n d M u d Vo l c a n o e s .

To see works by Agdes, please visit www. photodom.com/member/agdes; www. agdes.gallery.ru. To contact her, e-mail: agdes.baghirzade@gmail.com.

TEAS photography c o m p e t i t i o n : A z e r b a i j a n Through the Lens TEAS has announced the launch of a photography competition for p ro f e s s i o n a l and amateur photographers f ro m a c ro s s the w o r l d , e n t i t l e d A z e r b a i j a n T h ro u g h the Lens. All types of photographs a re m o s t w e l c o m e , f ro m p o r t r a i t s and landscapes to action and a rc h i t e c t u r a l – t h e o n l y c r i t e r i o n i s t h a t t h e y re l a t e t o A z e r b a i j a n .

In addition to a selection of fantastic prizes, the winners will be exhibited a t t h e p re s t i g i o u s L a G a l l e r i a P a l l Mall, London in November 2012, to which the international media and public will be invited. The exhibition w i l l t h e n b e p re s e n t e d a t g a l l e r i e s in Paris, Berlin, Brussels and other E u ro p e a n c i t i e s d u r i n g l a t e 2 0 1 2 – early 2013. The closing date is 15 October 2012.

For the full submission criteria, together with terms and conditions, please visit https://teas.eu/content/ photography-competition.

July 2012

July 2012

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