Shorouk Express
On April 23rd, NARGIS Magazine hosted the presentation of the
book “Əlifba. A Cultural Alphabet” at the archaeological site La
Chellah in Rabat.
Organised by NARGIS Magazine, the evening was a vivid
celebration of Azerbaijani culture, showcasing its rich heritage
through music, art, fashion, and cuisine.
The book “Əlifba. A Cultural Alphabet” is an Azerbaijani
alphabet for adults and children with colourful illustrations, in
which each letter of the Azerbaijani alphabet provides information
about a particular architectural monument, work of art, historical
tradition or folklore character of our country.
The ideological inspirer and author of the project is Ulviyya
Mahmud, Editor-in-Chief of NARGIS Magazine and the creator of many
unique initiatives, all aimed to promote Azerbaijani culture
throughout the world.
The presentation was attended by a distinguished audience,
reflecting the international resonance of the project. Among the
honoured guests were: Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of the Republic of
Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Morocco;
Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and
Communication of Morocco; Abdelaziz El Bouzdaini, Secretary General
at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of Morocco;
Naima ben Yahia, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and
Family of Morocco; Plamen Stoyanov Tzolov, Ambassador of Bulgaria;
Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador of Kazakhstan; Ziad Atta Allah,
Ambassador of Lebanon; Fabio Chinda, Ambassador of Thailand;
Mustafa Ilker Kılıç, Ambassador of Türkiye; Serhii Saienko,
Ambassador of Ukraine; Anar Karimov, Head of Partnerships and
Cooperation at ICESCO; Leila Bilrha, Vice Mayor of Rabat; Latifa
Akharbach, President of Morocco’s High Authority for Audiovisual
Communication, Prof. Ghizlane Benjelloun, Vice-President of the
National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE); Seyfullah Ilyas,
Country Director of Turkish Airlines of Morocco; Abdelilah Bouzidi,
President of the Council of the Agdal-Hay Riad district of Rabat;
Fouad Arif, Director General of MAP (Maghreb Arab Press Agency);
Mohammed Haitami, President and CEO of Le Matin, and other esteemed
guests.
One of the symbolic highlights of the evening was the sculptural
crystal created by artist Teymur Garibov. The crystal stood as a
metaphor for clarity and truth — values reflected in the cultural
journey told through the letters of the Azerbaijani alphabet.
An installation “Welcome to Baku” prepared specifically for the
project by artist and sculptor Rashad Alakbarov was also
presented.
Guests were treated to a mesmerising musical segment featuring
renowned Azerbaijani pianist and composer Ruslan Agababayev,
performing solo and in collaboration with celebrated Moroccan
musician Mustapha Antari. The evening also included a dynamic
performance by a live band.
A highlight of the cultural showcase was a fashion show
featuring 14 traditional Azerbaijani costumes from different
regions, set to musical compositions by the legendary Aziza
Mustafa-Zadeh.
As part of the presentation, there was a screening of “History
in Letters” — a documentary animated drama that introduces viewers
to Azerbaijani culture and history through the prism of the
alphabet. This is not just a documentary cartoon, but a
philosophical search for truth that demonstrates to the viewer the
power of love for art. The film was worked on by: producer Meran
Ismailsoy, screenwriter Agamehti Abidov, animation artists Kenan
Sheykhzamanli and Nargiz Heydar. Illustrations for the book were
made by artist Orkhan Huseynov.
To conclude the night, guests enjoyed a buffet of Azerbaijani
cuisine, specially prepared by Chef Maksim Golovin, bringing the
authentic taste of the country to Morocco.
The event was held with the support of the Ministry of Culture
of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Azercell Telecom LLC, and in
cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the
Kingdom of Morocco.
