On April 27, an international literary and artistic event titled “Lesya Ukrainka in the Azerbaijani Cultural Space” took place in the capital to mark the 155th anniversary of the poet’s birth, according to the organizers.
“The project demonstrates the interconnection between cultural diplomacy and its impact on humanitarian support for Ukraine,” said Marina Goncharuk, director of the Ukrainian-Turkic Center, in a comment to the agency.
According to reports, the event featured the first-ever comprehensive study of Lesya Ukrainka’s literary presence in Azerbaijan, including the history of the monument to the poet in Lokbatan (Baku), as well as an overview of translations of her works into Azerbaijani, publications, and research by local authors.
A separate part of the program was the presentation of the fairy-tale drama “The Forest Song” in Azerbaijani, published with the support of the Ukrainian Book Institute.
According to Goncharuk, cultural cooperation between Ukraine and Azerbaijan has a practical dimension.
“Back in 2003, Irpin and Lokbatan signed a memorandum of cooperation, and as early as 2004, monuments to Lesya Ukrainka and Zarifa Aliyeva were unveiled. Subsequently, this cooperation evolved into humanitarian aid from Azerbaijan for the restoration of social infrastructure in Irpin,” she said.
The head of the Ukrainian representative office of NEQSOL Holding, Volodymyr Lavrenchuk, noted that the translation of the poet’s works into Azerbaijani is a continuation of cultural and value-based ties.
“Lesya Ukrainka is a symbol of strength of spirit, freedom, and Ukraine’s European identity, so supporting the translation of her works is a natural step for the company,” he noted.
Jalal Huseynov, President of the Ukrainian-Azerbaijani Business Association “Terezi,” emphasized the importance of cultural dialogue.
“The highest level of mutual understanding is the word,” he noted.
According to reports, the event was also attended by Olena Odynoka, Deputy Director of the Ukrainian Book Institute, who highlighted the role of translations in intercultural dialogue.
“Translations are bridges between nations; they are what enable us to better understand one another,” she said.
A greeting from Azerbaijani poet and translator Salam Sarvan was read aloud during the event.
The artistic program included performances by Ukrainian artists featuring dance and vocal numbers representing Azerbaijani culture, as well as a performance of the Azerbaijani national anthem on the bandura.
An exhibition of artistic collages by Maria Zamay, a student at Mariupol State University, was also presented.
Following the official portion of the event, guests were treated to a traditional Azerbaijani tea ceremony and refreshments.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the diplomatic corps, cultural figures, and the media. Partners included the Radisson Blu Hotel Kyiv City Centre, NEQSOL Holding, SOCAR Energy Ukraine, and other organizations.
