Mintimer Shaimiev and Mekhriban Alieva discussed projects of the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage

Issues of Tatarstan-Azerbaijan cooperation and prospects of future joint projects in the field of culture were discussed today in the Kazan Kremlin by Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev and UN Goodwill Ambassador for Oral and Musical Traditions Mekhriban Alieva.

Mekhriban Alieva was designated as UN Goodwill Ambassador in September 2004. In 1995, she became President of the Foundation of “Friends of Azerbaijan culture” and a year later founded a magazine in the Azerbaijan, English and Russian languages to promote the culture of Azerbaijan in the country and abroad. At the meeting, the interlocutors focused on issues of bilateral cooperation in the whole. Mrs. Mekhriban Alieva said that they had not touched upon any specific projects, but the talks were about the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage. I know that your national holiday of Sabantui was proposed for inscription on the List of World Masterpieces, the guest said. She also said that Azerbaijan Mugam (a traditional system of musical performance of Azerbaijan. It is a highly complex form of art music (as opposed to folk music) with specific systems and concepts of musical expression that demand of its performers a very high standard of professionalism.) is inscribed on the List of World Masterpieces. We can promote our heritage together, carry out joint actions in this direction, she expressed confidence.

Before coming to Tatarstan, I had read about the holiday of Sabantui. This holiday has very deep roots, it reflects the national identity of the Tatars, which is of great importance. I think that Sabantui has a fair chance to be inscribed on the List of World Masterpieces. The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is aimed to safeguard the national “Ego” of all the peoples.