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District-Wide Novruz Celebration Held in Khazar

The arrival of spring this year was celebrated with a special ceremony at the “Gala” State Historical-Ethnographic Reserve. Organized jointly by the Khazar District Executive Authority and the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve, the “Novruz Gala” festival offered visitors both an unforgettable holiday experience and a journey into the depths of history.

The event, held within the framework of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” was attended by Elshan Salahov, Head of the Khazar District Executive Authority; Rufat Mahmud, Chairman of the Board of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve; members of the National Assembly Soltan Məmmədov, Gunay Afandiyeva, and Gulshan Pashsayeva; Rauf Aliyev, member of the board of the New Azerbaijan Party; Namig Ahmedov, head of the YAP Khazar District Organization; leaders of law enforcement agencies; families of martyrs; war veterans; district elders; and representatives of the public.

In their speeches, Elshan Salahov and Rufat Mahmud highlighted that under the leadership of President and Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev, the wishes of the National Leader and the aspirations of the Azerbaijani people have been realized. They emphasized that the victorious Azerbaijani Army liberated the native lands from occupation, and now Novruz is also being celebrated in those liberated regions. They congratulated the participants of the event, particularly the families of martyrs and veterans, on the occasion of the significant Novruz holiday.

Colorful tents set up within the ancient walls, along with carpet-weaving, pottery, and blacksmith workshops, revived traditional folk crafts, allowing each guest to become part of history. The rhythmic sounds from the blacksmith’s forge, the labor of mothers grinding flour, and masterclasses in dyeing highlighted Novruz as a symbol of effort and abundance.

The atmosphere was further enlivened by pahlavan games and ethno-sports. Demonstrations of national wrestling, zorxana, and mas-wrestling organized by the Azerbaijan National Sports Association drew great interest. Additionally, performances and creative corners for children organized by the Republican Center for Child and Youth Development delighted young visitors. Shows by Buzovna Vocational School, local schools, and preschool folklore and dance groups added the charm of childhood to the festival.

The aroma of traditional cuisine from the pavilions offered visitors both delicious treats and entertainment through the humor of Molla Nasreddin and the aesthetic beauty of the “Khinayakhdi” performance. Visitors also participated in the ancient custom of tying colorful ribbons to the “Wish Tree” and whispering their heartfelt desires.

The highlight of the celebration was a grand concert program featuring master artists. The festival became a unique entertainment venue for guests of all ages and concluded with performances by cultural representatives.