CULTURE
French International Diplomatic Academy hosts conference on centennial of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
Paris, May 26, AZERTAC
The Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijani Embassy in France have co-organized a conference under the motto “The first secular parliamentary republic in the East: values and legacy” at the International Diplomatic Academy of France marking the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
Moderator of the conference, vice-president of the Association of French-Azerbaijani Dialogue Laurent Poultier hailed the importance of the event, and gave the floor to adviser to the director of the Heydar Aliyev Center Rashad Karimov.
Rashad Karimov described the modern Republic of Azerbaijan as the successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, emphasizing that the country’s independence has been preserved and strengthened thanks to national leader Heydar Aliyev's successful policy.
Doctor of Historical Sciences, head of the department at the Institute of History of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) Natig Mammadzade highlighted the activities of the Delegation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic to the Paris Peace Conference.
Historian Georges Mamoula pointed to the documents and information on the activities of the Delegation to the Paris Peace Conference being kept in the French archives and its efforts to ensure the recognition of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to France Rahman Mustafayev underlined the reasons for the collapse of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
French senator Alain Houpert highlighted the reforms conducted by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, particularly granting women the right to vote.
Writer Jean-Pierre Allali hailed the Azerbaijani traditions of multiculturalism.
The event featured the screening of a film, and a photo and video exhibition highlighting the history of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
Shahla Aghalarova
Special Correspondent