Evian, May 7 (AZERTAC). “Days of Azerbaijan” under the “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan - the Pearl of Caucasus” project has kicked off in Evian, France.

Organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and supported by Azerbaijani embassy in France, the project aims to popularize Azerbaijan in French regions.

Prior to the event in Evian, local newspapers and magazines highlighted the purpose and mission of the project. Local newspaper “Dofin” issued a special edition on a exhibition and concert program organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the city. The article covers cultural relations between Azerbaijan and France, saying these events make huge contribution to boosting the bilateral ties.

On Azerbaijan`s traditions of hospitality, the article`s author writes: “These customs tell us much about the people who live in this magnificent land and their potential.”

The author recalls famous French writer Alexandre Duma`s visit to Azerbaijan in 19th century and his memories about the country, as well as his meeting with Khurshudbanu Natavan, the daughter of Garabagh khan: “If you knock on any door in Azerbaijan, say that you are a foreigner and seek lodging for the night, the owner of the house will immediately give you his largest room. He and his family will move to the small room. Moreover, during the week, two weeks, or the month that you stay in his house he will take care of you and will not let you want for anything. Azerbaijanis consider it a duty to show infinite respect for a guest. The guest is sacred in Azerbaijan and the tradition of respect is taken very seriously.”

The author also hails translation of Azerbaijan`s heroic epos “Koroglu” into the French by George Sand and publication of “The Caucasus” magazine in early 20th century by Azerbaijani publicist Jeyhun Hajibeyli in France.

The article mentions Azerbaijani writer Umbulbanu Asadullayeva, the author of tens of interesting articles written in France, as well as active participant of the French Resistance Movement Ahmadiyya Jabrayilov who met with President Charles de Gaulle during the World War II.

In the opening ceremony held in the Festivities Hall of Evian, Mayor and deputy of the National Assembly Mark Francine and Azerbaijani ambassador Elchin Amirbayov stressed the significance of cultural events in terms of improving relations between the peoples.

The Ambassador said located between the East and the West, Azerbaijan was famous worldwide not only for its oil and gas, but also for its history, cultural values, customs and traditions.

Amirbayov said Azerbaijan`s several historical monuments, as well as traditional music mugham were included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

The diplomat also spoke of Azerbaijani people`s love to jazz, noting the country`s musicians took first places in international jazz festivals.

Amirbayov said Evian was the 13th French city hosting “Days of Azerbaijan” under the “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan - the Pearl of Caucasus” project initiated by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

The exhibition was followed by a jazz concert of “Bakustic Jazz” band.

The concert performed works b y T. Hajiyev, R. Hajiyev, S. Rustamov, V. Mustafayev and S. Gambarov.

Pier Gerard, an Evian resident, shared his impressions on the concert with AZERTAC`s correspondent.

Pier said although he had never been to Azerbaijan, he got enough information about the country. He said he was impressed of the visions of Azerbaijan`s capital and regions when ha watched Eurovision 2012 on TV. He praised the country`s rapid economic development after regaining sovereignty.

“Exhibits that I saw today show how ancient Azerbaijan`s history is. I was amazed at Azerbaijani beautiful traditional carpets. After this exhibition, I told myself that I would certainly visit Azerbaijan.”

The exhibition and jazz concert aroused great interest among the audience. “Days of Azerbaijan” will end on 10 May.

Évian-les-Bains or Évian is a commune in the northern part of the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. An elite holiday resort and spa town on the shores of Lake Geneva for two centuries, it has hosted many Royals such as Kings Edward VII and George V of the United Kingdom and King Farouk of Egypt, and celebrities such as countess Anna de Noailles and Marcel Proust.

Evian is a French brand of mineral water coming from several sources near Évian-les-Bains, on the south shore of Lake Geneva.

Today, Evian is owned by Danone Group, a French multinational company. In addition to the mineral water, Danone Group use the Evian name for a line of organic skin care products as well as a luxury resort in France.

In popular culture, Evian is portrayed as a luxury and expensive bottled water. It was named in Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express. It is popular among Hollywood celebrities.

Every year the people around the world suffering from kidney and liver problems come to Evian for treatment. Every year, tourists visit the town for its beautiful nature and rich treatment resources.

The commune hosted the annual summit of G8 leaders in 2003.