Baku, April 4 (AZERTAC). The Fifth International Cartoon Contest "Molla Nasreddin” - Azerbaijan 2012" kicked off in Baku. The Contest is supported by the Culture and Tourism Ministry of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Federation of the International Cartoonists’ Organizations, Azerbaijan Artists’ Alliance and organized by the Azerbaijan Cartoonists’ Union.

According to the Head of Azerbaijan’s Cartoonists Union Bayram Hajizadeh, the theme of the contest is considered to be the “Press”, so it was dedicated to the importance of the satirical press in the society. This theme was not accidentally chosen. So the 60 year jubilee of the publication of the “Kirpi” satirical magazine is held in our country this year. The satirical magazine “Kirpi” is considered to be the worthy follower of the satirical magazine “Molla Nasreddin” (1906-1932) and is published from 1952. It played an important role in developing of cartoon as a genre, in its propagation and getting popular in our Republic. The first cartoons of lots of cartoonists and my own first cartoons in Azerbaijan were published in the pages of “Kirpi” magazine. I invite each of you to take part in the contest dedicated to the 60th anniversary of “Kirpi” satirical magazine that was fond of and read in all periods in Azerbaijan.

Drawings should be sent before June 15 to the Azerbaijan Cartoonists’ Union on e-mail address: [email protected]. Each artist may submit two works. The best works will be included in the catalog and presented at the exhibition. Awarding of winners will take place on July 15.