How Festive Azerbaijan in the Centennial Birthday

In Indonesia, May 2nd is celebrated as national education day. However, it is also celebrated as 100th Anniversary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. And you know what? I'm being one of the lucky people who being invitee! Wohooo! I am so being grateful because not all people can get the experience. Thank you very much to Azerbaijan embassy to Indonesia who invited me and the other bloggers.
Wohooo! Getting invitation from Azerbaijan embassy to Indonesia. Thank you Azerbaijan! (photo by my own)
Time flies so fast. In 1918 Azerbaijan was a baby, but now the first democratic state in the Muslim-oriented is 100 years old. To commemorate the centennial birthday, Azerbaijan embassy to Indonesia celebrate it in Bali Room, Kempinski Hotel Jakarta through cultural night.

At the same time, the event is held to recall Heydar Aliyev. Heydar Aliyev has big role in bringing the country to be better because he is the third Azerbaijan president. He took the position for 10 years (from 1993 to 2003) before replaced by his son, Ilham Aliyev. Heydar was born on May 10th, 1923 and passed away on December 13, 2003.
Heydar Aliyev, presiden ketiga Azerbaijan (dok. tourdeazerbaidjan.com)
95th Heydar Aliyev in the 100th Azerbaijan anniversary (photo by my own)
Actually, Azerbaijan was born in May 28th, 1918. However, the embassy make the celebration faster became May 2nd, 2018. I don't know why but I think they did it because the end of May is Ramadan. For your information, the most Azerbaijani is muslim.

The event was held successfully. Hundreds people take part. Not only Azerbaijan officials and Azerbaijani diaspora in Indonesia, the event is also attended by Indonesian officials, delegation from the other embassies in Indonesia, media and blogger.
Birthday cake of centennial Azerbaijan. Who wants to try it? xD (photo by my own)
To begin the event, national anthem from both countries which are "Indonesia Raya" from Indonesia and "Azerbaycan marsi" from Azerbaijan played. All invitees listen to it with solemnity. After that, Azerbaijan ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Tamerlan Garayev delivered the keynote statement.

In the speech he said that how important today for Azerbaijan and even to the world. In fact, 2018 is not only about 100 years of Azerbaijan establishment. This year also marks the other important things in Azerbaijan, such as 100 years  of Azerbaijan parliament, 100 years of the women suffrage in Azerbaijan, 100 years of Azerbaijan armed forces and even 10th anniversary of Baku Process. Baku Process is a broad platfrom for intercultural dialogue initiated in 2008 by Azerbaijan with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. Getting know the information makes me excited. 
Opening of the celebration (photo: Linda Erlina)
Besides, H.E. Tamerlan Garayev also recall about how important us to learn from what happened in Azerbaijan in the past. Before being great country, Azerbaijan had to pass the bad experiences. After born as a country (1920), Azerbaijan invaded by Bolsheviks for 71 years. Moreover, one year after the independence from Soviet Union (1992), the country also had to felt khojaly genocide. Khojaly genocide is murder committed by Armenian army in Khojaly that made thousand people became victims, even 613 amongst them were killed. I am so sorry to know it. :(

Yeah, I know that it is not easy. However, because Azerbaijani keep struggle and never give up to defend their country, finally they did it. Bad experiences did not make Azerbaijan become weak, but be stronger. It works! Now we could see how Azerbaijan is growing and becoming great country.
Baku today (doc. bakuexplorer.com)
In fact, Azerbaijan got some achievements. In 2015, the first European Games were held successfully in Baku. Besides, Azerbaijan is also host of 4th Islamic Solidarty Games and Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Whoa! What a great country! 

After keynote statement by the ambassador, now it's dr. Asman Abnur's turn in giving speech. In the speech he said many important things. One of them is about collaboration between Azerbaijan and Indonesia. As Indonesian delegation, he hope that both countries could strenghen the collaboration increasingly.

Feeling Azerbaijan in Two Hours

What I most like from the commemoration is cultural night. In this case, we don't need to go to Azerbaijan. Just enjoy the celebration, we could feel Azerbaijan in Jakarta for two hours from 7 P.M. to 9 P.M.! I think it would be unforgettable moment in my life.

To be honest, I never go to Azerbaijan yet (I hope I can go there, amin). I even never look Azerbaijani traditional clothes, taste Azerbaijan food and listened to the music directly. I have no idea about "the real Azerbaijan culture" because I just knew it from internet. Luckily, the event make it happen. The centennial birthday of Azerbaijan made me know deeper about what Azerbaijan culture looks like.

After formal session, all invitees could have dinner in the room while enjoy the traditional music of Azerbaijan. Two musicians, Mr. Shahriyar Imanov and Mr. Shukur Aliyev entertained us by bringing 8 Azerbaijan songs. They are: 
1. "Nebz" (Pulse)
2. "Eziz Dostum" (Dear friend)
3. "Sari Gelin" (Golden Bride)
4. "Getme-getme" (Do not leave)
5. "Daglarda Duman Gozeldi" (Beautiful Fog in the Mountain)
6. "Yeddi Meqem" (Seven Moments)
7. Dark East
8. "Dereler" (Valleys)
9. "Toydan sonra Duzeler" (Get Right after Wedding)
10. "Aglayan Selale" (Crying Waterfall)
The performance by Mr. Shahriyar and Mr. Shukur in 100th of Azerbaijan Anniversary (photo by my own)
The performance being more special because the performer brought the songs by playing tar and naghara. Both of them are Azerbaijani musical instrument. Tar is a long-necked plucked lute and added as part of UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity 2012. It usually played in weddings, different social gathering, festive events and public concerts. Meanwhile, naghara is folk drum with double head that is played on one side with bare hand. Nagara is also appear in Azerbaijan proverb. It said, "toy-san-dora-nagara" that literally means "after wedding ceremonies naghara!"
Tar, one of traditional musical instrument of Azerbaijan (doc. turbosquid.com)
Azeri people playing naghara, one of traditional musical instrument of Azerbaijan (doc. triptoazerbaijan.com)

I never heard about the traditional music of Azerbaijan before. Although it was first time, I feel excited. The music sounds romantic as if bring me to explore Azerbaijan. It sounds like middle-east music at a glance. But no, it's Azerbaijan. The characteristic "When East meet West" in Azerbaijan make it unique.

While enjoying the music, I also enjoy the food. There are many food in the celebration, but Azerbaijan food is the most I would like to try. Therefore, I try to taste 'kuku' and 'kabab'.

Kuku is Azerbaijan food made of whipped egg that folded in various ingredients. I think it is like 'telor dadar' in Indonesia but more tasteless and healthier. It is because kuku is usually contain vegetables although the others are not. Meanwhile, kabab is like kebab in Turkey with lamb as main ingredients. The taste was good and made me full. To my mind, I should try this when I go to Azerbaijan. (amin. xD)
Kuku, one of traditional food of Azerbaijan (Photo by my own)
Azerbaijan kabab (photo by my own)
I think the amusement is just music. But in fact, I'm wrong. In the middle of performance, I was shocked when some people that dominated Azerbaijani people dance. I was more amazed because some of theam wearing traditional clothes of Azerbaijan. Then, they hand in hand and spinning together. Actually I want to join but because at the time I was eating and it didn't take long, so I can't. However, I could feel the euphoria.
Take a picture with Azeri woman wearing traditional clothes. (photo: blogger eksis)
It's 9 P.M. o'clock. Most people left the room and so we do. There is no another impression except AMAZING. The celebration is so fabulous. My friends and I never get experience like this before but feeling Azerbaijan for two hours is amazing.

Yep, I know that celebration is over. However, it does not mean that the Azerbaijan struggle is over. Like the Azerbaijan proverb "Tez duranla tez evlənən uduzmaz" that means "Those who get up and marry early, achieve success.", this is just beginning for Azerbaijan be better and greater country. And I believe Azerbaijani can do it!

P.S.: Thanks to Azerbaijan embassy. It's such a great experience to take part in the celebration. I hope I can keep participate in the next Azerbaijan events and hopefully I can go to Azerbaijan one day. :)
Take a picture together in front of Azerbaijan commemoration banner (photo by my own)

Comments

  1. wow...I very lucky to be invited and love this celebration ^0^. I hope we can go to Azerbaijan some day ya. Amin ^0^

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    1. Me too xD Amin. Hopefully we can make it happen :) Azerbaijan, we're coming!

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  2. I never heard about the traditional music of Azerbaijan too. Hoped next someone will bring me there, hahaha

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  3. Wah, beruntung banget bisa mengenal kebudayaan negara lain dengan acara seperti ini.

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  4. Walaupun cuman datang diacaranya sembari menikmati suasana dan makanannya. Walaupun ngga kesanantapi mata dan perut sangat dimanjakan. Feelnya dapet banget deh

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    1. Betul mas. Berasa ke sana walaupun raganya ada di Jakarta xD

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  5. Azerbaijan was older than our country, right? I think its so interesting to know other country culture. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Yes, that's right. Also thanks for visiting my blog :)

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  6. Harusnya ikutan nari aja sebentar Mas hehe, abis itu lanjut makan. Hem... and i hope same with you, i can go to Azerbaijan next time. Aamiin.

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    1. Hahaha boleh deh kapan-kapan kalau ke Azerbaijan nari xD

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  7. When you say marry early you mean marry in an earlier age? Good for you :)

    as a fractional state from soviet union, and gained independence in the 90's, azerbaijan grows well.. I wonder what is their formula in developing the country

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    1. Which part of "Marry early"? --" I don't think I wrote it

      Yes, the fact is great.

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  8. wah beruntung bisa mengenal kebudayaan Azerbaijan lewat acara ini. kuliner dan musiknya kayaknya asik juga yak, pasti menyenangkan

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    1. Alhamdulillah kak, makanya seneng banget pas dapat kesempatan seperti ini :)

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  9. Mempelajari kebudayaan orang lain sama saja kita mdndapatkan wawasan baru, penasaran dengan tarianya nih aku mas

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    1. Iya mbak, seru banget. Tariannya menyenangkan kok XD

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  10. Interesting valka thanks for Information next InsyaAllah will be traveling to Azerbeijan

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    1. Thanks mbak for visiting my blog. Amin. Hopefully we can go there ;D

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  11. Awal membaca 'kuku'saya kira kuku tangan, ternyata kuku nya kue. Penasaran pengen cicip kuku, rasanya spt apa. Kl dilihat dari gambarnya sih enak kelihatannya

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    1. Hihi, iya kuku itu kue. Namanya unik ya. Wah, boleh banget dicoba mbak kalau ke Azerbaijan atau ada toko yang jual Kuku xD

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  12. Azerbaijan ini pecahan dari Rusia ya? Btw, busana penarinya eye catching banget ya..

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    1. Uni Soviet mbak lebih tepatnya. Iya, menarik ya pakaiannya.

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  13. Wuih, acara yang seru. Aku suka exciting kalo lihat kebudayaan2 baru. Nambah wawasan dan jadinya ikut berbangga. Dan semakin menyadari bahwa kita semua diciptakan Tuhan dalam keadaan yang berbeda-beda. Sehingga satu sama lain harus saling hormat. Sama-sama makhluk ciptaan Tuhan. :)

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    1. Iya, seru banget kak apalagi pada hal-hal baru. Makanya aku ketagihan xD Kalau ada kesempatan lagi, enggak bakal nolak hehe

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  14. Asyik banget bisa diundang ke acaranya. Jadi inget belum lama baca di grup travelling dan ada yang berbagi perjalanannya ke sana. Pengem liat langsung di negaranya.

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    1. Alhamdulillah mbak. Wah, ku juga pengen traveling ke sana tapi kudu rejekinya ngumpul dulu hihi.

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  15. The best experience of this event is to enjoy a delicious meal

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  16. Wah ternyata lebih tua dari negara kita usianya ya?
    Bahjkan pernah jd tempat perhelatan European Games. Teru terang saya gak kenal Azerbaijan lho kalau tmn2 blogger yg pernah ke kedutaannya gak cerita :D
    Btw moga kesampaian ya kapan2 bisa ke Azerbajian :D

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    1. Hihi, iya mbak. Kita masih dijajah, Azerbaijan udah lahir. Tapi bedanya pas tahun 45an kita udah merdeka sih tapi Azerbaijan malah dijajah lagi :D

      Ya mbak, Azerbaijan pernah jadi tuan rumah European Games beberapa tahun lalu. Amin. Semoga mbak April juga bisa ke sana ya :D

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  17. I never heard about the traditional music of Azerbaijan either, I wish I'll be there someday and enjoying the music hehe..

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    1. You should listen it. It is wonderful. :D Amin.

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  18. I like the idea how they make the invitees were "feeling Azerbaijan in two hours". That must be so excited. Oh, you're so lucky...

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    1. Yes, that was wonderful moment we got. Alhamdulillah.

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  19. i should listen Azerbaijan songs too, i guess. i'm so curious, hihi

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    1. Of course, you should listen it. It is very interesting and authentic :D

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