Solemn concert programs marking November 8 - Azerbaijan's Victory Day and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Norwegian Azerbaijanis’ Youth Organization (NAYO) were held in the Norwegian cities of Stavanger and Oslo.
The events were organized with the support of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Work with Diaspora.
The celebrations brought together representatives from various political parties, members of the Turkish and Chechen communities, as well as Azerbaijani diaspora representatives from France, Switzerland, and Latvia.
Addressing the event, Samir Bayramov, Adviser to the Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, underlined that Victory Day occupies a special place in the history of the Azerbaijani people and the celebration of this significant date abroad contributes to the preservation of national memory. Samir Bayramov also highlighted the importance of NAYO's activity over the past 20 years in establishing and developing the Azerbaijani diaspora in Norway.
“Such events play a crucial role in strengthening national unity and solidarity among our compatriots living abroad, promoting Azerbaijani culture, and the upbringing of the younger generation in the spirit of national and moral values,” he noted.
Ramil Aliyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan House in Oslo, congratulated the Azerbaijani people on Victory Day, paying tribute to the memory of the martyrs, who made the victory possible.
“Victory Day is a celebration of the unity and heroism of the Azerbaijani people, as well as historical justice. Celebrating this significant day abroad is of great importance for upholding a deep bond with the Motherland, preserving national memory and solidarity,” Ramil Aliyev emphasized.
Touching upon NAYO's 20th anniversary, Ramil Aliyev noted that over the past two decades, the organization has played an important role in bringing young Azerbaijanis together, preserving their native language, national and spiritual values, and cultural heritage, as well as promoting Azerbaijan in Norway.
Anne Lindboe, Mayor of Oslo, addressed the event participants via a video message, extending her congratulations on the occasion of NAYO's 20th anniversary.
The concert programs featured performances by Ilkin Dovlatov, Azerbaijan's representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024; Nisbat Sadrayeva, winner of the 5th Mugham TV Competition; Elchin Abbasov, Honoured Cultural Worker and tar player; Khayyam Mammadov, Honoured Artist and kamancha player; nagara performer Jafar Hasanov; ethno-jazz musician Tural Raphael; and the Ritm dance group.
The mugham, folk and contemporary musical compositions performed by the artists, the distinctive sounds of traditional Azerbaijani musical instruments, and the dance performances created a special festive atmosphere at the events.