The guest of the program was Fidan Hajiyeva, People’s Artist of
Azerbaijan and opera singer, who discussed the prospects for
long-term peace in the South Caucasus.
“Long-term peace in the South Caucasus is within reach, with
culture, art, and humanitarian ties poised to play a defining role
alongside politics and diplomacy,” she said.
She emphasized that amid the rapid transformations shaping the
modern world, it is music, theater, poetry, and authentic culture
that sustain inner harmony, reinforce moral resilience, and foster
a deeper understanding of unfolding events.
A substantial part of the discussion explored the role of art
during pivotal and turbulent moments in history. According to
Hajiyeva, during wartime, cultural figures viewed their mission as
providing vital moral support to both society and those on the
front lines.
“When we were at war, we all sang patriotic songs. Even though I
have patriotic songs in my repertoire, at that moment, during that
period, we all sang specifically to raise the morale of the
soldiers and the people. This was imperative,” she noted.
Addressing the prospects for regional peace, Hajiyeva expressed
confidence that the normalization process in the South Caucasus
rests on a solid and realistic foundation. In her view, lasting
progress toward peace hinges on political will, mutual respect, and
the absence of external interference by forces seeking to sustain
tensions.
During the conversation, Hajiyeva also highlighted efforts to
promote Azerbaijani culture abroad, noting that her students are
already gaining international recognition and representing national
art on global stages, an encouraging sign of a rising generation of
performers.
“My students are already abroad, winners of international
awards. And it’s very gratifying that they are already representing
our art beyond Azerbaijan’s borders,” she said.
The interview also addressed the challenges of raising children
in an increasingly digital world. According to Hajiyeva, the
growing influence of social media and virtual platforms has a
profound impact on younger generations, placing greater
responsibility on parents, educators, and the broader cultural
environment.
In conclusion, Hajiyeva emphasized that Azerbaijan possesses a
rich cultural heritage, a strong musical tradition, and a
well-established school of performing arts. She stressed that the
task at hand is not only to preserve this legacy but to actively
promote it on the global stage.
“We have everything. We must value it all. Love it, support it,
and promote it,” said Hajiyeva.
The full video recording of the program is presented to
readers:
