The services of the Sharur Folk Yalli Ensemble have always been highly appreciated in promoting our Yalli outside our homeland. The performances of the ensemble in different countries - Hungary, Russia, Germany and Poland have been highlighted in this regard. The visits of the folklore collective to the brother Republic of Turkey have become a tradition. The ensemble has repeatedly represented our country at the events held in Iskenderun, Bayburt, Istanbul, Van, Aghri and other cities of the brother country. The folklore collective has participated in a series of events held recently in Turkey.
We talked with director of the ensemble, Honored Culture Worker of the Republic of Azerbaijan Kimya Babayeva to ask her impressions about the trip. She said this visit was related to the official opening ceremony of the city of Kastamonu as the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2018 and Novruz holiday festivities organized by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY). To represent our country in such an event increase our responsibility, and we are proud of being among the collectives that came from different geographies of the Turkic world and 18 countries in general. Azerbaijan was represented by Sharur Folk Yalli Ensemble and "Halay" folklore collective of Masalli in the concert program.
Kimya Babayeva said Sharur Folk Yalli Ensemble performed on the first day of the event in front of the governor's building in Kastamonu. The "Kochari", "Goychamani", "Soyla" and other dances performed by our collective were met with great enthusiasm. At the same day, the event was continued at Ataturk sports hall with the participation of Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, well-known public and state figures of the country. All events were broadcasted live on "TRT-Avaz" and many other television channels in Turkey.
Talking about the city of Kastamonu of Turkey, located on the coast of Black Sea, Kimya khanum said that this city has ancient and rich history, beautiful traditions. The city, with a population of about 115,000, was one of the corner-stones of freedom fighters during the National War of Independence, and more than 2,500 people of the city were martyred in the Chanakkale War in 1915. The "Chanakkale Song" was also composed and performed here.
Noting that they were closely acquainted with Kastamonu, the ancient city of Turkey, Kimya khanum also said that they have performances at Novruz celebrations at Yildirim Beyazit University in Ankara and Chubuk district of the city. She said: "We also attended the Novruz celebrations organized by the Bayrampasha Municipality of Istanbul in the last days of our visit. Each of our performances was warmly welcomed by the audience. Our Turkish brothers treat us as their native ones and it was an example of true friendship and brotherhood. We were very impressed with the sincere and friendly brotherly Turkish land".