Baku, June 18, 2025 – The Europe Today: The 7th International Music Festival “World of Mugham” commenced with a grand opening ceremony on June 17 at the Heydar Aliyev Palace, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of mugham and bringing together artists and scholars from around the globe.
The festival is co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, with additional support from the Ministry of Science and Education and the Azerbaijan National Conservatory.
This year’s edition has drawn over 200 performers, researchers, and guests from more than 25 countries, including Türkiye, Germany, Spain, Morocco, Iraq, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Canada, India, Norway, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and Switzerland.
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Adil Karimli, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture, as well as leading figures from the cultural and scientific communities and foreign representatives attending the festival.
Following the formal proceedings, the audience was treated to a magnificent gala concert titled “Bayati”, showcasing a vibrant range of traditional performances. Artists and ensembles from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Morocco, Spain, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Canada, India, and Mongolia offered captivating performances that reflected the unique cultural identity and musical traditions of their respective nations.
A central highlight of the festival is the International Mugham Competition, which will feature talented young musicians from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and China. The competition aims to preserve and promote mugham as a vital component of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
The “World of Mugham” festival continues to serve as a prominent platform for intercultural dialogue, artistic excellence, and the global promotion of Azerbaijan’s musical traditions.Tools
