Azerbaijan’s Victory Day and 20th Anniversary of Youth Organization Celebrated in Norway
Stockholm, The Gulf Observer: Solemn concert programmes celebrating Azerbaijan’s Victory Day on November 8 and the 20th anniversary of the Norwegian Azerbaijanis’ Youth Organization (NAYO) were held in the Norwegian cities of Stavanger and Oslo.
The events were organised with the support of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Work with Diaspora and brought together representatives of various political parties, members of the Turkish and Chechen communities, and Azerbaijani diaspora representatives from France, Switzerland and Latvia.
Addressing the celebrations, Samir Bayramov, Adviser to the Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, highlighted the special significance of Victory Day in the history of the Azerbaijani people, noting that commemorating this important occasion abroad helps preserve national memory and strengthen ties with the homeland.
He also emphasised NAYO’s important role over the past two decades in establishing and developing the Azerbaijani diaspora community in Norway.
Bayramov said such events contribute to strengthening national unity and solidarity among Azerbaijanis living abroad, promoting the country’s culture and nurturing younger generations in the spirit of national and moral values.
Ramil Aliyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan House in Oslo, congratulated the Azerbaijani people on Victory Day and paid tribute to the memory of the martyrs whose sacrifices contributed to the country’s victory.
He described Victory Day as a symbol of national unity, heroism and historical justice, stressing that its celebration abroad plays an important role in maintaining strong connections with Azerbaijan, preserving national identity and promoting solidarity among compatriots.
Referring to NAYO’s 20-year journey, Aliyev highlighted the organisation’s contributions to bringing young Azerbaijanis together, preserving their native language, national and spiritual values, and cultural heritage, while promoting Azerbaijan in Norwegian society.
Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe also addressed the participants through a video message, extending her congratulations on the 20th anniversary of NAYO.
The concert programmes featured performances by prominent Azerbaijani artists, including Ilkin Dovlatov, Azerbaijan’s representative at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest; Nisbat Sadrayeva, winner of the fifth 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.
Traditional mugham, Azerbaijani folk music and contemporary compositions, accompanied by the distinctive sounds of traditional musical instruments and vibrant dance performances, created a festive atmosphere and highlighted the richness of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.
The celebrations served as an important platform for strengthening cultural ties, promoting national identity and reinforcing solidarity among the Azerbaijani diaspora in Norway and across Europe.
