The center itself is located in the studio of the Kharkiv sculptor with Azerbaijani roots, Seyfaddin Gurbanov.
History, cultural heritage and national colouring. Azerbaijani Cultural Center was opened in Kharkov. The Center opened its doors on the eve of the National Flag Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani guests, diplomats and representatives of the diaspora, who found their second home in Kharkiv, gathered at the opening. This center became the first to which the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Ukraine was able to "give life".
Azer Khudayar oglu Khudiyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Ukraine:
“I want to thank the city government for that, because they have supported us very much in carrying out this project. The main purpose of this center is to bring people closer together through cultural bridges, through cultural connections. Exactly between our two peoples, there are very close cultural ties, and that is why, we want to give some impetus to the further development of these relations. The Azerbaijani people wants to prove to the whole world that through the means of dialogue, intercultural dialogue very much can be achieved”.
The center itself is located in the studio of the Kharkov sculptor with Azerbaijani roots Seyfaddin Gurbanov. It was the artist's collection of sculptures that complemented the center's exposure.
Igor Terekhov, Kharkiv's first deputy mayor:
On behalf of Kharkiv Mayor - Gennady Kernes (Hennadiy Kernes), I would like to welcome you here in the city of Kharkiv and congratulate the entire Azerbaijani people on its Flag Day. It is a holiday that celebrates all of Azerbaijan.
I am very pleased that today, just on this day, together with you, we are opening a cultural and information center in Kharkiv. What we were able to see today is truly astounding.
I am grateful to Mr. Gurbanov, who brings his contribution to the cultural life of Kharkiv. You know that the city of Kharkiv has many sculptures from our legendary sculptor, whom we rightly regard as ours, as one of our Kharkivites. And here, we were just discussing another direction. I am also sure that more sculptures of Mr. Gurbanov will appear in Shevchenko's garden soon. It's a cultural life, it's very nice, because it's the development of the city of Kharkiv.
The center is planning to hold exhibitions, creative nights and just to get acquainted with all those wishing to get in touch with the culture of Azerbaijan. Seyfaddin Gurbanov noted that in the future the cultural and information center will become one of Kharkiv's tourist sites. It will be open to all nationalities in the world. And first of all, for the residents of Kharkiv.
Seyfaddin Gurbanov, Head of Azerbaijan Cultural and Information Center, sculptor:
“In the future, we are going to organize exhibitions "at Gurbanov". Everyone who desires, who respects and loves art, will be my guests here and I will enjoy them very much. And I think we will meet with you many times and open new and new activities. Until we create an open air exhibition”.
The Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan has promised to find out Ukraine for its own people.
Fikret Kochar oglu Babayev, Head of the Administration of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan:
“This center must also be a center of culture and a center of friendship and a center of consent, understanding and brotherhood. In our country, in Baku, there is also a small Ukrainian diaspora, which takes part in the cultural life of Baku. And I very much hope, that a Ukrainian cultural center will be established in Baku”.