A statement was accepted on behalf of the Azerbaijani public regarding the derogatory attitude towards the statue of Khurshidbanu Nateva in France.
Publika.az provides the text of the statement:
“We, as representatives of literature, culture, art and science of Azerbaijan, representatives of civil society, we consider the treatment shown against the statue of Khurshidbanu Nateva in Evian-Le-Ba, France, by order of the Elysee Palace, unacceptable, and we value the closing of the monument as an insult to Azerbaijani culture.
Khurshidbanu Natavan is known throughout the East and the Islamic world as a prominent poetess, artist, educator and philanthropist, a fighter for women’s freedom and women’s rights, her works have been declared state treasures in Azerbaijan. Natavan, mentioned in his works by the famous French writer Alexandre Dumas, is also known as a hymn of friendship between the peoples of Azerbaijan and France.
The disgrace that happened in the city of Evian-Le Ba clearly shows the extent of Azerbaijan, Turkophobia and Islamophobia in the French government. We strongly condemn the use of literature, art, and culture as a tool for dirty political games.
Natavan is the result of Panahali Khan, who founded the city of Shusha, the whole life and activities of the Khan’s daughter are closely connected with her native Shusha. He constantly worked for the improvement and development of the social and cultural environment of the city of Shusha, and gained fame for his humane nature, nobility, and compassion.
At one time, a bust of Nateva was erected in Shusha, that monument was shot by Armenia in 1992, like the busts of great figures of Azerbaijani culture, Uzeyir Hajibeyli and Bulbul, and was sold abroad as material. Today, all 3 busts are in Shusha – their native land.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev restored this national heritage and historical justice. Nateva’s tombstone, which was destroyed by Armenians in Aghdam, was also beautified.
Today, the bust of Nateva erected in Shusha, the restored tombstone monument in Aghdam shows the celebration of the historical victory of the Azerbaijani people. Their destruction and looting took place in front of France’s eyes during the entire period of occupation as the co-chair country of the Minsk Group of the OSCE, which has already entered the archives of history. Khankendi, which used to be Natava’s family property, is also now free.
As it can be seen, today the image of Natavan has acquired new shades and embodies the victory of Shusha and the victory of Khankendi. Therefore, these disgusting actions in France against Natava’s monument do not seem accidental. The French authorities should realize the level to which they have descended by removing their political hiccups from Nateva’s statue in Evian-Le-Ba. This will go down as a black mark in the political history of France.
During the Patriotic War of 2020, Azerbaijan faced constant slanders from France. Even today, the French authorities attacked Azerbaijan on all international platforms. We understand very well that this is the revenge of Azerbaijan’s historical victory over the invading Armenia. We demand an end to this from the Elysee Palace.
We call on the French authorities to remove the shame associated with Nateva’s statue and to restore the deleted words “Azerbaijan Garden” on the plaque placed in that park.
We remind the French ambassador to Azerbaijan that he has a moral obligation to visit the monument of Nateva in Shusha, which he has refused to go to until now.
The Elysee Palace should investigate the attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in Paris and punish the perpetrators, instead of expelling Azerbaijani diplomats and journalists from France for these actions against a prominent figure of Azerbaijani artistic thought and culture. This is the expectation and demand of the entire Azerbaijani community.”
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