BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The Baku Network expert platform has released a new broadcast of the analytical project "Dialogue with Tofig Abbasov", where the guest was Natavan Sheykhova, one of Azerbaijan’s most renowned cultural figures, singer, professor, People's Artist of Azerbaijan, and Honored Worker of Arts, TurkicWorld reports.
During the program, Sheykhova opened the floodgates to her memories from the dawn of her creative career, discussed significant milestones in her professional journey, and touched on today's pressing social and cultural issues. She fondly recalled the years when her life became closely intertwined with music and the arts.
"Creativity has always been a part of my life. It began in my youth when I studied at the conservatory. It was there, in 1965, that my professional career started. That same year, I became a member of the State Estrada Orchestra of Azerbaijan, led by the great composer Rauf Hajiyev. That was the beginning of my journey, which has lasted for over 60 years now," she said.
Teaming up with the orchestra was like striking gold for Sheikhova, unlocking a treasure trove of opportunities in the grand symphony of music. She hit the road across the Soviet Union, playing her heart out in bustling cities and even the farthest reaches of the land. These tours not only added feathers to her cap but also filled her heart with a treasure trove of warm memories.
"Our performances were met with great enthusiasm. We performed not only for the Azerbaijani diaspora but also for the local residents. Posters of our concerts adorned the best concert halls. We were listened to and loved, and that was the greatest recognition of our work," she added.
Sheykhova's talent caught the eye of conductor Tofig Ahmadov, who was the wind beneath her wings in the journey of her career. He rolled out the red carpet for her to take the stage in concerts and lined up a slew of television and radio recordings, many of which are still tucked away in the archives.
"Those were years full of creativity. Working with talented composers and musicians of that time became a life school for me. Every performance, every recording was an expression of my soul and dedication to the art," said Sheykhova.
However, as time went by, the orchestra fell by the wayside. In spite of the odds, Sheikhova kept her nose to the grindstone, eventually rising to the occasion as a soloist at the Rashid Behbudov Song Theatre. She also took the plunge into teaching, sharing her wealth of experience with budding musicians at the Music School, BulBul School, and the Azerbaijan State Conservatory.
"When teaching the youth, I always felt a responsibility to preserve our musical tradition. This is not just a job; it is a mission," the artist emphasized.
A significant part of the conversation focused on her memories of touring the Soviet Union, including trips to Armenia. Sheykhovav recalled how, in 1988, Azerbaijani, Armenian, and Georgian artists participated in a festival of the three republics.
"At that time, we were received with great warmth in Armenia. Sold-out shows, banquets, and kindness—everything left only pleasant memories. It seemed that no political differences could ruin our friendship," she remarked.
However, according to Sheykhova, things abruptly changed.
"Everything collapsed in an instant. It feels like some 'germ' of hatred was implanted into Armenian society. How could they forget the friendship that existed between our nations? It is incomprehensible," she noted.
Reflecting on the mass destruction of Azerbaijani territories during the Armenian occupation, Sheykhova expressed deep sorrow for the lost cultural heritage.
"They flattened everything—museums, schools, theaters. When we visit the liberated territories now, we see nothing but ruins. It is painful to realize this. Their actions clearly contradict what they call 'high civilization'," she emphasized.
What particularly shocked her was the silence of women, traditionally seen as the keepers of the home.
"Women have always been symbols of peace. Why didn’t Armenian women stop this conflict? Why did they allow their children to go to war? It’s something I simply can’t understand," she shared.
Through thick and thin, Sheykhova keeps her chin up and holds onto the hope that peaceful coexistence is just around the corner.
"We, Azerbaijanis, have always been a tolerant and multinational people. We are open to dialogue and ready to build the future based on mutual understanding. Our president has repeatedly offered peace and integration to Armenia. Unfortunately, the spirit of revenge still lives in Armenian society. This must be overcome," the artist concluded.
Sheykhova is confident that culture and art can play a key role in overcoming enmity and building bridges between nations.
"Music, theater, art—they are eternal sources of inspiration and unity. It is through creative people that we can find points of contact and contribute to the establishment of peace," she concluded.
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