Authorities of Astara District refuse to sanction Talysh festival

The executive authorities of the Astara District of Azerbaijan did not sanction holding of a folklore festival, which was initiated by the municipal council of the Khamosham village, where ethnic Talysh live. The Public Council of the Talysh People of Azerbaijan treat the refusal as a discriminatory policy of the authorities towards the Talysh people.

The “Bi Summer Festival” was planned to take place on July 16 on the Bi Mountain plateau, located at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. Organizers have prepared an interesting programme to include an ethnographic exhibition of ancient tools and household items found in the area, performances by musicians, folklore ensembles, dance groups, sports competitions, and other events, the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent has been told at the organizing committee of the folklore festival.

However, the executive authorities have refused to sanction holding of the folklore festival. In their official letter, officials have pointed out that “the territory of the festival covered private land” and was to be held in “the mountainous area with difficult terrain.” Furthermore, the officials have also mentioned the lack of a motor way, hostels, and hotels as a reason for the refusal.

The Public Council of the Talysh People of Azerbaijan treats the authorities’ arguments “far-fetched and insincere,” regarding the refusal as a manifestation of the “discriminatory national policy of the modern Azerbaijani authorities towards the Talysh people.”

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 7, 2022 at 12:15 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.