13th Silk Road Festival Kicks Off in Sheki
The 13th International Music Festival "Silk Road" has begun in Sheki, featuring artists from Kazakhstan and Türkiye. Organized by TURKSOY, the Union of Composers of Azerbaijan, and the Governorate of Sheki, the festival has become a significant event, drawing talent from various countries and art communities.
The festival’s first concert was held in the historic Upper Caravanserai of Sheki. Aidar Salakhov, an accordion player from Tatarstan, received high praise for his performance, impressing both festival participants and local art enthusiasts.
Governor of Sheki Elkhan Usubov, Chairman of the Union of Composers of Azerbaijan Frangiz Alizade, and Azerbaijan’s representative to TURKSOY Elchin Gafarli spoke at the opening ceremony. Following the ceremony, the second concert took place at the summer theater of the Marhal complex.
Governor Usubov highlighted the festival’s importance to Sheki’s cultural life, which spans 2,700 years. Frangiz Alizade praised the festival’s achievements, noting its temporary suspension during the pandemic but its success in bringing together artistic communities from 36 countries with Azerbaijani art lovers. Elchin Gafarli conveyed greetings from TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev and emphasized the festival’s role in uniting cultural and artistic figures from the Turkic world.
After the official part of the festival, the Indonesian dance troupe “Mila Art” and the music group “Hamdani” showcased music and dance from their country. Their colorful costumes, jewelry, masks, and authentic musical instruments were warmly received by the audience.
The festival’s second day featured performances by artists from Sheki’s music schools and the Indian dance troupe “Bhangra.”
