Azerbaijani Cultural Day at the Rose Castle
2022
Azerbaijani Cultural Day at the Rose Castle
In collaboration with the Rosecastle , we proudly hosted the first Azerbaijani Cultural Day at the Rose Castle on Sunday, May 15th, 2022, celebrating the Year of Shusha—a city that symbolizes the heart of Azerbaijani cultural heritage.
The event began with a warm welcome by Chairwoman of CAN, Ms. Shervin Najafpour, followed by opening words from composer and cultural advocate Mr. Martin Romberg, and a heartfelt opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Fazlı Çorman, who emphasized the importance of cultural connection and regional friendship.
Guests were then treated to a deeply moving literary experience with a dramatic reading of Leyli and Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi, adapted by Ms. Ragnhild Thori, followed by a poignant book reading by Mr. Terje Holmedahl, based on the true story of an internally displaced person from Karabakh.
As part of Azerbaijani tradition, guests enjoyed a serving of authentic çay (tea) from Azercay, accompanied by delicious traditional sweets—a warm expression of Azerbaijani hospitality.
The day concluded with an hour-long classical music concert by two outstanding musicians: violinist Mr. Ulvi Hasanli and pianist Mr. Kiril Kutin, whose performance—set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Oslo Fjord—beautifully reflected the soul and elegance of Azerbaijani and Norwegian classical traditions.
Photo credit: © Ali Kazmi
Project in collaboration with and supported by:
Mr. Martin Romberg
Pianist Mr. Kiril Kutin
Ms. Ragnhild Thori
Mr. Terje Holmdahl
Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye
Azerbaijani Cultural Day at the Rose Castle
Opening Speech by CAN Chairwoman Shervin Najafpour
The event began with a warm welcome by Chairwoman of CAN, Ms. Shervin Najafpour, who spoke about the importance of cultural bridge-building and meaningful dialogue between nations. She expressed her deep honor in celebrating the first Azerbaijani Cultural Day at the Rose Castle in Oslo, marking a significant step in strengthening cultural ties between Azerbaijan, Norway, and beyond.
Ms. Najafpour also reflected on CAN’s long-standing commitment to cultural exchange, highlighting the many cross-cultural projects the organization has initiated over the years. She noted that the historic friendship between explorer Thor Heyerdahl and national leader Heydar Aliyev has been a lasting source of inspiration for CAN’s mission—reminding us of the power of shared curiosity, respect, and cooperation in building bridges across borders.
Photo credit: © Ali Kazmi
Azerbaijani Cultural Day at the Rose Castle
Martin Romberg Highlights Thor Heyerdahl’s Link to Azerbaijan
Mr. Martin Romberg, composer and cultural director of the Rose Castle, followed with inspiring remarks on the power of art and storytelling to connect people across borders. He highlighted the symbolic significance of hosting the first Azerbaijani Cultural Day at the Rose Castle, a space dedicated to memory and peace. In his speech, he also reflected on the historical ties between Norway and Azerbaijan, referencing Thor Heyerdahl’s theories on the ancient connections between the two regions—reminding the audience of the deep-rooted cultural links that unite seemingly distant nations.
Photo credit: © Ali Kazmi
Azerbaijani Cultural Day at the Rose Castle
Ambassador Fazlı Çorman Delivers Opening Remarks
The festival was officially opened with a warm and inspiring speech by H.E. Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Kingdom of Norway , Mr. Fazlı Çorman, highlighting the deep cultural ties between the Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Norwegian communities.
Photo credit: © Ali Kazmi
Azerbaijani Cultural Day at the Rose Castle
Ms. Ragnhild Thori Presents Leyli and Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi
As part of the literary segment of the day, guests experienced a moving dramatic reading of Leyli and Majnun, the timeless epic by the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, beautifully adapted by Ms. Ragnhild Thori.
Having lived in Azerbaijan for several years, Ms. Thori brought a deep cultural sensitivity to her adaptation, presenting the story in English while preserving the poetic essence of Nizami’s work. Through her reading, the tragic love story of Leyli and Majnun unfolded with emotional clarity—capturing themes of longing, devotion, and spiritual love that continue to resonate across cultures and generations.
This reading offered a unique bridge between East and West, introducing the Norwegian audience to one of the literary treasures of Azerbaijani heritage in a way that was both accessible and deeply respectful of its origins.
Photo credit: © Ali Kazmi
Azerbaijani Cultural Day at the Rose Castle
A Story of an internally displaced girl named Lale from Karabakh: A Reading by Terje Holmedahl
Mr. Terje Holmedahl shared a heartfelt reading from his book, which is based on the true story of an internally displaced person from Karabakh. Through his evocative narrative, he shed light on the personal experiences and resilience of those affected by conflict, bringing a human dimension to the broader historical and cultural realities of the region.
His work offers a powerful testimony to the strength of the human spirit amid displacement and upheaval, fostering empathy and understanding among audiences unfamiliar with the profound challenges faced by the Karabakh community.
This reading was an important part of our Cultural Day program, bridging stories of hardship and hope through literature, and deepening the connection between Azerbaijani history and global audiences.
Photo credit: © Ali Kazmi
Azerbaijani Cultural Day at the Rose Castle
Azerbaijani Classical Music Resonates in Oslo’s Rose Castle
During the first Azerbaijani Cultural Day dedicated to the Year of Shusha, guests were deeply moved by a masterful performance of Norwegian and Azerbaijani classical music by violinist Mr. Ulvi Hasanli and pianist Mr. Kiril Kutin. Their hour-long concert seamlessly blended two rich musical traditions, highlighting the unique sounds and emotional depth of each culture.
Set against the breathtaking panorama of the Oslo Fjord, as seen from the Rose Castle, the performance created an unforgettable atmosphere where nature and art harmonized perfectly. The serene fjord waters and majestic surroundings provided an inspiring backdrop that enhanced the intimate and soulful experience of the music.
This fusion of artistic expression was a fitting tribute to the spirit of the Year of Shusha, symbolizing unity, resilience, and the enduring power of cultural dialogue between Azerbaijan, Norway, and the wider world.
Photo credit: © Ali Kazmi
CAN 