By Neil Watson
A wonderful celebration of Novruz bayram was held at the Ev Restaurant in London on 19 March, organised by the British-Azerbaijani Community (BAC) with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
This sparkling event was attended by 270 Azerbaijanis and friends of the country, including Councillor Sabri Ozaydin, Mayor of Enfield and Zeynap Kartal, renowned fashion designer for the British Royal Family. The guests were welcomed and congratulated on this occasion by H.E. Elim Suleymanov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK; Lord David Evans; Salhat Abbasova, State Committee on Work with Diaspora; Farida Panahova and Sevinj Nabiyeva, BAC. All reflected on the timeless significance of Novruz regarding new life, new beginnings and optimism for the future.
Thereafter, the young members of the Children of Karabakh Children’s Choir, clad in national costume, gave a recitation and enthusiastically performed national songs and dances. Soprano Fidan Haciyeva, star of Baku opera, sang ‘Azerbaijan’, made famous by the legendary Muslim Magomayev and other songs. Then music for dancing was performed by Rasim Farziyev and his violin-led ensemble, comprising keyboard and tar.
All guests also enjoyed national cuisine, including plov, sheker bura and paklava.
