Azerbaijani literati rap French government over approach to Natavan’s monument Statement of the Azerbaijani public/PHOTO

A statement has been adopted on behalf of the Azerbaijani public over the disdainful attitude towards the monument to Khurshidbanu Natavan in France.

According to Azertac, the statement reads:

“We, literati, cultural, artistic and scientific figures of Azerbaijan, representatives of civil society, consider the disrespectful attitude towards the monument to Khurshidbanu Natavan in the city of Evian-les-Bains in France unacceptable, commissioned by the Elysee Palace, and regard this as an insult to Azerbaijani culture.

“Khurshidbanu Natavan is known throughout the East and in the Islamic world as an outstanding poetess, artist, educator and philanthropist, fighter for freedom and women's rights; her works have been declared the state property of Azerbaijan. Natavan, which was mentioned in his works by the French writer Alexandre Dumas, is also known as a symbol of friendship between the peoples of Azerbaijan and France.

“The shameful incident that occurred in the city of Evian-les-Bains clearly demonstrates the extent of Azerbaijanophobia, Turkophobia, and Islamophobia of the French government. We strongly condemn the use of literature, art, and culture as a tool for dirty political games.

“Natavan is a descendant of Panahali Khan, the founder of the city of Shusha. Her entire life and activities are closely connected with her native Shusha. She constantly strived for the improvement of the city and the development of its social and cultural environment, becoming famous for her humanism, nobility, and mercy.

“At one time, a bust of Natavan was erected in Shusha; this monument, like the busts of the great figures of Azerbaijani culture Uzeyir Hajibayli and Bulbul, was shot by the Armenians in 1992 and put up for sale abroad as raw materials. Today, all three busts are in Shusha - their homeland.

“Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev restored our national heritage and historical justice. The Natavan tombstone, destroyed by the Armenians in Aghdam, was also landscaped.

“Today, the bust of Natavan, installed in Shusha, and the restored tombstone in Aghdam symbolize the triumph of the historical victory of the Azerbaijani people. Their destruction and looting occurred during the entire period of occupation in front of France as a co-chairing country of the OSCE Minsk Group, which has already been consigned to the archives of history.

“Khankendi, which was once ruled by the Natavan family, is now free.

“It is obvious that today the image of Natavan takes on a new meaning and personifies the triumph in Shusha and Khankendi. Therefore, the current disgusting actions against the Natavan monument in France do not seem accidental. The French authorities must realize the level to which they have sunk by taking out their anger on the Natavan monument in Evian-les-Bains. This will be a black stain on the political history of France.

“During the Patriotic War of 2020, Azerbaijan constantly faced slander from France. Even today, the French authorities attack Azerbaijan on all international platforms. We understand perfectly well that this is revenge for the historic victory of Azerbaijan over the occupier – Armenia. We demand that the Elysee Palace put an end to this.

“We call on the French authorities to put an end to the shameful situation around the Natavan monument and restore the inscription ‘Azerbaijan Park’, which was removed from the sign in this park.

“We remind the French Ambassador to Azerbaijan that her moral duty is to visit the Natavan monument in Shusha, where she still refuses to go.

“Instead of committing inappropriate actions against the monument of an outstanding representative of Azerbaijani culture, expelling Azerbaijani diplomats and journalists from France, the Elysee Palace should investigate the attack on the Azerbaijani embassy in Paris and punish those responsible.

“The entire Azerbaijani public expects and demands this.”