Ashraf Heybatov is a national artist of Azerbaijan
who has been living in Germany since 1995.
The world-known artist is a member of the UNESCO
International Federation of Artists, a member of the Western
European Academy of Science and Culture and the Russian Academy of
Arts, chairman of the Baku Cultural Society in Germany and the
Association of Azerbaijani Cultural Figures in Europe, and an
international ambassador of peace.
Trend News
Agency presents an interview with the People’s Artist of
Azerbaijan Ashraf Heybatov:
Ashraf, we know that you got your first degree as a
historian, and history, in a sense, is reflected in your papers.
However, you were not satisfied with your first education, and you
enrolled at the University of the Arts. What brought you to
art?
My love for art led me to this art. I studied at the Azim
Azimzade Art School before the Faculty of History. However, I have
always had an interest in history. I met our national folk artist
Sattar Bahlulzade, when I was 17 years old. Afterwards, I was
influenced by Sattar Bahlulzade and thought of becoming an
artist.
Although you are currently living in Germany, you did
not come to Germany directly from Azerbaijan. We would like you to
tell us about the history of this relocation.
In 1979, after graduating from higher education in Azerbaijan, I
moved to Moscow. Meanwhile, we moved to Germany in 1995 from
Moscow. My wife was Jewish by nationality. This was a great
advantage for moving to Germany and living there permanently. That
is because Jews were allowed to live in Germany without any
impediments. Incidentally, to this day, Germany still welcomes Jews
into the country.
The early 90s can be described as a difficult period in
every sense. Wasn’t it difficult to organize your exhibitions in
European countries?
Opening exhibitions is my favorite activity. Every artist wants
to showcase their work. In general, organizing an exhibition was
not a major problem for me. I also received some support in this
matter. For instance, I have personal relations with some
ambassadors of Azerbaijan in European countries. They support me in
this matter. By the way, I also often organize exhibitions in
Azerbaijan. It is met with great interest and enthusiasm.
At that time, two books about you were published in
Germany. Which of your pieces are included in these
books?
I have many books. Several of my books have also been published
in Azerbaijan. In Germany, my book published in German is called
“German Children’s Fairy Tales”. This book was published in
Frankfurt. My other book is also about fairy tales, published in
German. In 2020, my brand new book was published. My book “Roads to
Karabakh” was published in German and Azerbaijani languages. The
book was published with the support of Humboldt University in
Berlin. The book narrates about our historical Karabakh Victory,
tells about our Glorious Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War. I
think that German readers, after reading this book, will learn
about Azerbaijan’s inestimable successes in the war, the heroism of
our people and the power of our state.
It’s interesting that you also have a municipal
background in Germany. How would you characterize this part of your
working life? Was it interesting for you to work so intensively
with people as an artist?
When we arrived in Germany, we first started living in the city
of Koblenz. Since I was very active, organizing regular exhibitions
and also painting works on a 450 square meter wall, I was chosen to
be a council member in the local municipality. It was a very
responsible job for which I had to be held accountable. I was up to
the task.
What was the attitude of the German population toward
the Azerbaijani municipal deputy?
The German population was generally friendly, relations were
very good and sincere. The Rathaus service operates in all German
cities. My election to the municipality was based on the trust of
the people. Turks, Russians and Jews living in the city voted for
me. During my tenure we managed to solve many problems. I was
elected to the municipality twice, each time for four years. In
general, if you are businesslike and hardworking, you will be
treated with respect. In this respect, they liked my lifestyle.
Moreover, my art has always been highly valued.
How is Germany through the eyes of an Azerbaijani
artist?
Germany, through the eyes of an Azerbaijani artist, is certainly
very beautiful. Its nature resembles Azerbaijan in places.
Mountains, forests, and rivers. There are many ancient churches
here. Historical monuments are a separate world. In general,
Germany also has a special attitude toward art.
Quite famous, high-ranking people also take part in your
exhibitions (in Germany). Could you share with us some of your
memories of the most exciting meetings?
There have been countless interesting encounters. However, I
think that one of the first memorable events took place back in
1994. Chingiz Aitmatov, the great writer of the Turkic world,
opened my personal exhibition in Germany’s Lücksburg. The interest
in this exhibition was enormous. My exhibitions are regularly held
in other cities as well. Prominent intellectuals of Germany,
influential social and political figures, deputies, etc., often
come to my exhibitions.
I have also had friendly relations with the world-famous German
writer Günter Grass. I attended his 80th birthday party. He invited
me himself. In the city of Lübeck, a 3-hour drive from Berlin,
there is a house-museum of Gunter Grass, where the anniversary took
place. I drew a portrait of Günter Grass, which I presented to him
as a gift for his anniversary. The mayor of Lübeck presented me
with an exquisitely designed album. I also had a personal
acquaintance with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. I met
him many times at various events. He had a special sympathy for me.
You know that Germany consists of 16 states. I have friendly
relations with the prime ministers of several states. Sometimes we
meet. My friendship with the former prime minister of
Rhineland-Palatinate, Kurt Beck, also continues.
You have had an interesting life and creative path. Are
you thinking of preparing these memoirs in the form of a
compilation, a collection of memoirs? If so, would you like to
publish it in Germany?
I still write books, I haven’t stopped writing. The Book of Life
I am working on now – “time and events” – is like a kind of diary
of my life. In the future, I am thinking about publishing this book
in Azerbaijan.
