ASA Press Release #26

AZERBAIJAN SOCIETY OF AMERICA CELEBRATES NOVRUZ IN NEW YORK CITY

by Gina Andriolo for BakuToday

The Novruz celebration held annually by the Azerbaijan Society of America took place on Sunday, March 23, 2003 in New York City. The event, which was attended by several hundred people, was held at the new Baku Palace, one of the city's premier dining and entertainment venues.

The Novruz party drew Azerbaijani-Americans from all over the United States, including Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Texas and California. "We couldn't be more happy with the response this year," said Tomris Azeri, President of the Azerbaijan Society of America and one of the organizers of the celebration.

The Azerbaijan Society of America is headquartered in New Jersey and holds a number of events each year which celebrate the Azeri culture, its holidays and its people living in the United States.

In addition to the Azerbaijan - American families and friends who gathered in the festive surroundings, in attendance were dignitaries from the Azerbaijan Embassy in Washington, DC, officers of a variety of organizations and American families who had adopted children from Azerbaijan.

As the celebrants enjoyed the traditional Novruz appetizers of smoked fish, meats, salads and blini with caviar, Ms. Azeri greeted the guests. After welcoming all, she reiterated the official position of Azerbaijan in support of America's fight for Iraqi freedom. Other speakers included Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, Ambassador of The Republic of Azerbaijan to US, Mr. Rashbil Shamayev, the President of the Azerbaijani-Jewish community in NY, Mr. Elchin Azimli, Azerbaijan State Committee on affairs with Azerbaijanis living abroad and Dr. Paul Azimov. Also in attendance was Huseyn Husenyov, consul from Washington. The speakers all expressed their delight with the event, their pride for their homeland and their hopes for the continued growth and strength of the Azeri community in America.

The festivities then continued with more Azeri dishes of gutab, lamb, grilled meats, sweets, nuts, colored eggs and fruit served on tables set with candles and decorated with wheat grass. The children in attendance each received a gift of candies and toys.

The Azerbaijan Society of America also announced the two winners of their annual scholarships for college students. They were Ms. Samira Askarova, who attends Syracuse University and Mr. Natig Mustafayev, who attends Columbia University in NYC.

The setting for the celebration was Baku Palace, a brand new complex which boasts an elegant restaurant, nightclub, catering hall and cafe. It is situated in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn, NY and overlooks the water of Sheepshead Bay. The event took place in the nightclub / restaurant, which features blue and gold brocaded walls, crystal candles, gilt mirrors, a stage and dance floor.

The celebrants were treated to eye-popping international floor show, which included several folk dances with eight performers in traditional Azeri costumes, a band which played Azeri and American music, a singer performing in French and a flamenco singer/guitarist. After the show, the celebration continued as people filled the dance floor and moved to the beat of their favorite music from Azerbaijan.

The Novruz celebration at the Baku Palace went on for many hours and was declared a huge success by all involved. The Azerbaijan Society of America has already started plans for next year's Novruz. The organization's next event is scheduled for May 25 in New Jersey. For more information about the Azerbaijan Society of America, contact tomris@azeris.org, http://usa.azeris.org.

The Azerbaijan Society of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing knowledge about the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azeri people, their culture and history.