FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Tomris Azeri
President@azeris.org
 
September 17, 2003
 
AZERBAJAN SOCIETY OF AMERICA CAMPAIGNS
FOR EXHIBIT IN NYC's AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
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CALLS THE EXCLUSION OF AZERBAIJAN "DISTRESSING AND DISTURBING"
 
Newark, NJ - The Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA) has initiated a campaign to include Azerbaijan in a permanent exhibit at New York City's American Museum of Natural History.
 
At issue is the fact that in the Hall of Asian Peoples there are numerous displays of artifacts highlighting the cultures of countries and groups in the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The glaring omission is the exclusion of Azerbaijan, the largest of all three major groups in the Caucasus region. Georgia and Armenia, the remaining two Caucasus nations, are well represented.
 
Two years ago, Tomris Azeri, President of ASA, approached the Museum officials via letters and telephone conversations, which ultimately led to a face to face meeting. "At that time, I was told that when the exhibits were being created, the Museum was 'not aware' of Azerbaijan's existence," says Ms. Azeri. "Obviously the explanation was distressing and disturbing, but our organization offered to help the Museum obtain artifacts that could be exhibited to represent Azerbaijan's rich and varied cultural heritage. Museum never responded."
 
Following another more recent attempt to obtain action from Museum officials, a letter-writing campaign to the Museum's President, Ellen V. Futter, was initiated.
 
"The Museum is now receiving letters from Azerbaijani-Americans, leaders of civic, religious, and social organizations, business owners and even parents of children adopted from Azerbaijan." explained Ms. Azeri. "The Museum will no longer be able to say that they are not aware of Azerbaijan's existence. They will no longer be able to ignore a cultural heritage spanning several millenniums and a nation that, because of its vast natural resources, is a key to the future of this planet."
 
Individuals or organizations that wish to send a letter to the Museum of Natural History should direct it to: Ellen V. Futter, President, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024-5192
 
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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.

  

Copyright 2003 Azerbaijan Society of America