Did you know that the town of Waterloo has inaugurated a statue of a poetess from Azerbaijan?

20/02/2017

In February 2016, a sculpture symbolising Azeri literature was inaugurated outside Waterloo municipal library in the presence of the Mayor of Waterloo and the Azerbaijan Ambassador Fuad Isgandarov.

The statue depicts the most illustrious feminist poetess, Khourchidbanou Natavan, who is the author of many lyrical verses. Her poems mainly present complaints concerning the situation of women who are deprived of their rights in society. As a result, she contributed greatly to improving the condition of women in Azerbaijan in the 19th century. Apart from poetry, Natavan also painted, especially flowers or landscapes.

The inaugural ceremony was held in the presence of the young Azerbaijani artist who created the sculpture of Natavan, Mr Imran Mehdiyev, who according to the Ambassador is a symbol of Azerbaijani youth.

About one year after the inauguration of the sculpture, the municipal authorities of Waterloo received the visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, an event that is most unusual in Belgium. His visit was justified by the presence of this Azeri monument that is unique in Belgium. The Mayor of the town, Mrs Reuter, also stressed the fact that Waterloo had already shown its interest in Azerbaijan before by exhibiting works by young Azerbaijani painters at an art gallery.