Saturday night at Ismailiyya

When I began to consider coming to Azerbaijan, when I imagined making “television” here, I could not have envisioned a scene like Saturday night.  It turned out to be much more than just the first ADA Majlis.  It was an event.  The Ismailiyya building was brilliantly illuminated outside and in.  The audience numbered around 35, and included ambassadors from Great Britain an Lithuania, several high-ranking Azerbaijan government department officials, about a dozen diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and colleagues from the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy.  The couches of experts – a British Petroleum VP, a former Chevron executive, a well-respected political commentator, and our own Fariz Ismailzade, analyzed results the just completed 22-nation Baku Energy Summit. SOCAR VP Elshad Nassirov had to cancel his appearance, sent out of town on business following the summit, but sent his regrets.  Khazar, our moderator, injected his own insights formed during his many years as an official with Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry.  Several audience members asked questions but, more impressively, expressed opinions on how Azerbaijan should capitalize on its role as a major energy provider.  It was something you just don’t see and hear in Azerbaijan.  

The attentive audience

We hired a translator for those, like me, who don’t speak Azeri, and a caterer for the reception that followed.  
The loaned furniture arrived on time, and blended well with the classic European design of the hall.  Almost everyone at the ADA played a role in what happened tonight.  There were some communication problems and technical glitches but, overall, a very strong beginning for ADA Majlis, and as the British Ambassador said afterwards, a very “important” program for Azerbaijan. 

Here are some scenes from the day.

Arriving at Ismailiyya

 

Furniture arrives soon after

Baku's brightest keeping watch

Replaying the ministers meeting

Preparing the tape the show opening

 

Afag, Gunay, Aygun, and Jim