Head of Azerbaijani Public Radio visits GPB

Head of the Azerbaijani Public Radio, Fateh Mammadov, visited the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB).

The guest met GPB representatives, toured around the GPB’s new building, work spaces and unique archive.

As the head of Azerbaijan Public Radio noted, exploring the GPB’s unique archive proved to be a particularly emotional experience for him.

“I am visiting the Georgian Public Broadcaster’s television and radio building for the first time. I am taking this joy from this meeting to Azerbaijan. I did not expect this meeting to be so emotional. Today, I not only had the opportunity to make new friends and reunite with old ones, but through the language of music, I also felt the link between our peoples, a bond rooted in a history spanning more than a century.

Hearing these voices brought the greatest happiness. Discovering Azerbaijani music, specifically recordings that cannot be found on the internet or heard through any other sources, served as a source of immense happiness for me. I am taking the best impressions. At the same time, I cannot hide my emotions since this was a very interesting meeting. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the GPB management and the staff for allowing me to access the archive and examine the materials housed there,” he said.

As Fateh Mammadov noted, examining the archival material is particularly valuable, given that this year marks the 100th anniversary of radio broadcasting in Azerbaijan.

“Discovering and gaining direct access to archival materials, about which we previously knew nothing, is of particular value. I extend my sincere thanks to every member of your staff for gifting us such an invaluable experience. I was allowed to inspect notes regarding Azerbaijan in your archive catalogue and, honestly, I was astonished.

In some cases, I have come across names and performers that you wouldn’t even find on the internet today. As you know, our radio station also possesses a large collection of records. Among your records, there are recordings that we had neither seen nor heard before. Discovering them allows us to explore material we previously knew nothing about.

It was especially rejoicing to discover these materials this year when radio broadcasting in Azerbaijan marks its 100th anniversary. Thank you very much for allowing us to have such an experience during this jubilee year, and for allowing us to explore this archive. I hope that Azerbaijani listeners will also have the chance to hear these recordings,” he said.