UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE PAST

Professor Paul Michael Taylor is a researcher in the field of anthropology and developer of an electronic database of archaeological finds and ancient manuscripts. He is also director of the Asian Cultural History Programme at the Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC). At this educational and research institute, there is a museum complex, which is the world's largest repository of exhibits, museum treasures and artifacts. It includes 19 museums, a zoo, nine research centres, and 156 museums affiliated to the Smithsonian Institution.

In conversation with us, Professor Taylor shared his vision of the influence of cultural heritage on contemporary politics.

- Mr Professor, you are known as a longtime admirer of Azerbaijani culture. They say that the national values of Azerbaijan are the basis for the development of the country. What is your opinion about this?

- As an anthropologist, I see the question from the viewpoint of long-term prospects. Here it is impossible not to remember the history of Azerbaijan, which has thousands of years. Cultural traditions are rapidly developing in the country. It seems to me that historical cultural traditions are a kind of motivating factor for Azerbaijan today. I can see how designers, composers and artists are inspired by the past. In other words, traditions are respected here. And they will always be a source of strength.

Of course, it is very difficult to talk about development without peace. Therefore, I sincerely hope for a speedy settlement of regional conflicts, which greatly complicate the situation in the region.

- Speaking of regional conflicts, a huge number of samples of Azerbaijani culture were destroyed during the military aggression of Armenia. How can we save monuments of culture and history during and after the war?

- The cultural heritage of any country is protected by international law. In the same way, it should be protected in the occupied territories.

I believe that any country should be aware of the importance of protecting cultural heritage. For example, here in Azerbaijan, there are samples of German cultural heritage - churches and other monuments that I have seen in Ganca and Baku. There are also samples of Russian and other heritage. There is the culture of many peoples here. I believe that every country, including Armenia, should take care of cultural heritage.

- Unfortunately, Armenia is not the only country that has claims not only to the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan, but also to its territory. Recently, such statements have been increasingly heard from some representatives of Iran. What do you think is the reason?

- Azerbaijan's relations with Iran have a long history. To my surprise, some attribute the territory of your country to "Great Iran". Yes, Iran has always been one of the greatest centres of power in the region, but it is not the only one. It should be realized that there have been independent states around the perimeter of this country for a long time, and I'm sure it will be so for centuries.

- Do you think the territorial claims of certain circles in Iran against Azerbaijan are part of the state ideology, or should they be seen only as an element of the campaign of separate presidential candidates in the context of the upcoming June elections in this country?

- Whatever it is, Azerbaijanis are ethnically and linguistically different. In this case, Azerbaijanis form a significant part of the population of Iran. It is possible that this situation is a matter of concern in this country. In my view, the idea that Azerbaijan should not be independent is not a generally accepted opinion in Iran. Iran recognizes the sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

By the way, not only Iran but other countries also recognize the importance of Azerbaijan. I don't think anyone will seriously question the existence of independent Azerbaijan, which has a very rich history.

Another thing is that many people do not know about Azerbaijan, and it's true. However, as people get to know more, there is more understanding of what Azerbaijan and its features are.

- Are there any examples of Azerbaijani culture at the National Museum of Natural History you represent? And what can you say about joint projects implemented with Azerbaijan?

Unfortunately, we cannot boast that we have a large Azerbaijani collection. But in our museum there are samples of coins, stamps and samples of ethnography.

In Azerbaijan, we have been working for several years to support local museums through training sessions related to the development of museum business. Among other things, conducting this work, we learned more about Azerbaijan. So it's not only teaching, but also study.