“Art of Diplomacy” – An Exhibition dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Heydar Aliyev, The National Leader of the Azerbaijan people and the 30th year of the establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between Azerbaijan and Malaysia.


Dirchelish Youth Social-Psychological Rehabilitation Center, a non-government organisation (NGO), with full support from the Azerbaijan Embassy in Malaysia, recently launched ‘Art of Diplomacy’, an exhibition showcasing the collected works of Azerbaijan artists.

In 2023, Azerbaijan declared the ‘Year of Heydar Aliyev’ to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the famous national leader of the Azerbaijani people. His Excellency Ambassador Irfan Davudov announced this declaration, which is being celebrated by Azerbaijanis and friends who are also living in foreign countries. This special year acknowledges and honours the significant contributions of Heydar Aliyev to the nation and serves as a time of remembrance and celebration for the Azerbaijani people.

Ambassador Irfan Davudov emphasised that Heydar Aliyev’s life serves as a remarkable example of selfless service to his people. Throughout his career and various positions of responsibility, Heydar Aliyev consistently prioritised the well-being and interests of the Azerbaijani people. His unwavering commitment to his nation was evident, as he always remained deeply connected to the needs and aspirations of his fellow citizens. Heydar Aliyev’s dedication to serving his people and his unswerving focus on their best interests were the guiding principles that shaped his remarkable life and leadership.

The people of Azerbaijan greatly valued Heydar Aliyev’s qualities and governance. In 1993, when Azerbaijan faced external aggression, political turmoil, and the threat of civil war, the people demanded his return to power. On June 15, the day Heydar Aliyev was elected Chairman of the Supreme Council, Azerbaijan celebrates National Salvation Day. This day symbolises the turning point when Heydar Aliyev’s leadership brought stability and peace during a challenging time. National Salvation Day serves as a reminder of Heydar Aliyev’s crucial role in protecting Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and improving the lives of its citizens.

The ‘Art of Diplomacy’ exhibition is dedicated to Azerbaijan’s great leader and also celebrates the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Malaysia. Over the past 30 years, these relations have grown stronger, built on mutual trust and friendship. His Excellency the Ambassador highlighted that the Azerbaijan-Malaysia relationship serves as an example of how international relations should be, emphasising mutual, understanding, respect and cooperation. This showcases the positive evolving nature of diplomatic ties and its potential to inspire relations between nations worldwide.

The ‘Art of Diplomacy’ exhibition was opened at KL City Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from May 9th to May 16th, 2023. This exhibition featured the works of 11 participating artists from Azerbaijan, with a total of 37 art works on display.

Since 2010, the NGO Dirchelish Youth Social-Psychological Rehabilitation Center has organised exhibitions in cities of various countries, including Sofia, Brussels, Vienna, Paris, Rome, and London, among others. These exhibitions have showcased the art works of a total of 387 young artists, with a body of 1829 paintings exhibited. These events have provided international platforms for these artists to display their talents and help to foster cultural exchange and artistic appreciation globally.

About the Venue

KL City Art Gallery (KLCAG) focuses on contemporary art to celebrate creativity, tolerance, and openness to expressions of cultural and artistic ideas.  The Gallery showcases Malaysian artists, whose works reflect their thinking of our current concerns which lead to opening of dialogues on subjects we want to engage with you through the arts.

The Gallery is also a well-known platform for emerging artists. KLCAG exhibitions reflect- through the art, on environmental protection, climate change and issues relating to sustainability which characterize the current anthropogenic era. Through international collaboration KLCAG engages in cultural exchanges. The Gallery actively conducts cultural activities, talks, forums, and workshops. As it is located at the KL Jazz and Arts Centre, music is an added artform to experience at KLCAG. KLCAG is a perfect space for everyone to interact and inspire each other.