President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, delivered a broad opening speech at the 1^st International Symposium on Traditional Music and Cultural Identity of the Turkic World. He shared his thoughts on the essence and importance of the event.

The head of ANAS said that the main goal of the symposium was to scientifically investigate the historical roots of the rich musical folklore of the Turkic world, especially ancient musical instruments such as balaban, zurna and saz, their place in cultural identity and their traces in collective cultural memory and to present them based on modern scientific approaches.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli mentioned that the study of the legacy of the prominent representative of the Azerbaijani zurna-balaban school, master Ali Karimov (Kalvalı Ali Dede) in the context of the Turkic world was of particular scientific importance. He noted the strategic goals set by President Ilham Aliyev for the scientific community on the 80^th anniversary of ANAS, drawing attention to the importance of protecting national and spiritual values, strengthening the ideas of Azerbaijan and presenting cultural heritage more widely. He noted that this approach makes in-depth study of the heritage of famous performers and art luminaries and their promotion on scientific grounds a priority.

The head of ANAS evaluated the symposium dedicated to the 150^th anniversary of Dede Kalvalı Ali, as an expression of respect for the personality of the master and his living and continuing great art by the scientific community of Azerbaijan and the Turkic world. He mentioned the importance of the international event in terms of promoting ancient musical instruments such as the zurna and balaban, which existed in Azerbaijan today and had their place in our performing arts, as exemplified by Ali Dede.

At the end of his speech, the President of ANAS mentioned the importance of the event in terms of both bringing a new perspective on history and putting the issue of preserving traditional art forms such as zurna-balaban on the scientific agenda. He wished the symposium participants success and noted the importance of continuing research in this direction.