Ilhama Gasabova, a leading researcher at the Institute of Folklore of ANAS, PhD in Philology and Associate Professor, made a presentation titled “Folklore Memory and National Identity in Azerbaijani National Costume” at the opening ceremony of Vusal Rahim’s solo exhibition, “Azerbaijani Clothing Culture: Artistic Interpretation of Historical Heritage”.

In her speech, Ilhama Gasabova noted that national costumes were among the important bearers of the historical memory and national identity of the people. She mentioned that national costumes were not merely elements of outward appearance, but examples of tangible cultural heritage that embody the people’s history, aesthetic taste, worldview, social status and national identity.

It was noted that the film treated national costumes not merely as elements of visual appearance, but as significant examples of folklore that reflect the socio-cultural landscape of the era. Because clothing serves as an example of material cultural heritage that embodies a people’s history, aesthetic taste, worldview, social status and national identity.

It is noted that one of the significant aspects of costumes in a film is their role in revealing the characters’ personalities. Through costumes, no less than through speech and behavior, the audience gains a sense of the environment, social class and historical era to which a character belongs. Beyond reflecting the historical characteristics of society, costumes also highlight the characters' identities, social standing and distinctive traits.

Ilhama Gasabova mentioned that national attire was not merely clothing, but something that preserves the people’s memory, identity and history. According to her, it is a moral duty for each of us to preserve national costumes and pass them on to future generations in an authentic manner.

Noting that the attention and care Heydar Aliyev devoted to Azerbaijani culture and art, as well as the film industry, had always held special significance, the scholar also particularly mentioned poducer Arzu Aliyeva in the making of the film.

Noting that the attention and care Heydar Aliyev devoted to Azerbaijani culture and art, as well as the film industry, had always held special significance, the scholar also particularly emphasized the support provided by executive producer Arzu Aliyeva in the making of the film.

At the conclusion of her speech, Ilhama Gasabova expressed her deep gratitude to Arzu Aliyeva for providing the opportunity to speak, as well as to everyone who contributed to the production of the film; she also extended special thanks to Academician Isa Habibbeyli, the President of ANAS.