From the Story of Layla Majnun to the Iftar Tradition: Finding the "Twin" of Indonesian Culture in Azerbaijan

JAKARTA - Have you ever heard the legendary love story of Layla Majnun? Apparently, this classic narrative from Azerbaijan has a "soul" resemblance to the very legendary Panji story in the archipelago. This similarity in the taste of literary works is one of the interesting entry points in cultural cooperation between Indonesia and Azerbaijan.

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, has just held a strategic meeting with the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Ramil A. Rzayev, in Jakarta (12/1). This meeting revealed that although separated by thousands of kilometers, the two countries have very close cultural ties, ranging from literature to the warmth of the dinner table during the fasting month.

Literature that Connects Hearts One of the interesting points discussed was the collaboration of literature with the Museum of Literature in Azerbaijan. Fadli Zon highlighted that classic world narratives such as Layla Majnun can be an effective means of dialogue for the people of the two countries to get to know each other.

"The similarities in the cultural and historical values of Azerbaijan make it a strategic partner. This cross-country literary dialogue will strengthen public understanding of the roots of each tradition," said Fadli Zon.

Global Mission for Iftar Tradition

Indonesia is now trying to expand the world's recognition of the Iftar (fast-breaking) tradition at UNESCO. For information, this tradition has been inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023 through a joint submission by Azerbaijan, Iran, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan.

Now, Indonesia wants to join the nomination. The tradition of Iftar is not just about food, but a lifestyle full of values of solidarity, hospitality, and togetherness - values that are also upheld by the people of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani Young Generation Starts to "Fall in Love" with Indonesia

Interestingly, Ambassador Ramil A. Rzayev noted a significant increase in the interest of the younger generation of Azerbaijanis in the Indonesian language and culture. Similar social values, such as respect for parents and a strong community spirit, make Indonesian culture feel very close and easy to accept by the people of Azerbaijan.

Some interesting agendas that we can look forward to in the future include:

Azerbaijan Cultural Days: Exhibition and art events of Azerbaijan to be held in Indonesia.

Presentation of E-book Karabakh Khanate: Getting to know the history of Azerbaijan through digital literacy.

Cultural MoU: A legal umbrella that will make the exchange of artists and cultural figures of the two countries more routine.

With the plan for Indonesia to actively return to ISESCO (an organization for education, science, and culture of Islamic countries), this cultural diplomacy network is predicted to be wider, making Indonesia a key player in preserving the world's Islamic cultural heritage.