Historical background to the document "From the talk of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev at the meeting with great musician Mstislav Rostropovich (Presidential Palace, November 22, 1999)"

Heydar Aliyev always highly estimated the art despite his intensive work schedule, often participated at the presentations and met the representatives of art and culture. He had close and friendly relations with some of them.

Mstislav Rostropovich was one of such persons. A famous violoncellist, musician and conductor M. Rostropovich, who was born in Baku, at the same time is known as a public figure, protector of the human rights and freedom, and was awarded with “Heydar Aliyev” order, the highest national order of Azerbaijan.
