Paris, December 16, 2015. The day before, a gala concert dedicated to the Days of Dagestan Culture and Derbent has taken place in the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. At the beginning of the event, the audience paid tribute to the memory of the innocent victims of terror.

Having made a welcoming speech, the deputy CEO of UNESCO, Eric Falt, in particular, noted that the Republic of Dagestan was well-known for its distinctive crafts, talented artists, writers, musicians, and dancers.

"Today we have a unique opportunity to enjoy the Dagestan culture because of a series of events in honor of the 2000th anniversary of Derbent. This year, UNESCO celebrates 70 years and we have realized the importance of joint activities with the Russian Federation, which is our long-standing and reliable partner.

We've gathered to celebrate the anniversary of one of the truly greatest "treasures" of Russia, and thanks to this we are speaking today about the importance of intercultural dialogue. All cultures are different, but the specificity of each of them gives us all strength.

This is one of UNESCO's values, we are promoting for 70 years. I want to thank all those involved in the organization of these events, and special thanks to the artists, who share their art with us"- the deputy director general of UNESCO said.

Russia's permanent representative to UNESCO in Paris Eleanora Mitrofanova reminded that Dagestan was one of the most multi-ethnic regions in the Russian Federation.

"Most languages in Dagestan nowadays remains unwritten. People who practice Islam, Christianity and Judaism reside in Dagestan. The oldest mosque in Russia is located in the city of Derbent. Besides, there Orthodox Cathedral and the Armenian Church."

The Head of the Republic thanked the leadership of UNESCO Eleonora Mitrofanova personally for the great work on the organization of the Days of Dagestan and Derbent and invited all those present to visit Russia and, of course, the mountainous region.

In addition, within the framework of the musical and theatrical program entitled "Potter's wheel" there was recreated the historical life, the traditions and customs of residents of the ancient city of Russia.

The presentation included a series of episodes that reflect the most important events: the appearance of the citadel, the construction of the Great Wall, the unification of the peoples who speak different languages, the birth of a distinctive and rich culture and the establishment of friendship relations with Russia.

The two-hour show with 3D-projection and stereo sound, the excellent theater actors’ play, a symphony orchestra and an orchestra of folk instruments, the guests were given a unique chance to look into the wonderful world of old Derbent, to join its history and culture.

The festive concert in UNESCO Headquarters in Paris was a great success, prompting applause of the audience.