Hundreds of talented individuals have come and gone on the Azerbaijani music scene, but few artists have been remembered for their voice, character, and stance. Two such artists - Flora Kərimova and İlhamə Quliyeva - have been beloved by the people for years. However, the relationship between these two powerful women has also gone down in history as one of the most discussed topics in the art world.
Flora Kərimova is known for her strong character and civic stance. Her voice resonated not only in songs but also as a herald of justice in society.
İlhamə Quliyeva, on the other hand, was distinguished by her vibrant image, luxurious style, and “diva” character. When she appeared on stage, she loved to be the center of attention, captivating the audience with every word and every step.
Perhaps the inability of these two powerful women to stand side-by-side on the same stage for a long time stemmed from their character differences. Both were leaders - one driven by emotions, the other by dominance.
For years, the press presented their relationship as “enmity.” At the root of this relationship was also deep rivalry. They were stars of the same era — each known for their own style and audience. Each deserved to be a star on stage.
İlhamə Quliyeva's harsh statements and Flora Kərimova's principled responses remained on the media's agenda for years. However, as time passed, the public understood that this “conflict” was, in fact, a clash of human emotions within art.
This photo, presented in the “History of a Photo” section of the Modern.az website, raises many questions filled with surprise and regret.
The date is unknown… The location is the Azerbaijani Television's filming pavilion… It is probably some holiday concert.
Flora Kərimova and İlhamə Quliyeva are standing side-by-side… in a row with other well-known Azerbaijani artists (some of whom have passed away). Gülağa Məmmədov, Natəvan Şeyxova, Oqtay Ağayev, and others...
It is said that the history of the conflict between these two artists – Flora Kərimova and İlhamə Quliyeva – dates back to those years. In this photograph, they stand side-by-side. At first glance, it could be considered an example of cordiality.
However, the postures of both great singers, the expressions on their faces, seem like a prelude to the subsequent enmity. İlhamə's distinctive, poised stance, as if calculated to hide Flora behind her, and Flora's face bearing the rebellion of “no obstacle can hinder true art”…
Compared to others, look at the distance between Flora Kərimova and İlhamə Quliyeva... The rift must have started then...
İlhamə Quliyeva passed away in 2016. Her departure created a great void in Azerbaijani music.
The 84-year-old Flora Kərimova is still on stage today, but she now looks at the word-battles of years past with a different tranquility. Rivalry is forgotten, but art remains.
The relationship between Flora Kərimova and İlhamə Quliyeva perhaps teaches us a lesson: art is great, but humanity is greater. Behind the stage's glitter lie jealousy, ego, emotions, injustices, and loves. But without these emotions, perhaps such powerful stage energy, such emotional songs, would not have been created.
Although the lights of these two distinct stage stars did not blend, each will remain eternal in the history of Azerbaijani music.
Ə.Qafarlı
