The Baku 2015 Torch Relay has arrived in Sabirabad on the 10th day of its journey across Azerbaijan ©Baku 2015

The Baku 2015 European Games Torch has arrived in the historic region of Sabirabad as it continues its journey across Azerbaijan ahead of the Opening Ceremony on June 12.

Situated near the Kura and Aras rivers, the area is named after Mirza Alakbar Sabir, who was a renowned philosopher, poet and teacher.

The flame embarked on a 3.32 kilometres journey along Heydar Aliyev Avenue, and the first Torchbearer was Azad Asgarov, a former Soviet youth Greco-Roman wrestling champion.

After 11 other Torchbearers had carried the flame, the Torch arrived in Heydar Aliyev Park where the official Lighting Ceremony took place.

The flame itself was then transferred into a special commemorative lamp which will remain in the park throughout the inaugural Games before it is extinguished on June 28, the day the Closing Ceremony is held in the Olympic Stadium.

The region was also one of the 15 along the route to hold a Festival of Fire, where local residents soaked up the atmosphere of the Torch Relay with a spectacular fire show specially created for the Journey of the Flame.

The audience in attendance were also treated to performances from local entertainers and artists at the event, which was well received.

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The region held one of the 15 Festivals of Fire which will take place in various regions across the country ©Baku 2015

"Hosting the European Games helps to raise the profile of Azerbaijan and showcase not only Baku, our capital city, but all of the regions as well,” said Torchbearer Miraflan Agayev.

“Other European cities have great sporting traditions and have already hosted many Olympic Games but Azerbaijan, a new state barely two decades old, was awarded the honour of hosting the first ever European Games.

“I am proud to be part of the Torch Relay, and it created a beautiful memory for me.

"As a coach, it will be a great opportunity for me to share my excitement of this great event, to join the passion of the Games and build support for our local athletes.”

The momentous Torch Relay continues today where it will visit Imishli, before another Festival of Fire takes place in Horadiz town, Fizuli.



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