The Heydar Aliyev Center is a building complex in Baku, Azerbaijan designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and noted for its distinctive architecture and flowing, curved style that eschews sharp angles. The center is named after Heydar Aliyev, the first secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan from 1969 to 1982, and president of Azerbaijan Republic from October 1993 to October 2003. Heydar Aliyev Center had an official soft-opening ceremony on 10 May 2012 held by current president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
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Azerbaijan is a modern and strong country attached to its past and advancing confidently into the future. Azerbaijan is a country cherishing its values. Respect for national and moral wealth, history, traditions, the human factor and citizens is our top priority. The modern Azerbaijan is recognized in the world through its nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev. And the Center bearing the name of Heydar Aliyev has become a symbol of modern Azerbaijan and modern Baku. The building of the Heydar Aliyev Center is an embodiment of the development of the present-day Azerbaijan and its attachment both to the past and to the future. The logo of the Heydar Aliyev Center also represents a reflection of this idea.
Heydar Aliyev Center logoHeydar Aliyev Center
The Center’s logo symbolizes Azerbaijan’s forward-looking aspirations, the progress and the future of the country. The silver color of the logo epitomizes the overcoming of obstacles and moving towards a goal. The silver color is a symbol of leadership, struggle, dynamism, wisdom, transparency, development and innovation. The lines of the logo harmonize with the building of the Heydar Aliyev Center and embody Azerbaijan’s dynamic development, the country’s aspirations to becoming an international leader and progress through perpetuation of values such as attachment to the Motherland and people. The Heydar Aliyev Center’s logo emphasizes the institution’s mission viewed through the prism of global and national values, nation building traditions and the message to be passed over to future generations. The Center’s slogan "To the Future with Values!" is based on this idea.
Heydar Aliyev
Heydar Aliyev was born on May 10, 1923, in the city of Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan.On October 3, 1993, Heydar Aliyev was officially elected the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the course of the national elections. On October 11, 1998, he was re-elected the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. On October 15, 2003, a presidential nominee for the elections Heydar Aliyev ultimately withdrew his nomination for health reasons. Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of Azerbaijani nation, passed away on December 12, 2003, at the clinic in Cleveland (the USA) and was buried at the Honorary Cemetery in Baku on December 15, 2003.
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Construction of the Center’s facility was launched in 2007 and completed on May 10, 2012, to celebrate the National Leader’s 89th anniversary. Recognized as one of the world’s masterpieces in architecture, the Heydar Aliyev Center has immediately grown into a signature architectural landmark of modern Baku. Zaha Hadid, the author of the building's design, is a worldwide recognized architect and the winner of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize.
Heydar Aliyev CenterHeydar Aliyev Center
Total Area: 15,93ha
Indoor Area: 101.801m2
Landscape: 13.58ha
Highest Point: 74,1m
Heydar Aliyev CenterHeydar Aliyev Center
Not a single straight line was used in the Center’s design.
The overall shape of the building resembles a wave-like ascension from the ground towards the sky followed by gradual descent down to the earth. This is not only a tribute to post-modern architecture, but also a portrayal of an eternal cycle.
The lines on the building-bridge the past with the present.
Harmonious link between the Center’s exterior and interior aspires to remove any boundaries in the building’s perception considering that this place is meant to be open anyone irrespective of gender, race and origin by bringing people together united by shared ideas.
Heydar Aliyev CenterHeydar Aliyev Center
The Center consist of 3 sections:
- Heydar Aliyev Museum
- Exhibition Halls
- Auditorium and Multifunctional Hall
Multifunctional hall of Heydar Aliyev CenterHeydar Aliyev Center
The total area of multifunctional hall of Heydar Aliyev Center is 1796 m2 and devided into 3 parts by special panels. The multifunctional hall hosts different educational and scientific competitions and projects for the development of science, education, health, sports, culture and economy.
Solo exhibitionsHeydar Aliyev Center
Heydar Aliyev Center also hosted solo exhibitions of the world famous artists, sculptures and photographers. The exhibitions, dedicated to Andy Warhol, Tony Craig, Laurence Jenkell, Vim Delvaux, Bernard Buffet, Jorge Marin, Theo Allofs, George Condo and Richard Deacon as well as international exhibition projects such as Legends of Arms, Cradle to Space, Retro Classic Car and Grace Kelly - Style Icon attracted interest of the public.
Solo exhibition - Xorxe MarinHeydar Aliyev Center
Heydar Aliyev Center also hosted solo exhibitions of the world famous artists, sculptures and photographers.
Xorxe Marin
Laurence Jenkell. Solo Exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev CenterHeydar Aliyev Center
Solo Exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center
Toni Kreq Solo Exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev CenterHeydar Aliyev Center
Solo Exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center
Self-portrait (2014) by Jaume PlensaHeydar Aliyev Center
Self-portrait
The sculpture of a man sitting on his knees made from different letters. Stainless steel. Height- 174 cm/Diameter of base – 500 сm/Diameter of sculpture - 230 сm
Multifunctional hallHeydar Aliyev Center
The multifunctional hall hosts different educational and scientific competitions and projects for the development of science, education, health, sports, culture and economy.
Auditorium HallHeydar Aliyev Center
The Auditorium with a capacity of 967 seats is considered one of the most important parts of the Center.
Heydar Aliyev CenterHeydar Aliyev Center
The overall shape of the building resembles a wave-like ascension from the ground towards the sky followed by gradual descent down to the earth, which represents an eternal cycle and durability. The white color symbolize bright future and also emphasize specific elements of decoration.
Mahabbat Mehdiyeva
The Director of Museum Department, Heydar Aliyev Center
