Baku Hosts Premiere of “Taghiyev: School,” Highlighting Historic Push for Girls’ Education

Baku, The Gulf Observer: The Heydar Aliyev Center hosted the premiere of the feature film Taghiyev: School on May 1, a major cinematic production by the Baku Media Center dedicated to the legacy of renowned philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev.

The presentation ceremony was attended by Arzu Aliyeva, along with Alena Aliyeva, government officials, cultural figures, and other distinguished guests.

Speaking ahead of the screening, film critic and Honored Artist Ayaz Salayev described the film as more than a historical narrative, emphasizing its role in strengthening national memory and spiritual values. The audience was then presented with the screening of the film.

“Taghiyev: School” is the fourth installment in the Taghiyev film series, which explores the life and legacy of Taghiyev. The film focuses on key historical developments in Baku and across Azerbaijan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly highlighting the philanthropist’s efforts to establish the first secular school for girls in the Muslim East, opened on October 7, 1901.

The narrative portrays Taghiyev’s perseverance in the face of adversity, culminating in a pivotal decision that would shape the future of education and enlightenment in Azerbaijan.

Following the screening, director Zaur Gasimli and cast members, including People’s Artists Parviz Mammadrzayev and Gurban Ismayilov, shared insights into the creative vision and production process. Speakers praised the collective efforts of the production team and expressed gratitude to Arzu Aliyeva for her leadership in bringing the project to fruition.

The film’s release coincides with the 125th anniversary of the historic girls’ school, a milestone widely regarded as a turning point in Azerbaijan’s educational history. Earlier installments of the series—Taghiyev: Oil, Taghiyev: Tsar, and Taghiyev: Sona—have collectively attracted more than 200,000 cinema viewers nationwide.

The film has also been submitted by Azerbaijan as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards, with a special presentation held in Los Angeles, the global hub of the film industry.

Featuring large-scale production, the film involved nearly 2,500 professionals and was shot across 76 locations, with over 300 sets constructed to authentically recreate the historical period. The project was produced with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture, and the Cinema Agency, alongside contributions from major corporate partners.

Widely regarded as a landmark in Azerbaijani cinema, “Taghiyev: School” continues to draw audiences in theaters nationwide, reflecting strong public interest in the country’s historical and cultural heritage.