Special Exhibition on Azerbaijan’s Heydar Aliyev Opens at 42nd International Istanbul Book Fair
Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: A special book exhibition dedicated to Azerbaijan’s National Leader Heydar Aliyev has opened at the 42nd International Istanbul Book Fair, marking the 22nd anniversary of his passing.
Organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture and the Azerbaijan Culture Center in Türkiye, the exhibition features nearly 30 publications highlighting Heydar Aliyev’s life, legacy, and state-building achievements. The display also includes books on President Ilham Aliyev, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, the Karabakh Victory, and the National Leader’s efforts to preserve Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
Samir Abbasov, Director of the Azerbaijan Culture Center, said the exhibition aims to promote Heydar Aliyev’s traditions of statehood and his contributions to national unity in Azerbaijan and the broader Turkic world.
He noted ongoing cultural initiatives, including translating Azerbaijani classics—such as the full Khamsa of Nizami Ganjavi by 2026—into Turkish, staging Azerbaijani plays in Turkish state theaters, donating books to Turkish libraries, fostering museum and film collaborations, and offering Azerbaijani language courses in Türkiye, including at Gazi University in Ankara.
The fair, which continues until December 21, features panels and events in its international section with participation from Azerbaijani and Turkish scholars. The Istanbul Book Fair is among the world’s largest publishing events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
