Student Meeting in Baku Highlights Legacy of Heydar Aliyev and Artistic Contributions of Omar Eldarov
Baku, The Gulf Observer: A student meeting on the theme “Heydar Aliyev and the Creativity of Omar Eldarov” was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center on May 2, marking the 103rd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
The event aimed to promote the legacy of Heydar Aliyev while educating young people about Azerbaijan’s architectural school, major urban development initiatives, and heritage preservation policies developed during his leadership, particularly in light of the country’s upcoming “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in 2026.
The meeting featured discussions on the work of renowned sculptor and People’s Artist Omar Eldarov, highlighting his contributions to Azerbaijani architecture and fine arts, as well as the National Leader’s enduring support for culture and the arts.
Addressing the gathering, Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, noted that the Center regularly hosts diverse events spanning culture and the arts, including exhibitions of sculptural works. He acknowledged Eldarov’s continued support for such initiatives and highlighted a series of commemorative events dedicated to Heydar Aliyev’s birth anniversary.
Sharing his personal recollections, Omar Eldarov described Heydar Aliyev as a wise and sincere leader with a deep appreciation for the arts. He noted the National Leader’s keen interest in visual arts, his regular visits to exhibitions, and his engagement in discussions on artistic expression.
The event also included video presentations showcasing Eldarov’s artistic journey, his collaboration with Heydar Aliyev, and their shared dialogue on artistic concepts, along with the significance of Azerbaijan’s sculpture school.
The “Heydar Aliyev and the Creativity of Omar Eldarov” project is among the first initiatives to feature prominent figures who worked closely with the National Leader. Organisers noted that creativity plays a vital role not only in shaping aesthetic values but also in fostering cultural connections and mutual understanding among peoples. Heydar Aliyev had once described Eldarov’s work as a “symbol of humanity and culture.”
The initiative is expected to strengthen young people’s interest in national cultural heritage, enhance their aesthetic awareness, and promote Azerbaijan’s achievements in architecture and urban development to a broader audience.
During the session, Omar Eldarov also engaged with participants, responding to their questions and sharing insights into his artistic career.
