BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 2. A student meeting on
the theme “Heydar Aliyev and the Creativity of Omar Eldarov” was
held at the Heydar Aliyev Center on May 2, Trend reports.
Marking the 103rd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev,
the meeting aimed to promote his legacy and, ahead of Azerbaijan’s
“Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in 2026, educate young
people about the architectural school, major urban development
projects, and heritage preservation policies developed during his
leadership.
The meeting featured discussions on the work of renowned
sculptor, People’s Artist Omar Eldarov, his role in Azerbaijani
architecture and fine arts, and the National Leader’s contributions
to culture and the arts.
In his remarks, Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of
the Republic of Azerbaijan, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation, emphasized that the Center hosts events across various
fields, including culture and the arts, and highlighted the
exhibition of sculptural works. Touching upon Omar Eldarov’s
continued support, he added: “Omar Eldarov consistently supports us
in these initiatives. At present, the Heydar Aliyev Center and the
Heydar Aliyev Foundation are hosting a series of events dedicated
to the birth anniversary of the National Leader. It is a proud
moment for us to welcome you today to this specially organized
event at the Heydar Aliyev Center.”
Recalling his memories of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Omar
Eldarov described him as a highly wise leader and a sociable,
sincere individual. Speaking about the National Leader’s interest
in the arts, the People’s Artist spoke about Heydar Aliyev’s desire
to become an artist and noted that his relatives included
well-known painters and architects. He added that the National
Leader regularly visited exhibitions and discussed visual arts.
The meeting also featured video presentations showcasing
appreciation for the artist’s dedication and determination, the
creative process between the National Leader and Omar Eldarov,
their dialogue on artistic concepts, and the significance of the
Azerbaijani sculpture school.
The “Heydar Aliyev and the Creativity of Omar Eldarov” project
is one of the first initiatives involving prominent figures who
worked closely with the National Leader. The choice to begin the
series with Eldarov’s work is deliberate. Creativity has always
played a role not only in shaping aesthetic values but also in
building bridges of friendship between peoples. Heydar Aliyev once
described Omar Eldarov’s art as a “symbol of humanity and
culture.”
The project is of particular importance in fostering young
people’s interest in national cultural heritage, shaping their
aesthetic values, and promoting Azerbaijan’s achievements in
architecture and urban development to the wider public.
The People’s Artist also responded to the participants’
questions during the meeting.
