From January 23 to March 27, the photography exhibition “The
Rising Light” by world-renowned photographer and photojournalist
Reza Deghati (REZA) is hosted at Heydar Aliyev International
Airport in Baku. The project, which is supported by Azerbaijan
Airlines (AZAL), Heydar Aliyev International Airport, both part of
AZCON Holding, and Boeing, is presented within the cultural program
of airport’s Terminal 1 international area.


The Rising Light presents Azerbaijan through REZA’s distinctive
artistic perspective, where the country’s rich historical heritage
seamlessly intertwines with the rhythm of contemporary life. The
exhibition offers a layered visual portrait of Azerbaijan, created
for a broad international audience.


Choosing Heydar Aliyev International Airport as the exhibition
venue is deeply symbolic. As one of the region’s largest aviation
hubs, welcoming tens of thousands of passengers daily from around
the world, the airport serves as a platform for cultural dialogue
and a first visual introduction to Azerbaijan. The exhibition’s
placement in the international area of Terminal 1 underscores its
global scope and international focus.


Support for the project from Azerbaijan Airlines, Boeing, and
Heydar Aliyev International Airport reflects the partners’ shared
commitment to integrating cultural initiatives into the
international aviation environment and to expanding aviation’s role
as a bridge for cultural exchange. Conceived as a visual narrative
of the country, the exhibition explores Azerbaijan through its
people, landscapes, and everyday life. REZA’s works convey the
spirit of place, the resilience of traditions, and the diversity of
cultural expressions that shape modern Azerbaijan.


The exhibition brings together 44 photographic works by REZA. A
dedicated section focuses on UNESCO World Heritage sites, including
the Walled City of Baku (Icheri Sheher) and the Shirvanshahs'
Palace, the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, and the Sheki
Khan’s Palace.


“‘The Rising Light’ presents Azerbaijan’s history, culture, and
human stories through a unified perspective. Through this project,
we introduce our country to guests not merely as a destination, but
as a place defined by its rich values and cultural memory,” said
Samir Rzayev, Chairman of the Management Board of Azerbaijan
Airlines CJSC. He also noted that cultural initiatives align with
AZAL’s broader development strategy and complement the airline’s
technical modernization efforts: “This year, a next-generation
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will join AZAL’s fleet. I am confident that
this step will make a significant contribution to turning our
passengers’ dream journeys into reality.”


“Aviation connects people not only through destinations, but
through shared experiences,” said Aysem Sargin, Managing Director
of Boeing Türkiye and Central Asia. “By supporting The Rising
Light, Boeing is proud to help create a space where global
travelers can engage with Azerbaijan’s rich culture, history, and
human stories. This exhibition reflects our belief that Boeing
airplanes do more than enable travel - they connect people,
cultures and ideas across the world.”







This idea of cultural dialogue and the human dimension of travel
is further reflected in the personal artistic expression of the
exhibition’s author, photographer Reza.


“"The Rising Light" is my testimony to Azerbaijan's soul — a
nation that has transformed suffering into resilience and darkness
into illumination. As the poet Rumi taught, "The wound is the place
where the Light enters you." Through these photographs, I bear
witness to people who honor their ancient heritage while building
their future,” said Reza Deghati.


REZA is a world-renowned photographer and photojournalist,
widely recognized for his focus on human stories and social
contexts. Over more than 40 years of professional activity, he has
worked in over 100 countries, documenting key moments of modern
history. REZA has worked extensively in Azerbaijan, capturing
significant chapters of the country’s recent history, including the
tragic events of the late 20th century, the experiences of
refugees, and the First and Second Karabakh Wars.


For his contributions to peacebuilding and the development of
cultural dialogue, REZA was awarded the Order of Dostlug
(Friendship) by Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan.


His work has been honored with numerous prestigious
international awards, including the Infinity Award from the
International Center of Photography in New York, the Lucie Award,
the HIPA Award for outstanding contribution to photography, and the
Honorary Medal of the University of Missouri. REZA also holds an
honorary degree from the American University of Paris, is an Ashoka
Senior Fellow, and is a Chevalier of the French National Order of
Merit.