― 21 мая 2026 г.
Exhibition inaugurated in the presence of Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf in Baku
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan hosted the solo exhibition entitled "Azerbaijan-Türkiye: A Bridge of Art" and featuring works by the artist Eldeniz Babayev illustrating the unshakable brotherhood of the Turkic World. The exhibition was inaugurated in an official ceremony held in the presence of TURKSOY Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf.
The meaningful exhibition, held on May 19th, 2026, at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum; was realized with the support of key institutions such as the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Baku, the Azerbaijan Atatürk Center, the Yunus Emre Institute, and the Administration of the Inner City State Historical and Architectural Conservation Area.
The opening ceremony, which brought together the art world and government officials, was attended by Saadet Yusifova, Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan; Sayit Yusuf, Deputy Secretary General of TURKSOY; Fikri Ataoğlu, Deputy Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; Şamil Ayrım, Member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly; Fazıl Mustafa, Committee Chairman of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan; Rüfet Mahmud, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the -Architecture Conservation Area Administration Board Chairman Rüfet Mahmud, Director of the Baku Yunus Emre Institute Gökhan Seyhan, and Azerbaijani People’s Painter Selhab Memmedov, who each delivered a speech.
In their speeches, protocol members emphasized that art serves as the shared memory of peoples; builds an unshakable spiritual bridge between nations; and plays a fundamental role in strengthening cultural dialogue. It was noted that painter Eldeniz Babayev’s works have made a significant contribution to deepening the brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, and strongly encourage the preservation of shared historical values and cooperation within the Turkic World.
Following the opening remarks, a special documentary detailing the artist’s life and artistic journey was screened for the guests.
A Special Historical Selection for May 19th
Organized to mark the artist’s 55th birthday, the exhibition features approximately 50 works created in various styles. The opening date was intentionally set to coincide with May 19th, the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day, carrying special significance. This choice symbolized the indissoluble unity of the historical, cultural, and spiritual bonds between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, expressed through the language of art.
The exhibition drew significant attention for its portraits of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, military commanders who played a crucial role in the history of the Turkic World and the independence struggles of the two brotherly nations, and leading poets of the literary world. Additionally, the sketch of the work titled “Atatürk Greeting the Employees of the National Bank,” prepared last year, along with paintings reflecting the culture, traditions, and daily life of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, held a special place in the exhibition selection.
