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Right wing of the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo by Wertuose-

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Heydar Aliyev Centre

The Heydar Aliyev Center is the epitome of postmodern architecture design in Azerbaijan. It is a building complex in Baku, the country’s capital. Iraqi-British architect, Zaha Hadid was appointed in 2007 to design it after an international competition was held. It is located at 1 Heydar Aliyev Avenue, Baku 1033.

Notable for its distinctive, flowing, curved style structure, this cultural center defies basic physical design. It represents a fluid form, emerging from the folding of its landscape.

It is indeed an incredible, avant-garde architectural statement that is internationally recognized. The complex has been nominated for awards.

 It houses a conference room, a museum, a library, an auditorium, and exhibition spaces. The complex serves as a venue for cultural events. It is named after the third president of the Azerbaijan Republic from 1993 to 2003, Heydar Aliyev. 

 The center is not only an architectural spectacle and wonder but also a symbol of an innovative and progressive Azerbaijan. It is open to visitors from 11 am to 7 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Have a look at some of the top fascinating facts about the Heydar Aliyev Center.

1. Heydar Aliyev Center was designed by Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid in Heydar Aliyev Cultural center in Baku Nov 2013. Photo by Dmitry Ternovoy-

Dame Zaha Hadid is one of the major, internationally recognized figures in the world of design and architecture. She was an Iraqi-British architect, known for her unique architectural geometry designs.

The Guardian described her as the ‘Queen of the curve’. Her other major works include the London Aquatics Centre, Guangzhou Opera House, and the Broad Art Museum.

An international competition for the design of the Heydar Aliyev Center had been held, and she was appointed as the design architect in 2007. Her creativity with curves, light, and angles can easily be seen in the Center’s structure.

All parts of the building are represented by folds in a single continuous surface. The fluid form connects each space while still providing separate identity and privacy to the various parts.

2. It is named after the third president of the Azerbaijan Republic

Heydar Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan (1993 to 2003). Photo by President.az-

Heydar Aliyev was the first secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan from 1969 to 1982. He became the third president of the Azerbaijan Republic and served from October 1993 to October 2003.

In an exhibition themed ‘At the turn of the century in 2013 at the Center, Heydar Aliyev’s portraits were part of the exhibits.

He is credited by his supporters for his contribution to restoring the country’s stability after the great loss of the First Nagarno-Karabakh War with Armenia. He is also credited for turning Azerbaijan into a major international energy producer.

3. Its construction took 5 years

Yoga day at Heydar Aliyev Center. Photo by Nigar2nigarnigar.

Construction began in 2007, led by design architect Zaha Hadid. It covers approximately 57, 519 square meters. The complex is comprised of a concrete structure combined with a spatial structure system.

Reinforced concrete, polyester-reinforced fiberglass, formworks, and steel molds were the main materials used in its construction. The lighting concept used alters the appearance of the building according to the time.

The building reflects the light during the day, and at night, it is transformed by the illumination flowing from the interior. Its construction was completed in 2012, and an official ceremony was held by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

The Center hosts many cultural events, including recreational activities.

4. The Center houses several buildings

Section of interior space of the Center by Presidemt.az-

The complex comprises a 1000-seat auditorium, a gallery hall, a conference hall, a museum, a library, and temporary exhibition spaces. Workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events are held at the center.

The library has its entrance and archives of reading material. It is connected to the museum by a ramp. The land between the Center and the main road has been converted into a Cultural Plaza, an outdoor space for public use.

5. It has been nominated for awards

Right wing of the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo by Wertuose-

In 2013, the complex was nominated at both the World Architecture Festival and the biennial Inside Festival. The World Architecture Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the industry and is held annually. The 2013 Festival was held in Singapore, with over 2,100 architects and designers from 68 countries attending.

In 2014, it won the Design Museum’s Design of the Year Award, making Zaha Hadid the first woman to win the top prize in the competition.

6. The building has been featured in ‘Extreme Engineering’ documentary series

Extreme Engineering is a documentary television series aired on the Discovery Channel and the Science Channel. It features futuristic engineering projects around the world.

The building is featured in the episode ‘Azerbaijan’s Amazing Transformation’ which aired on April 22, 2011.

It also featured on the postcard of Azerbaijani singer, Samra Rahimli for the postcard of Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.

7. It was partially damaged by a fire in 2012

Heydar Aliyev Center from a distance. Photo by Robot8A-

Shortly after its completion, a fire started on its roof on 20^th July 2012. Although it was quickly put out by firemen, the resulting damage from the fire and the water used to extinguish it was held to have had grave consequences on a large scale.

It was established that the fire was a result of negligence in the use of welding equipment. Three Turkish contractors were subsequently charged. The building took 16 months to repair.

8. Several exhibitions of artists have been displayed at the Center

From right, Tahir Salahov and President Ilham Aliyev at his exhibition. Photo by President.az-

The exhibitions feature various artists from Azerbaijani and across the world. Some of these include works by American artist Andy Warhol, whose exhibition was held on June 21, 2013. It was titled ‘Life, Death, and Beauty’.

Over one hundred works were displayed. On October 1 of the same year, the Center held a personal exhibition of the People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, Tahir Salahov. It was titled ‘At the turn of the century. 

It featured over 100 works of the artist, including portraits of composer Gara Garayev and Dmitri Shostakovich, the Maiden Tower, and the Caspian Today.

9. The Helikon Opera ‘Enduring Love’ gala concert was held at the Center in 2013

Helikon-Opera is a Russian opera company based in Moscow. It specializes in unconventional productions. On November 2 and 3, 2013, it presented performances at the Center.

One of these was a gala concert ‘The Enduring Love’ featuring songs by Marilyn Monroe, Celine Dion, Elton John, Whitney Houston, and Tina Turner.

The opera ‘Siberia’ by Italian composer Umberto Giordano was also performed. It narrates a love story between two young people which ends tragically in Siberia.

10. There’s a Mini Azerbaijan exhibition showcasing historic buildings

It is on the second floor of the building. It features models of 24 historical and architectural buildings. Visitors get to learn about the history and architecture of these buildings exhibited both in Azerbaijani and English.

The exhibition includes the 12^th century Maiden Tower, 19^th century Baku Bazaar, the Government House from the USSR era, 21^st century Baku Crystal Hall and Flame Towers.