It is with immense pride and excitement to present to the first-ever pavilion of Azerbaijan at the Biennale Architettura. On this milestone, we represent who we are, where we come from, and where we are heading. Our pavilion’s theme, “Equilibrium Patterns of Azerbaijan,” perfectly captures our nation’s commitment to creating a sustainable future while deeply honouring our cultural roots. Three patterns include “Regenerate. Innovate. Preserve”. Under “Regenerate”, we present Baku White City Project; under “Innovate”, we present Victory Park, and under “Preserve”, we present Zangilan Mosque. We also have a place dedicated to Ajami Nakhchivani, a famous Azerbaijani architect of 12th century. 

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Our pavilion resonates strongly with this year’s concept of “Intelligens: natural, artificial, collective.” We, Azerbaijan, see intelligens as a living force that is specifically powerful through a collective wisdom. It’s this spirit of collaboration between past and future, between tradition and innovation, that powers everything we showcase here. Our pavilion exists here thanks to the intelligence and effort of multiple generations and all the designs were chosen carefully aiming to show it through traditional and modern aspects.

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Our journey in pavilion begins with a replica of the Chalabi carpet—a symbolic pattern that connects together our culture, and vision for the future. Originally, they were made in 17th-18th centuries and belong to Karabakh Carpets Group. The name drives from the Chalabi family that included carpetmaking as a part of their life. The central pattern illustrates radiating sun, but initially the design used to be a sunflower. Eventually, it became a sun. 

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The White City is a project that embodies regeneration. This area was known as “Black City” because of the heavy smoke and pollution due to decades of oil production. This was indicated in resources belonging to 1800s and 1900s. Since 2010, it was reborn as a vibrant urban ecosystem all thanks to the collective will to change for the better future. In the pavilion we have a video illustration provides information about how the transformation from Black to White City took place. It starts from 1848, the production of first oil and ends with the footages of the same area in 2025. Today, Baku White City is one the largest urban development projects in the world. It is a place where modern architecture flourishes alongside ecological balance. Polluted wastelands were transformed into residential areas, workplaces, parks and art corners. All the buildings are designed to meet sustainable standards. In fact, the headquarters of COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company were also in White City. The  White City Bridge model, which was represented in the pavilion with its futuristic design, embodies the very essence of intelligens—linking not only spaces but intelligence of generations, aspirations, and responsibilities.

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Next, we pay homage to Ajami Nakhchivani, who in the 12th century, revolutionized architecture across Azerbaijan and beyond. He was known as ‘chief of engineers.’ His work—delicate, dynamic, and mathematical—infused monumental structures with soul and artistry. Two of his works Momine Khatun Mausoleum and Yusif ibn Kuseyir Maousoleum situated in Nakchivan are demonstrated here. Ajami’s legacy reminds us that true innovation is timeless. His inscription on the Momine Khatun Mausoleum says it best: “We will leave. The world will remain forever. We will depart; the world will stay.” His intelligens transcends centuries, continuing to inspire not only structures but philosophies of life.

Zangilan Mosque designed by Adalat Mammadov in Zangilan, Karabakh, where regeneration and preservation intertwine. Built on the site of a mosque destroyed under occupation, this new structure merges traditional Karabakh design with modern elegance, harmonizing with its green surroundings. Here, architecture does not dominate nature—it coexists with it, reflecting a deep respect for the land and its history. The new mosque is rectangular in form, with two minarets and three dome towers. The minarets and domes are of glazed tiles and bricks. The interior decoration features vegetal motifs on the mihrab, crafted on glazed tiles.  This mosque stands as a powerful emblem of a community rebuilding its spirit and reclaiming its heritage. 

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Our journey continues to Victory Park designed by Simmetrico, a profound monument to the resilience and unity of the Azerbaijani people. This space honours those who fought for the liberation of our lands. The Victory Arch, with its 44 columns, marks the liberation of lands in 44 days, while the entire park invites deep reflection on the sacrifices and solidarity that shaped our present. The pass through the Victory Arch indicates the road to the victory. The road leads to the 8 November monument dedicated to the Victory Day. Here, again the Chalabi carpet takes the center stage. Design around the monument matches the carpet’s central pattern – radiating sun. Here we also have cascade style waterfall and flag square.

Finally, the Garden of the Pavilion, a living symbol of harmony and hope. At its heart is Novruz Mammadov’s Mugham Trio sculpture—an installation that brings together the melodies of our rich musical heritage and the whispers of nature. Depicted persons have national instruments on their hands; kamancha, tar and gaval and together they are performing mugham. Mugham is a form of art where classical poetry and musical improvisation are delivered together. They are basically singing a poem. This piece of art in this area embodies the dialogue between tradition and environment, reminding us that culture and nature are not separate entities but intertwined threads of the same story.

Through each of these spaces we invite you to experience the equilibrium patterns that define Azerbaijan today: patterns of regeneration, innovation, and preservation, powered by a collective intelligens. Our main message is that the solidarity and unity is what we need to realize our dreams and to achieve outcomes. Intelligence is useful when we together decide to apply it for the right causes. As you can see, each of the projects are beautiful, but together they are powerful. They convey a message that moves people because they symbolize the possibility. All these once were thought to be impossible to achieve but people came together and with collective intelligence they achieved it. Wisdom of the past and wisdom of the present were combined here.

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Together, let us envision a future where progress and preservation walk hand in hand, and where the wisdom of the past lights the path forward.