“The New Life of the Old City”-Mikayıl Cabbarov

İcherisheher – or in other words, the “heart” of Baku, the Old City, or the Fortress – is a unique open-air historical and architectural monument and a museum-reserve. At the same time, it is an ordinary residential neighborhood, which adds to its uniqueness.

Many of the capital’s landmarks are located within Icherisheher. Among them, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs – considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture – and the ancient symbol included in Baku’s coat of arms, the Maiden Tower, which dates back thousands of years, hold a special place.

Today, we speak with Mikayil Jabbarov, the newly appointed head of the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

– When speaking with a newly appointed official, it is most appropriate to ask about plans first… Considering the specific nature of your work, one could easily call these plans creative…

– I consider this appointment a vote of confidence, an advance that I must live up to. At the same time, I fully understand that any effort to do something useful for Icherisheher must be guided by the principle of “do no harm.” As you know, any official is granted a limited time in their position, while the age of Icherisheher – like that of a living organism – spans millennia. Therefore, anyone in this position must feel a deep sense of responsibility.

In my view, the most important aspect of our current work is the promotion of our cultural and historical heritage. We, Azerbaijanis, are a fortunate nation because we possess numerous clear proofs of our roots and traditions… and Icherisheher is one of the greatest of these legacies passed down from previous generations.

Let me note that within the next few weeks, a website providing detailed information about Icherisheher will be launched. This website will serve as a powerful tool for promoting our cultural values both within the country and abroad.

– Recently, the Icherisheher model project has sparked particular interest. Could you please elaborate on it? Will the project resemble the famous “Mini-Europe” project?

– The model has already been commissioned to a team of local specialists, but in parallel, we are also searching for international contractors. A tender may be announced. The purpose of the Icherisheher model is both to attract tourist interest and to increase the efficiency of relevant services. One of the “distinctive features” of this model will be its scale. However, since there is not enough open space within Icherisheher to accommodate a large-scale model, we will settle for a 1:200 scale. For now, it is not yet determined whether the model will be placed outdoors or indoors — a hybrid option combining both possibilities may be selected.

– Currently, the “Meydan Bazaar” – an open-air art market featuring local decorative and applied arts craftsmen – is being held in Icherisheher. How does this interesting initiative aim to contribute to the cultural life of the Old City?

– The current format of this project was shaped during a meeting with a former colleague of mine. He asked an interesting question: “Why is there no Ancient Bazaar in the Old City?” This sparked a discussion, and the resulting idea gradually turned into a unique project. The main goal of the project is to promote our national decorative and applied arts and highlight their originality. I believe this initiative will enhance the cultural life of Icherisheher, further strengthen tourists’ interest in the Old City, and also create an additional opportunity for residents to showcase their skills and talents. It’s no secret that many of the artisans participating in the “Meydan Bazaar” live within the Fortress itself, so this event holds special significance for them.

Let me also mention that the “Meydan Bazaar” is planned to be held regularly – most likely on a weekly basis. This would align with the spirit of traditional ancient markets. Naturally, it is intended to be organized during the warmer seasons. I am confident that the number of participants in this bazaar will continue to grow. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my special thanks to “Azercell” for their sponsorship and support of our project.

– You mentioned that the number of participants will be increased… What is your opinion on allowing foreigners living in Baku to take part in this art bazaar – similar to the well-established charity fairs held during New Year and Novruz celebrations? In those events, foreigners (most of whom are spouses of foreign specialists working here, and not professional artisans) sell, for example, homemade sweets. As a result, one can find desserts from many countries – from Scottish to Indian cuisine – at these fairs.

– Of course, the main goal of our “Meydan Bazaar” is to promote our national decorative and applied arts. However, we are open to healthy initiatives that can add new colors to this project. After all, if those sweets are made here – in Azerbaijan – then they are also “made in Azerbaijan” products. In the future, it is also possible to organize thematic “Meydan Bazaars.”

– You had leadership experience even before this appointment. What new aspects has this position brought to that experience? What new forces have you mobilized, and what personal qualities have come to the forefront? Have you gained any new insights?

– To be honest, this is the first job where I bear full responsibility as a direct leader. I am faced with new challenges, and I need to respond to them, assess new horizons and risks… While talking about the cultural, historical, and ethnographic significance of Icherisheher, we must not forget that it is also a residential area – all the modern city problems, especially transportation issues, are present here too. Solving these problems promptly is one of the key responsibilities of our administration. Frankly, this aspect of the job has been new and very interesting for me. Through close interaction with people, I’ve come to understand the character of our nation even better in this short time… It’s an invaluable experience.

In addition, this new role stimulates continuous learning. And I’d like to emphasize one point in particular: we are currently building a great team of employees who are dedicated to their work and passionate about Icherisheher. This is very important.

As for the transportation issue, it is very likely that this problem will finally be resolved within this month. The unique aura of the Old City should be disrupted as little as possible by engine noise and vibration. According to the new system, free access to the fortress area will be allowed only for residents and specially designated vehicles. The system will also include paid access elements for the reserve area.

— Your professional life is an important part of your identity. But surely it’s not the only one. Tell us about yourself not as a government official, but as a person: what matters most to you in life, how do you relax, what are your interests?

— What I value most in life are family, relationships, and time. And also a feeling that has become particularly important these days — the sense of “loktu” — that is, mutual support, being there for one another. I believe both work and family are integral parts of that abstract concept we call happiness. I’m also lucky because I truly enjoy my work. However, the downside is that there’s very little time left for hobbies and interests, like the game “What? Where? When?” or literature. More and more, literature is being replaced by periodicals. Eventually, you start to love airplanes — not just for flying, but because that’s when you finally get time to read a book… And of course, happiness isn’t possible without family. I’m lucky to have that happiness — my wife and two children: a five-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.

— So, you are a successful person. That’s wonderful. But does that mean there’s nothing you’d like to change or add in your life? In other words, what do you wish for?

— Complaining would be wrong, but no one can be completely successful. Doubts and desires are essential parts of any person. I believe everything in life is connected. Every step, no matter how small, has great significance for the future. For example, if I had chosen a different faculty at university in 1992 instead of international law, my life would have taken a completely different path: different teachers, different friends, different interests… But I don’t like to think in “what if” terms. I’m a very grounded person and prefer planning the future to daydreaming. “Dream” is too strong a word for me, so I prefer “wish” or “aspiration.” At this stage in my life, my wish is for everything to continue just the way it is: fulfilling work, happiness, and good health for my loved ones… I only hope for more positive change in my professional field — for Icherisheher to become even more vibrant, more renowned, and more beautiful. And I will do my utmost to make that happen.

Text by: Naile Bannayeva
Photo: Melek Mirzayeva
Archive: 2009