On September 10, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended a ceremony for laying foundation stone of the Heydar Aliyev Center in capital Baku.

The President and the First Lady Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva familiarized themselves with the model of the building, and watched a film demonstrating future objectives, functions and the look of the Center.

They also examined a photo-stand depicting the Heydar Aliyev Center’s general layout, night view, museum, 1284-seat conference hall, library, press center and other facilities.

Author of the project, renowned architect Ms. Zaha Hadid informed President Aliyev that the Center bearing the name of the founder of the modern independent state of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, will cover the total area of nine hectares, and will be equipped with latest technology. She said it will be the first construction of this kind in the Middle East region taking its worthy place among the best samples of the modern world architecture.

The Center is planned to be built by Turkish construction company DIA Holding in two years.

Afterwards, President Ilham Aliyev laid the foundation stone of the Heydar Aliyev Center by burying a time capsule on its grounds.

The Azerbaijani leader made a speech at the ceremony:

“It is a very remarkable day in our country’s history. Today, we have laid a foundation stone of the Heydar Aliyev Center. I am sure that this Center will be built and put into operation very soon so that our people could use its services. This beautiful building, I am sure, will prettify the city even more. Today’s presentation showed the exterior view and internal decoration of the building. This building has no analogues not only in the region but also in the world. It is a very beautiful building, and will be the modern architectural monument. I take the opportunity to thank famous architect Zaha Hadid for designing the building” President said.

“Development of Azerbaijan, accomplishments achieved in our country allow us to create such a building. I am confident that this building will live through decades and centuries, and become another symbol of Baku. Maiden’s Tower is the Baku’s ancient symbol. The Heydar Aliyev Center as the next symbol will be different in terms of its beauty, uniqueness and functional properties”

“In 1970-80s and during the years of independence, National Leader Heydar Aliyev played a key role in development of the country and people of Azerbaijan, and strengthening the potential. In 1970-80s, along with creating industrial potential of Azerbaijan, settling social problems, he did much work to improve the Baku’s image. The building constructed in those years are very notable for their beauty now”

“Today, Azerbaijan is developing very fast with our capabilities increasing too. A very strong economic and industrial potential is being created in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is the world’s fastest growing economy. Our economy will grow at least 95% within the next three years. No country in the world has ever seen such an enormous achievement in its history”

“At the same time, we pay a special attention to improvement of Baku’s appearance. I have recently signed an order to restore, clean and light all historical buildings in Baku. I know that Baku residents pay a special attention to it, and highly appreciate it”

“A special attention must be paid to other regions as well - building roads, creating infrastructure, reconstructing buildings and constructing the new ones. Our country is growing. It is natural as there is population upsurge in Azerbaijan. It is an indicator of the economic growth”

“In accordance with my order, ugly buildings with poor outside appearance must not be constructed in Baku. Every building must have its own architecture. There must not necessarily be a single architecture style. The buildings must have both modern and old architecture styles, and our traditional style as well”

“After Heydar Aliyev left Baku, and before his arrival nothing was done. The aim of then-antinational leadership was different. There was only pillage then. The country was plagued by pillage and destructive activity. After his returning to the political leadership, the situation in Azerbaijan dramatically changed. The stability prevailed in the country; illegal actions were prevented; economic development started with the massive influx of foreign investments”

“Local investments have exceeded foreign ones in 2007 for the first time since Azerbaijan’s regaining its independence. What does it indicate to? It indicates to the strength of Azerbaijan, creation of the business class, and existing favorable business climate in the country.”

“Azerbaijan’s budget expenditures have increased 5-6 times for the past 3-4 years. It is a reality. It allows solving all problems bothering people. There are possibilities for improving social situation, infrastructure projects and industrial potential, and for successfully pursuing the oil strategy.”

“Dear friends, I want to say these words to all the participants of the ceremony of laying a foundation stone of the Heydar Aliyev Center. I am very glad that we have laid a foundation stone together. I am sure that the beautiful and magnificent building will be built. It will be worthy of Heydar Aliyev’s name both because of its outside appearance and internal quality. It will be as much beautiful, mighty and inflexible as he was”

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President Ilham Aliyev had a conversation with Mrs. Zaha Hadid and prominent architects of Azerbaijan. The architects thanked Saha Hadid for her design.

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Then, President Ilham Aliyev got familiar with the design of the territory where the Heydar Aliyev Center will be constructed, and adjacent area. The Head of State stressed a need to improve the adjacent territory in line with modern standards, repair the residential and manufacturing buildings, and gave relevant recommendations to modernize the territory.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, his spouse Mehriban Aliyev and architect Zaha Hadid had their photograph taken.