Yesterday after overhaul and reconstruction, the Baku Palace of Happiness opened. The famous architect Joseph Ploshko, commissioned by the millionaire Murtuza Mukhtarov, designed this building in the early twentieth century. The oil tycoon decided to donate the house to his wife Lisa Tuganova, who enjoyed a similar building in the Gothic style in Venice.
When the Bolsheviks came to expropriate the building, Murtuza Bey demanded that the Red Army soldiers not stain the parquet floor with their dirty boots. This remark caused a skirmish, during which Murtuza Mukhtarov was shot by the Bolsheviks.
In the Soviet period, this building was used as the Palace of Wedding Parties. In 2007 the building was closed for repairs. The general restoration and reconstruction of the building were carried out under a project with French and Italian experts.
As stated in the official report, the restoration included dividing the building into two parts. The first part is intended for business meetings and official receptions, and the second one is for the organization of wedding ceremonies. However, it is unclear who will conduct official meetings and to whose balance the building was transferred. It is also unknown how much money was spent on the repairs and from what sources it came from. We only know that all the repair work was directed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. -02D-
Culture
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Despite its rich historical past in Azerbaijan, donation culture faces numerous problems in modern times. Issues such as transparency in reaching the target audience, declining public trust, and the absence of sustainable support mechanisms are major challenges in this field. Additionally, the weak promotion of donation culture prevents its broader acceptance and development within society. Both education and modern solutions are crucial to enhance the social impact of donations.
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On a crisp December weekend, the Passage1901 venue in the heart of Baku came alive with the buzz of creativity, commerce, and community. The “Bizimkilər” (Ours) Festival, a celebration dedicated to supporting local brands, artisans, and small businesses, made its long-awaited return on December 14 and 15. With a fresh two-day program, the festival proved once again to be a vibrant platform for artistic expression, local entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
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In a vibrant tribute to one of Azerbaijan’s most beloved artistic figures, the Scientific-methodical and Advanced Training Center on culture (MEMIM), in collaboration with the Azerbaijan State Art Gallery and the Union of Azerbaijani Artists, concluded the "Tablolarda Nağıllar" (Fairy Tales on Canvases) exhibition-competition on December 13, 2024. The event celebrated the 115th anniversary of People’s Artist Səttar Bəhlulzadə, whose timeless work continues to inspire generations.
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November 25 – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – marks the start of a 16-day campaign of activism, culminating on December 10 – Human Rights Day. This campaign serves as a global platform calling for an end to violence against women, featuring awareness initiatives, legal reform proposals, and public campaigns.
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