17
BAKU, A BLEND OF HISTORY AND MODERNITY
Hall (former Summer Club of the Public Assembly), the State Manuscript Institute (initially the Taghiyev
Girls School), the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (originally Ismailiyye, the Muslim Charitable
Association) convey the message of various milestones in the city’s storied past. Meanwhile, with cutting-edge
constructions mushrooming around, Baku is rapidly transforming into an appealing and prosperous modern city.
The capital city’s post-modern landmarks designed by world-wide famous architects include the Heydar
Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster’s breathtaking White City project, the Flame Towers dominating
the city’s skyline, as well as the ultramodern buildings of the Carpet Museum, the International Mugham
Center, and the Crystal Hall adorning the newly-refurbished seaside promenade, just to mention a few.
The modern image of Baku is not only restricted to cutting-edge architecture. The city boasts of numerous theaters, art
galleries, exhibitions, restaurants, state-of-the art shoppingmalls and plazas. With its exuberant magnificence, bringing
together history and modernity Baku appeared ever more appealing to the visitors of Eurovision Song Contest 2012.
On the eve of one of the world’s largest shows, the spirit of Eurovision Song Contest 2012 could be sensed
almost everywhere. Meanwhile, some bold novices were introduced in Azerbaijan while dressing up the
host city for the forthcoming event. Along with ESC 2012 flags and banners, Baku succeeded in conveying
the event’s message through eye-catching illumination and cutting-edge LED monitors installed all
over the city.
Light Your Fire!
the motto of Eurovision Song Contest 2012 could be found on public
transportation, streets, buildings and huge screens with some extraordinary video and graphic effects.