Gobustan wall

Sculpture

Building "F"

This corner is inspired by the ancient rock carvings of Gobustan – a window into Azerbaijan’s prehistoric past. These petroglyphs, etched into stone thousands of years ag, capture the daily lives, beliefs, and creativity of early inhabitants. The modern space reimagines these stories in a contemporary setting, blending education, art and national heritage.

Historical Context

The carved human and animals figures of Gobustan are among the earliest known examples of symbolic expression in the Caucasus. The Gobustan petroglyphs date back approximately 5000 top 40000 years and are located in Gobustan National Park, southwest of Baku. These carvings depict scenes of hunting, dancing, rituals, animals, and boats – offering a glimpse into the spiritual and social lives of prehistoric humans. In 2007, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its importance as one of the oldest cultural records in the region.

Cultural/Artistic Inspiration

Gobustan is not just a collection of ancient carvings etched into stone — it is a living record of Azerbaijan’s cultural memory, a window into the creativity, spirit, and symbolic thinking of our ancestors. In designing this corner at ADA University, our goal is to bring those silent stones to life to create a space where the past speaks within the present. We were inspired by the idea that education is not only about the future, but also about understanding where we come from. As students, researchers, and creatives walk through the university halls, we wanted this space to remind them that long before books and buildings, humans in this very land were already expressing stories and beliefs through art. They show us that the desire to connect, communicate, and create is timeless. This corner is: • A silent message from our ancestors, carved in stone; • A harmonious blend of ancient symbolism and contemporary design; • A place where ADA students can feel their connection to Azerbaijani cultural roots. Through this corner, we hope Gobustan will not remain only in the pages of history books, but will live in the minds of future generations. This is not just about looking back — it’s about building a bridge between the past and the future.

Author

Artist, Dashqin Bayramov

Original Location

40°06'41.9"N 49°22'43.4"E

Special Appreciation

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Gobustan National Reserve and all collaborating historians, researchers, artists who contributed invaluable insight, visual materials and guidance in shaping such a cultural space.