As a Young European Ambassador from Azerbaijan, I have always been drawn to the stories that our ancient walls and traditions tell. This is a story of how the Maiden Tower in Baku became my gateway to understanding Europe’s shared heritage. From the melodies of mugham echoing through Icherisheher to the vibrant cultural exchanges I organized, this journey is a testament to the power of heritage in uniting people across borders. Through this story, I hope to inspire others to see cultural heritage not just as a relic of the past, but as a bridge to a more united and inclusive future.

It all began with a simple question from my grandmother: Do you know why the Maiden Tower has stood for centuries? Her stories about the tower being a refuge during invasions, a symbol of hope during dark times, and a witness to countless generations sparked something in me. I wanted to know more not just about my own heritage, but about how it connected to the wider world.

As a Young European Ambassador, I had the privilege of traveling across Europe, from the cobblestone streets of Kraków to the ancient ruins of Rome. Everywhere I went, I saw reflections of my own heritage. In Poland, I met a group of young people restoring a historic synagogue, their passion mirroring my own for preserving Baku’s Old City. In Italy, I stood in the shadow of the Colosseum, feeling the same awe I felt when I first touched the walls of the Maiden Tower.  But the most transformative moment came when I organized a cultural exchange in Baku. Young people from across Europe gathered in Icherisheher, where we shared our traditions. We wove carpets, danced to mugham music, and painted murals inspired by our shared heritage. One evening, as the sun set over the Maiden Tower, a young girl from Italy turned to me and said, ‘This feels like home.’ In that moment, I realized that heritage is not just about preserving the past it’s about building a future where everyone feels they belong.

This story is my call to action. As a young person, I believe we have the power to protect and promote our cultural heritage. Through education, innovation, and collaboration, we can ensure that these treasures continue to inspire and unite us. The Maiden Tower is not just a symbol of Azerbaijan; it is a symbol of Europe’s shared history and future.     

Project Activity Proposal

The heart of the project lies in cultural exchange workshops held in Baku’s Old City, where young participants from diverse European backgrounds will gather to learn, share, and create. Imagine Azerbaijani carpet weaving alongside Italian fresco painting, or Polish folk dances blending with the melodies of mugham music. These workshops will not only celebrate our differences but also highlight the common threads that bind us together.

To make heritage accessible to all, we will develop interactive virtual tours of iconic sites like the Maiden Tower, the Colosseum, and Kraków’s historic center. These tours will use cutting-edge technology to bring history to life, allowing users to explore these treasures from anywhere in the world. Through immersive storytelling and 360-degree visuals, we aim to inspire a new generation of heritage enthusiasts.

But our vision doesn’t stop there. We will also engage local communities in restoration and promotion efforts for lesser-known heritage sites. By partnering with schools, youth groups, and cultural organizations, we will empower communities to take ownership of their heritage. From cleaning up historic sites to organizing local festivals, these activities will ensure that our cultural treasures are preserved for future generations.

To amplify our impact, we will launch a social media campaign under the hashtag #HeritageBridges. Through captivating stories, photos, and videos, we will showcase the beauty and significance of Europe’s shared heritage, inspiring others to join our mission.

‘Heritage Bridges’ is more than a project it’s a movement. By bringing young people together, we aim to build a future where cultural heritage is not just preserved but celebrated as a living, breathing part of our identity.

My contact details: :   name: Gulgun Shafiyeva,  gmail: gulgunshafiyeva@gmail.com

The Maiden Tower, Baku’s Old City, and Azerbaijan’s rich cultural traditions are integral parts of Europe’s shared heritage. They reflect the values of resilience, diversity, and unity that are at the heart of European identity. This story highlights how cultural heritage can serve as a bridge between nations, fostering understanding and cooperation. By preserving and promoting our heritage, we not only honor our past but also build a future where everyone feels connected to a shared European identity. This narrative is a testament to the power of heritage in uniting people across borders and inspiring positive change.