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The Hidden Heritage of Yerevan

"The Hidden Heritage of Yerevan" is a profound documentary that embarks on a compelling journey to uncover the concealed history and cultural heritage of Azerbaijani presence in Yerevan. The documentary team, equipped with thorough preparation, historical maps, and photos, unwrap the significance of religious buildings going beyond their primary purpose as places of worship. These buildings, rich in history, culture, and spiritual significance, embody the struggles, hopes, and destinies of the people they represent.
The film particularly focuses on mosques, showcasing them as symbols of a cultural heritage that has been lost. The narrative stresses that every religious building encapsulates not just a space for prayer but also serves as a sanctuary where past and future converge, where every stone and pattern narrates a story.
In a gripping segment, the documentary references an article by American journalist Robert Cullen, published in The New Yorker in April 1991. Following in Cullen's footsteps, the team unveils a grim reality of the various sites In Yerevan. The team is led to a site, previously the location of a mosque, significant as a religious centre for the Azerbaijani community in Yerevan. This revelation is accompanied by a heartrending tale of the mosque's destruction, a calculated act that began with crowbars and culminated with bulldozers.
Three decades later, prompted by Cullen's article, the documentary team embarks on a quest to uncover the history of this monument, the Demeure Bulag mosque. They concentrate on what seems like a typical residential area in modern Yerevan, where the mosque once stood. Through meticulous examination of the site and interactions with local residents, the team seeks to confirm the existence of the mosque, facing a community often unaware or reluctant to acknowledge its past.
"The Hidden Heritage of Yerevan" is more than a documentary; it's a journey into the past, exploring untold stories and unearthing secrets of a city's complex history. It stands as a testament to the enduring importance of cultural and religious monuments in narrating the diverse stories of our world.

  • Vugar Khalilov
    Director
  • Elshan Rustamov
    Writer
  • Vugar Khalilov
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Television
  • Genres:
    History, Culture
  • Runtime:
    37 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    December 17, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    40,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Azerbaijan
  • Country of Filming:
    Armenia, Azerbaijan
  • Language:
    Russian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Vugar Khalilov

Born in the latter half of the 20th century, I embarked on a professional journey deeply rooted in the medical field, having graduated with a degree in medicine from the esteemed Moscow Medical Academy named after I.M. Sechenov. My initial aspirations were firmly aligned with the medical profession, a path I pursued with dedication and passion. However, the seismic shifts of Gorbachev's Perestroika era catalyzed a pivotal change in my career trajectory, steering me towards the dynamic world of journalism.
This unexpected shift from medicine to journalism was not just a change in profession but a profound transformation in my life's work. As the Soviet Union underwent historic transformation, I found my true calling in journalism. This new path allowed me to utilize my analytical skills and deep understanding of societal changes, marking the beginning of what would become a lifelong dedication to the field. My career in journalism has spanned the late 20th and into the 21st century, showcasing my adaptability and enduring commitment to this craft.
Today, I stand as a seasoned media manager and producer, with a remarkable 30 years of experience in various prestigious media outlets. My professional journey includes significant roles at Radio “Liberty”, the BBC World Service, and CBC TV Azerbaijan. In these capacities, I have covered an extensive range of topics, including Azerbaijan's politics, economy, culture, and its international relations, as well as the intricate Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
My expertise has also been recognized beyond journalism. I have served as an external adviser to the Government of Kyrgyzstan, where my experience and insights have been highly valued. Additionally, my career has seen me embracing the role of PR director at the British company “Peregrine Communications”.
In recent years, I have expanded my professional scope to include documentary filmmaking. Over the past two years, I have been actively involved in producing documentary films, a venture that combines my journalistic expertise with a passion for storytelling through a cinematic lens. This new chapter in my career is not just an expansion of my professional repertoire but a testament to my unwavering commitment to exploring and understanding the world in all its complexities.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As the director of “Yerevan’s Hidden Legacy,” I am thrilled to present our documentary at this esteemed festival. This film is a journey into the heart of Armenia’s capital, exploring the unseen and untold stories embedded in its streets, buildings, and, most importantly, its people.
Yerevan, a city with a rich and tumultuous history, has often been overshadowed by its more prominent neighbors in the region. However, this city holds a treasure trove of cultural and historical legacies that have shaped not only Armenia but also the broader narrative of human resilience and creativity.
Our documentary delves deep into the hidden corners of Yerevan, uncovering stories that have been passed down through generations, yet seldom make it to the mainstream discourse. We explore ancient structures, vibrant cultural practices, and poignant tales of survival and transformation. These stories are narrated by the very people who keep the spirit of Yerevan alive - from local historians and artists to everyday citizens.
“Yerevan’s Hidden Legacy” is more than a film; it’s a tribute to the endurance of a city and its people. It showcases the unique blend of ancient traditions and modern aspirations, revealing a side of Yerevan that is rarely seen but immensely powerful.
As we take the viewer through the cobbled streets and the bustling markets, through the echoes of history and the pulse of contemporary life, our aim is to offer not just a new perspective on Yerevan, but also on the enduring power of cultural heritage in shaping our present and future.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this film with you and look forward to the discussions and insights it will hopefully inspire.
Thank you for embracing “Yerevan’s Hidden Legacy.”