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The Heydar Aliyev Center (Azerbaijani: Heydər Əliyev Mərkəzi) is a 57,500 m2 (619,000 sq ft) building complex in Baku, Azerbaijan, designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and noted for its distinctive architecture and flowing, curved style that eschews sharp angles. The main contractor, Dia Holdings, is owned by actors that are linked to Azerbaijan's ruling Aliyev family's network of offshore companies.
The center is named after Heydar Aliyev (1923–2003), the first secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan from 1969 to 1982, and president of Azerbaijan Republic from October 1993 to October 2003.
Design
In 2007, Zaha Hadid was appointed as the design architect of the Center after a competition. The Center houses a conference hall (auditorium), a gallery hall and a museum. The project is intended to play an integral role in the intellectual life of the city. Located close to the city center, the site plays a pivotal role in the redevelopment of Baku.
The Heydar Aliyev Center represents a fluid form which emerges by the folding of the landscape's natural topography and by the wrapping of individual functions of the Center. All functions of the Center, together with entrances, are represented by folds in a single continuous surface. This fluid form gives an opportunity to connect the various cultural spaces whilst at the same time, providing each element of the Center with its own identity and privacy. As it folds inside, the skin erodes away to become an element of the interior landscape of the Center.
The Heydar Aliyev Center had an official soft-opening ceremony on 10 May 2012 held by the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
Extending on eight floor levels, the center accommodates a 1,000-seat auditorium, temporary exhibition spaces, a conference center, workshops, and a museum.
The building was nominated for awards in 2013 at both the World Architecture Festival and the biennial Inside Festival. In 2014, the Center won the Design Museum's Design of the Year Award 2014 despite concerns about the site's human rights record. This makes Hadid the first woman to win the top prize in that competition.
In popular culture
The building was featured in Extreme Engineering, a documentary television series that airs on the Discovery Channel and the Science Channel. The episode called "Azerbaijan's Amazing Transformation" was aired on 22 April 2011 as part of season 9. The building was seen on The Grand Tour episode entitled "Sea to unsalty sea," with presenter Jeremy Clarkson praising the building and Hadid. The building was also featured on the "postcard" of Samra Rahimli for the postcard of Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 and in a Google Doodle in 2017.
Interior
On 29 June 2012, the Heydar Aliyev Center held the official opening of Crans Montana Forum, attended by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov, President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović, as well as foreign public figures, MPs, intellectuals, and business circles.
On 3 July 2012, the Center held the ceremony of the official seeing-off of the Azerbaijani delegation to take part in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. The ceremony was attended by the President Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva. Photo banners reflecting the Olympic movement in Azerbaijan were installed in the lobby of the Heydar Aliyev Center. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the ceremony.
After repairs following a major fire (see below), on 2 and 3 November 2013, the Moscow music theater Helikon Opera under the direction of the People's Artist of Russia Dmitry Bertman, presented performances at the Heydar Aliyev Center. On 2 November, the Helikon-Opera presented a gala concert "The Enduring Love", a program that included lyric songs by Marilyn Monroe, Tina Turner, Elton John, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and the Beatles. On 3 November, the artists performed the opera Siberia by the Italian composer Umberto Giordano staged by Dmitry Bertmann.
Exhibitions
"Life, Death, and Beauty"
On 21 June 2013, the Center held the exhibition of works by American artist Andy Warhol titled "Life, Death, and Beauty" supervised by Gianni Mercurio, dated for the 85th anniversary of the artist. The exhibition for the first time in Azerbaijan displayed over one hundred works by the artist, including featurettes by Warhol. There were shown photos of the author, portraits of the world film, music, and fashion stars, as well as other world-renowned works, including Flowers, Camouflage, The Last Supper, Male Hands Praying, and Electric Chair. On 6 August, the artist's birthday, Baku residents and visitors could freely visit the exhibition, which ran until 9 September.
"At the turn of the century"
On 1 October 2013, the Heydar Aliyev Center held a personal exhibition of the People's Artist of Azerbaijan, vice-president of the Russian Academy of Arts Tahir Salahov, titled "At the turn of the century". The exhibition was dated for the 85th anniversary of the artist. His great contribution to the development of Azerbaijani fine art was highlighted at the exhibition opening. The artistic heritage of Salahov is an integral part of the art of not only Azerbaijan, but also the entire former Soviet Union. He is recognized as one of the founders of the "severe style" in painting. The exhibition featured over 100 works by the artist, created at different times, and his works on the carpets. Among the exhibits were the portraits of Heydar Aliyev, the composer Gara Garayev and Dmitri Shostakovich, the musician Mstislav Rostropovich, the works Aidan, Morning. Absheron, Koroglu, Absheron triptych – Ateshgah, The Caspian today, Maiden Tower, and other well-known works of the people's artist. The exhibition ran until 8 November 2013.
In 2017, the center also opened its doors to the Contemporary Turkish Art Exhibition, a collection of art pieces by various Turkish artists.
"Masterpieces of History" exhibition
On 27 May 2019, the Heydar Aliyev Center hosted the "Masterpieces of History" exhibition, which included ancient artifacts from Georgia and Azerbaijan.
The majority of artifacts belong to Gajar epoch and include ceramic and metal works, canvases, miniatures and belongings of Fatali Khan, including his portrait.
The exhibition also featured photographic collection by Dmitri Yermakov, a participant of the Russian-Ottoman War of 1877-1878.
"Hyperrealistic Sculpture. Almost Alive" exhibition
On 29 November 2018, the Almost Alive exhibition was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The exhibition consisted of deformed figures of extraordinary dimensions, monochrome statues, and pieces representing various body parts.
The exhibition featured works created by Daniel Firman, Duane Hanson, Tony Matelli, Mel Ramos, Mathilde ter Heijne, Robert Graham, Allen Jones, Zharko Basheski, George Segal and other artists.
"Possible Dimensions" exhibition
On 22 May 2019, Zurab Tsereteli opened an exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The exhibition was dedicated to Zurab Tsereteli's 85th anniversary. Thirty paintings and statues brought from Moscow, Tbilisi and London were displayed at the exhibition.
Vienna Strauss Festival Orchestra
On 26 November 2018, Strauss Festival Orchestra Vienna held a concert at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The orchestra had also appeared with concerts at the Heydar Aliyev Center back in 2014 and 2016.
"Inner Engineering: Technologies for Wellbeing" lecture by Sadguru
Jaggi Vasudev, also known as Sadguru, gave a lecture in the Heydar Aliyev Center on 10 November 2018. The subject constitutes a comprehensive system derived from centuries-old yoga studies aiming at profound and sustainable personal transformation.
Fire
On 20 July 2012, after a single performance, a fire started on the roof of the building at about 11:30am. It was quickly put out by firemen, and it was initially reported that the fire only damaged the roof of the building, leaving the interior only slightly damaged, mainly because of the water used by firemen to extinguish the fire. However, the damage was later reported to have had "grave consequences and material damage on a large scale." Officials concluded the fire resulted from negligence in the use of welding equipment in the roof; three Turkish contractors were subsequently charged under Azerbaijan's criminal code. After sixteen months of repairs, it was formally re-opened on 5 November 2013.
Mini Azerbaijan
The Mini Azerbaijan exhibition on the second floor features models of 24 historical and architectural buildings. Visitors can also learn about the history and architecture of buildings exhibited in both Azerbaijani and English.
Among exhibited buildings are those dated to the Middle Ages (Maiden Tower, Momine Khatun Mausoleum), 19th century (Baku Bazaar, Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, Ismailiyya Palace), USSR era (Government House, Green Theatre), 21st century (Baku Crystal Hall, Flame Towers) as well as the buildings being constructed (Baku Olympic Stadium, State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
International relations
The Heydar Aliyev Center maintains close ties with a number of international agencies, peer structures abroad, museums and exhibition centers. The Center has organized events and exhibitions as a result of joint cooperation with different organization, museums and exhibitions of Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, France, Italy, Russia, Slovenia, Turkey and so on. At the same time, it has conducted a number of projects in Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Japan and others. Center has become a member of various international organizations.
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) The Association's major goal is to provide support to the agencies involved in the organization of events and exhibitions through resources and information, and the development of the exhibition industry. The Center enjoys the IAEE membership as of 17 September 2013.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) The ICCA is the world s leading association in the field of organizing and accommodating international events with 90 member states at the moment. The Center became the ICCA member as of 10 October 2013.
The International Association of Convention Centers (AIPC) The Association the Center acceded as of 15 September 2014 unites professional managers of convention centers and exhibitions halls, with more than 50 member states currently represented.
The Association of Event Organizers (AEO) The association unites organizations involved in the management, operation and sales of events. Sharing best practices in security and sustainability matters, as well as technical and financial issues, constitutes the major objective of the AEO, with the Heydar Aliyev Center being a member to as of 15 December 2014.
The Opera House was finished in 2007 at a cost of $760 million (USD). Well worth it though. It won the culture award at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona in October 2008 and the 2009 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture.
The Heydar Aliyev Center (Azerbaijani: Heydər Əliyev Mərkəzi) is a 57,500 m2 (619,000 sq ft) building complex in Baku, Azerbaijan, designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and noted for its distinctive architecture and flowing, curved style that eschews sharp angles. The main contractor, Dia Holdings, is owned by actors that are linked to Azerbaijan's ruling Aliyev family's network of offshore companies.
The center is named after Heydar Aliyev (1923–2003), the first secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan from 1969 to 1982, and president of Azerbaijan Republic from October 1993 to October 2003.
Design
In 2007, Zaha Hadid was appointed as the design architect of the Center after a competition. The Center houses a conference hall (auditorium), a gallery hall and a museum. The project is intended to play an integral role in the intellectual life of the city. Located close to the city center, the site plays a pivotal role in the redevelopment of Baku.
The Heydar Aliyev Center represents a fluid form which emerges by the folding of the landscape's natural topography and by the wrapping of individual functions of the Center. All functions of the Center, together with entrances, are represented by folds in a single continuous surface. This fluid form gives an opportunity to connect the various cultural spaces whilst at the same time, providing each element of the Center with its own identity and privacy. As it folds inside, the skin erodes away to become an element of the interior landscape of the Center.
The Heydar Aliyev Center had an official soft-opening ceremony on 10 May 2012 held by the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
Extending on eight floor levels, the center accommodates a 1,000-seat auditorium, temporary exhibition spaces, a conference center, workshops, and a museum.
The building was nominated for awards in 2013 at both the World Architecture Festival and the biennial Inside Festival. In 2014, the Center won the Design Museum's Design of the Year Award 2014 despite concerns about the site's human rights record. This makes Hadid the first woman to win the top prize in that competition.
In popular culture
The building was featured in Extreme Engineering, a documentary television series that airs on the Discovery Channel and the Science Channel. The episode called "Azerbaijan's Amazing Transformation" was aired on 22 April 2011 as part of season 9. The building was seen on The Grand Tour episode entitled "Sea to unsalty sea," with presenter Jeremy Clarkson praising the building and Hadid. The building was also featured on the "postcard" of Samra Rahimli for the postcard of Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 and in a Google Doodle in 2017.
Interior
On 29 June 2012, the Heydar Aliyev Center held the official opening of Crans Montana Forum, attended by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov, President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović, as well as foreign public figures, MPs, intellectuals, and business circles.
On 3 July 2012, the Center held the ceremony of the official seeing-off of the Azerbaijani delegation to take part in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. The ceremony was attended by the President Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva. Photo banners reflecting the Olympic movement in Azerbaijan were installed in the lobby of the Heydar Aliyev Center. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the ceremony.
After repairs following a major fire (see below), on 2 and 3 November 2013, the Moscow music theater Helikon Opera under the direction of the People's Artist of Russia Dmitry Bertman, presented performances at the Heydar Aliyev Center. On 2 November, the Helikon-Opera presented a gala concert "The Enduring Love", a program that included lyric songs by Marilyn Monroe, Tina Turner, Elton John, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and the Beatles. On 3 November, the artists performed the opera Siberia by the Italian composer Umberto Giordano staged by Dmitry Bertmann.
Exhibitions
"Life, Death, and Beauty"
On 21 June 2013, the Center held the exhibition of works by American artist Andy Warhol titled "Life, Death, and Beauty" supervised by Gianni Mercurio, dated for the 85th anniversary of the artist. The exhibition for the first time in Azerbaijan displayed over one hundred works by the artist, including featurettes by Warhol. There were shown photos of the author, portraits of the world film, music, and fashion stars, as well as other world-renowned works, including Flowers, Camouflage, The Last Supper, Male Hands Praying, and Electric Chair. On 6 August, the artist's birthday, Baku residents and visitors could freely visit the exhibition, which ran until 9 September.
"At the turn of the century"
On 1 October 2013, the Heydar Aliyev Center held a personal exhibition of the People's Artist of Azerbaijan, vice-president of the Russian Academy of Arts Tahir Salahov, titled "At the turn of the century". The exhibition was dated for the 85th anniversary of the artist. His great contribution to the development of Azerbaijani fine art was highlighted at the exhibition opening. The artistic heritage of Salahov is an integral part of the art of not only Azerbaijan, but also the entire former Soviet Union. He is recognized as one of the founders of the "severe style" in painting. The exhibition featured over 100 works by the artist, created at different times, and his works on the carpets. Among the exhibits were the portraits of Heydar Aliyev, the composer Gara Garayev and Dmitri Shostakovich, the musician Mstislav Rostropovich, the works Aidan, Morning. Absheron, Koroglu, Absheron triptych – Ateshgah, The Caspian today, Maiden Tower, and other well-known works of the people's artist. The exhibition ran until 8 November 2013.
In 2017, the center also opened its doors to the Contemporary Turkish Art Exhibition, a collection of art pieces by various Turkish artists.
"Masterpieces of History" exhibition
On 27 May 2019, the Heydar Aliyev Center hosted the "Masterpieces of History" exhibition, which included ancient artifacts from Georgia and Azerbaijan.
The majority of artifacts belong to Gajar epoch and include ceramic and metal works, canvases, miniatures and belongings of Fatali Khan, including his portrait.
The exhibition also featured photographic collection by Dmitri Yermakov, a participant of the Russian-Ottoman War of 1877-1878.
"Hyperrealistic Sculpture. Almost Alive" exhibition
On 29 November 2018, the Almost Alive exhibition was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The exhibition consisted of deformed figures of extraordinary dimensions, monochrome statues, and pieces representing various body parts.
The exhibition featured works created by Daniel Firman, Duane Hanson, Tony Matelli, Mel Ramos, Mathilde ter Heijne, Robert Graham, Allen Jones, Zharko Basheski, George Segal and other artists.
"Possible Dimensions" exhibition
On 22 May 2019, Zurab Tsereteli opened an exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The exhibition was dedicated to Zurab Tsereteli's 85th anniversary. Thirty paintings and statues brought from Moscow, Tbilisi and London were displayed at the exhibition.
Vienna Strauss Festival Orchestra
On 26 November 2018, Strauss Festival Orchestra Vienna held a concert at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The orchestra had also appeared with concerts at the Heydar Aliyev Center back in 2014 and 2016.
"Inner Engineering: Technologies for Wellbeing" lecture by Sadguru
Jaggi Vasudev, also known as Sadguru, gave a lecture in the Heydar Aliyev Center on 10 November 2018. The subject constitutes a comprehensive system derived from centuries-old yoga studies aiming at profound and sustainable personal transformation.
Fire
On 20 July 2012, after a single performance, a fire started on the roof of the building at about 11:30am. It was quickly put out by firemen, and it was initially reported that the fire only damaged the roof of the building, leaving the interior only slightly damaged, mainly because of the water used by firemen to extinguish the fire. However, the damage was later reported to have had "grave consequences and material damage on a large scale." Officials concluded the fire resulted from negligence in the use of welding equipment in the roof; three Turkish contractors were subsequently charged under Azerbaijan's criminal code. After sixteen months of repairs, it was formally re-opened on 5 November 2013.
Mini Azerbaijan
The Mini Azerbaijan exhibition on the second floor features models of 24 historical and architectural buildings. Visitors can also learn about the history and architecture of buildings exhibited in both Azerbaijani and English.
Among exhibited buildings are those dated to the Middle Ages (Maiden Tower, Momine Khatun Mausoleum), 19th century (Baku Bazaar, Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, Ismailiyya Palace), USSR era (Government House, Green Theatre), 21st century (Baku Crystal Hall, Flame Towers) as well as the buildings being constructed (Baku Olympic Stadium, State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
International relations
The Heydar Aliyev Center maintains close ties with a number of international agencies, peer structures abroad, museums and exhibition centers. The Center has organized events and exhibitions as a result of joint cooperation with different organization, museums and exhibitions of Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, France, Italy, Russia, Slovenia, Turkey and so on. At the same time, it has conducted a number of projects in Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Japan and others. Center has become a member of various international organizations.
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) The Association's major goal is to provide support to the agencies involved in the organization of events and exhibitions through resources and information, and the development of the exhibition industry. The Center enjoys the IAEE membership as of 17 September 2013.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) The ICCA is the world s leading association in the field of organizing and accommodating international events with 90 member states at the moment. The Center became the ICCA member as of 10 October 2013.
The International Association of Convention Centers (AIPC) The Association the Center acceded as of 15 September 2014 unites professional managers of convention centers and exhibitions halls, with more than 50 member states currently represented.
The Association of Event Organizers (AEO) The association unites organizations involved in the management, operation and sales of events. Sharing best practices in security and sustainability matters, as well as technical and financial issues, constitutes the major objective of the AEO, with the Heydar Aliyev Center being a member to as of 15 December 2014.
Well, this is one of the seven wonders of the world, and most known pieces of architecture on the planet. So, though this is all information you can find elsewhere, bear with me, and I'll try not to go overboard.
Because of its historical importance, there will be a lot of photos in this album from various perspectives.
Here we go...
Location: Rome, Italy, right next to the Roman Forum (which is in turn next to Circus Maximus). The Via dei Fori Imperiali is a wide street (where the forums of various emperors -- Caesar, Augustus, etc. -- were, and an ancient agora/marketplace. This is a great street to use as a leading line into shots of the Colosseum. (Via de San Gregorio coming from Circus Maximus in the south also has this potential, but not as ideal.). Nearby (but not within direct sight) are some famous churches: San Pietro in Vincoli and San Clemente are barely 10 minutes' walk from here.). Lastly, Domus Aurea (the Gold House) -- a former residence of the emperors during the Colosseum's heyday, is directly across the street to the north. (Domus Aurea is mainly ruins at this point.)
History: Rome converted from a republic to an empire around 44 B.C.. with Julius Caesar being the first emperor. He was long gone by the time the Colosseum was built (72-80 A.D.), but this was the height of the empire. So you can imagine a town bustling with activity, the main forum across the street with the temples to the pagan gods, and in another direction, the forums of the emperors.
Rome was riding high with conquests all around the Mediterranean and Europe. We're going to back up a little bit to about 50 A.D. This area was densely populated from around the 2nd century B.C. and by 50 A.D., the location here was served by a canal and manmade lake. It sits in a small valley between a few of Rome's hills (Caelian, Esquiline, and Palatine Hills). In 64 A.D., during Nero's reign. (You often hear about Nero playing a fiddle as Rome burned...not true, that I can tell.). He had been emperor for 10 years by this time, and was 27 in 64 A.D.
After the fire, which burned about 70% of Rome, he took the liberty of amassing more land around the house he'd just built -- the aforementioned Domus Aurea. So, Nero is responsible for securing the real estate for its construction -- though he never knew it was going to be built. Why?
Nero died in 68 A.D. The next emperor of note was Vespasian, who assumed control in 69 A.D. -- with 4 other emperors between him and Nero. Vespasian was in charge from 69-79, and he's the one responsible for the construction of the Colosseum. The Romans wouldn't have known what you were talking about if you said, "Hey, where's the Colosseum?" To them, it was simply called, "the amphitheater." A few centuries later, it was called the Flavian Amphitheater (its official name; Vespasian was the progenitor of the Flavian Dynasty, which consisted of him and his two sons, Titus and Domitian, from 69-96 A.D.).
"Colosseum" was attached to it because of the massive statue that was in front of it that honored the previous emperor -- the Colossus of Nero. (Nero, by the way, is the one who had it built -- and it was originally in the vestibule of his house, the Domus Aurea. Seems odd that it was in a vestibule, though, because it was 30 meters (98 feet) tall. After Nero's untimely death at the age of 30, the colossus was eventually moved across the street and placed outside the Flavian Amphitheatre. (It's long gone now, but the location is marked by cypress trees on the northwest part of the building where most tourist groups queue to go in.)
Sidebar on the history of Nero's statue: After he died, it was converted by Vespasian into a statue that honored the sun god -- Colossus Solis. Emperor Hadrian, in 128 A.D. is the one responsible for having it moved from Domus Aurea to its final location next to the Colosseum. Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix's character in the movie Gladiator) had the statue refashioned in his own image -- as Hercules, which would have been at the end of the 2nd century A.D. Nobody knows for certain when the statue disappeared or how. It may have been sacked and its metal melted down and repurposed, it may have been destroyed in an earthquake, it may have been standing around the early Middle Ages. The theory, though, is that this amphitheater is now called the Colosseum because of this statue that's been lost to time -- only the base still remains.
Back to the actual building. Vespasian filled in Nero's private lake and had the amphitheater built, probably as a gesture to appease the masses. And this amphitheater was used for public spectacles, among them executions, but most famously gladiatorial combat (which could be animal vs. animal, people vs. animal, or people vs. people).
The building is actually two amphitheaters face-to-face, forming an oval. It's about 1/3 mile in circumference and housed about 50,000 people when it was finished. (In its time, it was the largest amphitheater in the world, by far. For modern-day comparison, it holds about half the number of the largest stadiums in the world. A number of college football stadiums in the U.S. hold 100,000 or more, and another 5-10 stadiums around the world hold over 100,000.). Still, 50,000 in 80 A.D. was a lot.
As mentioned above, construction took place from 72-80 A.D. Vespasian, though, kicked the can in 79 A.D. He, at least, died of old age (69 years old). At the time of his death, the first three levels were completed. He was succeeded by his son Titus, who polished off construction of the fourth level in 80 A.D.
His brother Domitian upgraded it a little more. He's the one who is responsible for the tunnels under the Colosseum floor that animals and slaves used. He also added a gallery to the top for additional seating. (Think: ancient skyboxes.)
The inaugural games were in 80 or 81 A.D. Historical accounts of the time report that over 9,000 wild animals were killed during the inaugural games. (Wow...). So what did the building look like back then?
When approaching the amphitheater, you would have seen a massive, brilliant white building, 160 feet (about 50 meters) tall, with painted trim. It looked light and airy, thanks to all of the arches (though, as it was built out of concrete, it was durable). In addition to the Colossus of Nero (or Solis, or Commodus/Hercules), you might have also seen monumental statues of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses in the arches of the middle two stories. Zeus, Venus, Hercules would have been looking down on you. At the top of the building, you would have seen wooden beams sticking straight up. These were to hold a canvas that stretched across to provide shade for the people. (If I'm not mistaken, it was a bit like an oculus, so the Colosseum floor would be sunlit at high noon, but the seating would be in the shade.). You may have also noticed a nod to Greek architecture: the columns of the three levels are built in the three Greek styles -- Doric on the bottom, Ionic (scroll) on the second level, and Corinthian (leafy) on the third level.
When entering now, try to imagine what it would be like 2,000 years ago: You have a ticket in your hand (most likely a piece of pottery) which lists your section, seat number, everything. You enter one of 76 possible gates -- just not the emperor's private entrance. The emperor and vestal virgins would enter there. You pass concession stands, where you can buy wine glasses with the names of your favorite gladiators. From the concourse, you pass through a hallway -- called a vomitorium -- that takes you into the arena proper. You may get bored and carve your name into seats, making it some of history's oldest-known graffiti. Afterwards, you exit once again through the vomitorium, and spill out into the streets. (It's said that they could fill and empty the stadium in a cool 15 minutes. And fun fact? The way English uses the word vomit comes from these vomitorium. Ejecting things rapidly from inside out.)
In 2024, when you walk into the arena proper, you are actually seeing the tunnels that would've been underneath the floor. (There's a recreation of the floor at the east end.). The size of the floor roughly mirrored what is historically considered the "golden ratio" (1.6:1) at 280 feet long by 165 feet wide. (A standard tour won't take you down to the arena floor, but you can take private tours that go down to the tunnels.)
The wooden floor (imagine the eastern end, but stretched over the whole "ground" was covered with sand. The Latin (and Spanish) word for sand? Arena...
Seating was segregated. Ringside had marble seats for the emperor, senators, the Vestal Virgina, and other VIPs. The next level up was for nobility (patrician class). The level that tourists walk now was reserved for the plebeian class -- ordinary, free Romans. The very top level had wooden seats for the poorest of society: foreigners, slaves, and women.
What would the games have looked like? They were an all day affair. In the early morning, you'd see the animals, sometimes fighting each other, and sometimes just showing off exotic animals from the far corners of the empire. This is also when you might have seen man vs. beast spectacles. Then came lunch, when it was time to get down to serious business. This is when criminals and POWs were executed. Sometimes they were thrown to the lions, naked and unarmed. Other times, they were forced to dress up as classical heroes and star in a play featuring their own death, being attacked by animals or gladiators, and dying in the way the legendary hero they portrayed had died. Between acts, you'd see clowns, jugglers, and other entertainers. Finally, in the afternoon, was the main event: the gladiators. (This, by the way, is a bit of a misnomer: there were many different types of fighters, and they were called by the name of their weapon. Gladiators used a gladius -- a short sword.)
The inaugural games, as mentioned above, were in 80 or 81 A.D. and lasted for 100 days. About 9,000 animals died, and 2,000 people. (Roughly one person died every five minutes.). Imagine the amount of blood that would produce, and its stench. This was countered by wandering around between "acts" and spraying perfume.
The first games were in 80-81, and the last gladiatorial (man-to-man) combat took place in the 5th century. (Rome had become Christian in 313 A.D. and Emperor Honorius banned the practice in 399 and again in 404. The last recorded fights took place in 435 A.D. Animal hunts and animal fights took place for another century. The Roman Empire was all but over iaround 500 A.D., and the Colosseum, like the city, was about to enter a centuries-long stretch of neglect.
From the end of the last of the hunts until 1200 A.D., the Colosseum saw a small chapel built in the amphitheater, and also use as a cemetery. Around 1200, a powerful family took over and converted the Colosseum into a personal castle with fortifications. About a hundred years later, the papacy left Rome and was based in Avignon, France. During this time, the Colosseum was abandoned once again and left to the whims of bandits. (They would have looted whatever they could: marble, iron, anything. When you look around, you'll see a lot of holes in the concrete; this is where iron beams and decorations were, but they were all stolen over the years.)
The south side of the Colosseum collapsed in a great earthquake in 1349. In 1377, the Pope returned to Rome and the Colosseum was restored. A few centuries later in 1749, Pope Benedict XIV said that, since early Christians had been martyred here, this is now a sacred place. (There's a cross that you'll see early on in the tour, as soon as you enter the arena.)
As you get over to the west side of the arena, you have a chance to step out and see the surroundings. Directly across the street in front of you is the Temple of Venus and Rome. Directly down to the left is the Arch of Constantine. The most obvious of the three hills mentioned earlier is the Palatine Hill, which you can see beyond the Arch of Constantine and the Roman Forum. (Equiline Hill would be to the north/northeast, and the Caelian Hill is out of view to the south.
Dwell for one last moment on the Arch of Constantine. Constantine was a consequential emperor who had an indelible impact on history. In 312 A.D., he has a vision one night of a cross in the sky. He was about to go into battle with Emperor Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. He took the cross as a sign that, if he won, he needed to convert Rome into a Christian empire. In 300 A.D. (under Maxentius), you could be killed for being a Christian. A century later, you could be killed for not being a Christian. Constantine and his vision are the driving force behind this. (His mother and sister had already become Christians. So in 312, Christianity was legalized in the empire.
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple or Thiruvarangam Tamil : திருவரங்கம் is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Vishnu located in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India . Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, this temple is glorified in the Thiviya Pirabandham, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries AD and is counted as the first and foremost among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. The temple follows Thenkalai tradition of worship.
It is one of the most illustrious Vaishnava temples in South India rich in legend and history. Its location, on an island in Cauvery river, has rendered it vulnerable to natural disasters as well as the rampaging of invading armies – Muslim and European – which repeatedly commandeered the site for military encampment. The main entrance, known as the Rajagopuram (the royal temple tower), rises from the base area of around 13 cents and goes up to 72 m, moving up in eleven progressively smaller tiers. The annual 21 day festival conducted during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) attracts 1 million visitors. Srirangam temple is often listed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, the still larger Angkor Wat being the largest existing temple. The temple occupies an area of 631,000 m² with a perimeter of 4,116m making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric walls (termed prakarams (outer courtyard) or mathil suvar) with a total length of 32,592 feet or over six miles. These temple has 21 gopurams (towers), 39 pavilions, fifty shrines, Ayiram kaal mandapam (a hall of 1000 pillars) and several small water bodies inside. The space within the outer two prakarams (outer courtyard) is occupied by several shops, restaurants and flower stalls. Non-Hindus are allowed up to the second prakaram (outer courtyard) but not inside the gold topped sanctum sanctorum.
SHRINES
The vimanam (shrine over the sanctum sanctorum), the Ranga vimana is shaped like omkara (om symbol) and is plated with gold. Sri Ranganthar reclines on Adisesha, the coiled serpent. Images of Vibhishana, Brahma, Hanuman, Garuda, the symbols of Vishnu – conch and discuss are seen inside the sanctum. Ranganayaki shrine is in the second precinct of the temple. The common reference to the goddess is padi thaanda pathni, meaning lady who doesn't cross the boundaries of ethics. Literally, the festival deity of Ranganayaki also does not come out of the shrine and it is Ranganthar who visits Ranganayaki. There are three images of Ranganayaki within the sanctum.
The complex houses shrines of dozens of forms of Vishnu including Chakkarathazhwar, Narasimha, Rama, Hayagreeva and Gopala Krishna. There are separate shrines for Ranganayaki and the major saints in the Vaishnava tradition, including Ramanuja. The Venugopala shrine in the south-west corner of the fourth enclosure of the temple is the work of Chokkanatha Nayak. An inscription of 1674 specifies this Nayak king as the patron. The exterior of the vimana and attached mandap (hall) have finely worked pilasters with fluted shafts, double capitals and pendant lotus brackets. Sculptures are placed in the niches of three sides of the sanctuary walls; maidens enhance the walls in between. The elevation is punctuated with secondary set of pilasters that support shallow eaves at different levels to cap larger and smaller recesses. The sanctuary is crowned in the traditional fashion with a hemisphrical roof. The double-curved eaves of the entrance porch on the east side are concealed in a later columned hall. Dhanvantari, a great physician of ancient India is considered to be an incarnation of Vishnu – there is a separate shrine of Dhanvantari within the temple.
HALLS
The Hall of 1000 pillars (actually 953) is a fine example of a planned theatre-like structure and opposite to it, "Sesha Mandap", with its intricacy in sculpture, is a delight. The 1000-pillared hall made of granite was constructed in the Vijayanagara period (1336–1565) on the site of the old temple. The pillars consists of sculptures of wildly rearing horses bearing riders on their backs and trampling with their hoofs upon the heads of rampant tigers, seem only natural and congruous among such weird surroundings. The great hall is traversed by one wide aisle in the centre for the whole of its greater length, and intersected by transepts of like dimension running across at right angles. There still remain seven side aisles on each side, in which all the pillars are equally spaced out. The Garuda Madapa (hall of the legendary bird deity of Vishnu, garuda) located on the south side of the third enclosure is another Nayak addition. Courtly portrait sculptures, reused from an earlier structure, are fixed to the piers lining the central aisle. A free-standing shrine inside the hall contains a large seated figure of garuda; the eagle-headed god faces north towards the principal sanctum. The Kili mandapa (Hall of parrot) is located next to the Ranganatha shrine, in the first enclosure of the temple. Elephant balustrades skirt the access steps that ascend to a spacious open area. This is bounded by decorated piers with rearing animals and attached colonettes in the finest 17th-century manner. Four columns in the middle define a raised dais; their shafts are embellished with undulating stalks. The most artistically interesting of the halls that the Nayaks added to the complex is the Sesha Mandap on the east side of the fourth enclosure. The hall is celebrated for the leaping animals carved on to the piers at its northern end.
GOPURAMS
There are 21 gopurams (tower gateways), among which the towering 236-feet Rajagopuram (shrine of the main gateway) is the second tallest temple tower in Asia. The 73m high 13- tiered rajagopuram was built in 1987 by Ahobila Mutt and dominates the landscape for miles around, while the remaining 20 gopurams were built between the 14th and 17th centuries. The gopurams have pronounced projections in the middle of the long sides, generally with openings on each of the successive levels. The Vellai gopura (white tower) on the east side of the fourth enclosure has a steep pyramidal superstructure that reaches a height of almost 44m.
The structure of the rajagopuram remained incomplete at the base ('kalkaram', 17 meters high), for over 400 years. Started during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya of Vijayanagar, the construction was given up after the king's death and apparently was not resumed owing to some political preoccupations or crisis. The Rajagopuram (the main gopuram) did not reach its current height of 73 m until 1987, when the 44th Jeer of Ahobila Mutt initiated the process with the help of philanthropists and others. The whole structure was constructed in a span of eight years. The Rajagopuram was consecrated on 25 March 1987. The length and breadth at the base of the Rajagopuram is 166 feet and 97 feet, while the length and breadth at the top is 98 feet and 32 feet. Befitting the gargantuan dimensions of the structure, every one of the 13 glistening copper 'kalasams' atop the tower weighs 135 kg and measures 3.12m (height) by 1.56m (diameter).
HISTORY
The temple is mentioned in Tamil works of literature of the Sangam era, including the epic Silapadikaram (book 11, lines 35–40):
However, archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century AD. The inscriptions in the temple belong to the Chola, Pandya, Hoysala and Vijayanagar dynasites who successively swayed the destinities of the Tiruchirapalli district. They range in date between the 9th and 16th centuries and are registered by the ephigrahical society.
The location where the Ranganathan idol was placed was later covered by an overgrowth of deep forests, due to disuse. After a very long time, a Chola king, chasing a parrot, accidentally found the idol. He then established the Ranganathaswamy temple as one of the largest temple complexes in the world.
According to historians, most dynasties that ruled the South - Cholas, Pandiyas, Hoysalas, Nayakkas - assisted with renovation and in the observance of the traditional customs. Even during periods of internal conflicts amongst these dynasties, utter importance was given to the safety and maintenance of these temples. It is said that a Chola king presented the temple with a golden serpent couch. Some historians identify this king with Rajamahendra Chola, supposedly the son of Rajendra Chola II. But it is of interest to note that he never figures in the latter's inscriptions, neither in the 4th year (that shows various members of the family going on rampage in different regions) nor in the 9th year (that shows only one member of the second generation).
During the period of invasion by Malik Kafur and his forces in 1310–1311, the idol of the deity was stolen and taken to Delhi. In a daring exploit, devotees of Srirangam ventured to Delhi and enthralled the emperor with their histrionics. Moved by their talent, the emperor was pleased to gift them the presiding deity of Srirangam, which was requested by the performers. Things took a drastic turn immediately. Surathani, his daughter, had fallen in love with the deity and followed him to Srirangam. She prostrated herself to the God in front of the sanctum sanctorum and is believed to have attained the heavenly abode immediately. Even today, a painting of "Surathani" (known as Thulukha Nachiyar in Tamil) can be seen in her shrine near the Arjuna Mandap adjacent to the sanctum sanctorum for whom, chappathis (wheat bread) are made daily. The kalyana utsavam or wedding of Lord ranganathar with Surathani is performed with great pomp every year.
Having assumed that the magical power of the deity had killed his daughter, there was a more severe second invasion to Srirangam in 1323 AD. The presiding deity was taken away before the Malik Kafur's troops reached Srirangam by a group led by the vaishnavite Acharaya (Guru), Pillai Lokacharyar, who died en route to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. The Goddess Renganayaki was taken in another separate procession. Swami Vedanta Desika, instrumental in planning the operations during the siege of the temple, closed the sanctum sanctorum of the temple with bricks, after the processions of the presiding deities had left, thereby protected the temple for generations to come. 13,000 Sri Vaishnavas, the people of Srirangam, laid down their lives in the fierce battle to ensure that the institution was protected. In the end, Devadasis, the danseuse of Srirangam, seduced the army chief, to save the temple.
After nearly six decades, the presiding deity returned to Srirangam and the same Swami Vedanta Desika, who had built a brick wall in front of the sanctum sanctorum, broke it open. The deity and the priestly wardens wandered southwards towards Madurai, then northeast towards Kerala, Mysore, Tirunarayanapuram, and finally in the hills of Tirumala Tirupati, where they remained until their reinstatement in 1371.
The Orlov diamond of 189.62 carats (37.924 g), is a large diamond that is part of the collection of the Diamond Fund of the Moscow Kremlin. The origin of this resplendent relic – described as having the shape and proportions of half a hen's egg. This diamond and a similar gem served as the eyes of the deity in the temple. Legends hold that a French soldier who had deserted during the Carnatic wars in Srirangam. Mention of the 2nd Carnatic war that was fought in Srirangam disguised himself as a Hindu convert and stole it in 1747. erected in the 17th century.
LEGEND
Sriranga Mahathmiyam is the compilation of religious accounts of the temple which detail the origins of its greatness. According to it, Lord Rama, himself an Avatar of Vishnu, worshiped the idol for a long time, and when he returned victoriously from Sri Lanka after destroying Ravana, he gave it to King Vibhishana as a token of appreciation for the latter's support for Rama against his own brother, Ravana. When Vibhishana was going via Trichy en route to Sri Lanka, the deity wanted to stay in Srirangam. Ranganatha, captivated by the devotion of a King called Dharma Varma, who was doing penance to have Lord Ranganatha to permanently stay Srirangam, stayed put, promising to cast his benign glance eternally on Lanka. Hence it is that the deity (in a reclining posture) faces South.
ADMINISTRATION & VISIT
The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. An Executive officer appointed by the Board manages the temple along with Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple, Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple at Thiruvellarai, Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple and Mariamman Temple at Anbil. There are three trustees and a chairman for the board of trustees. Annadhanam scheme, which provides free food to devotees, is implemented in the temple by the Board. Under the scheme, free food is offered to two hundred devotees every day in the temple and the expenditure is fully funded by the contributions from devotees.
FESTIVALS
The temple celebrates annual festival for almost 250 days a calendar year and Srirangam translates to cosmic stage or cosmic arena during the utsavam (festivals).
VAIKUNTA EKADESHI
Pagal Pathu (10 day time) and Ra Pathu (10 day night time) festival is celebrated in the month of Margazhi(December–January) for twenty days. The first ten days are referred as Pagal-Pathu (10 day day time festival) and the second half as Ra Pathu (10 day night-time festival). The first day of Ra pathu is Vaikunta Ekadashi. The eleventh day of each fortnight in Tamil calendar is called ekadesi and the holiest of all ekadesis as per vaishnavite tradition is the Vaikunta Ekadashi. Nammazhwar, one of the 12 azhwars, is believed to have ascended to vaikuntam(the heavenly abode of Vishnu) on this day. The devotion of the 9th-century poet, Nammazhwar, and his perceived ascent to heaven are enacted annually. During the festival, through song and dance, this place is affirmed to be Bhoologa Vaikunta(heaven on earth). Araiyar Sevai is a divine colloquim of araiyars, who recite and enact Nalayara Divya Prabanda, the 4000 verses of azhwars (Vaishnavite poets of the 7th–10th century). Araiyars are born to Araiyar tradition most prevalent in Sri Vaishnava families in Srirangam, Alwar Thirunagari and Srivilliputhur. The tradition of Araiyar Sevai was started by Nathamuni, a 10th-century Vaishnavite who compiled the works of azhwars. It is believed as per Hindu mythology that 33 crores of gods come down to witness the event. The festival deity is brought to the 1000-pillared hall on the morning of Vaikunta Ekadashi through the Paramapada Vasal (gate to paradise). Lakhs of pilgrims rush to enter it after the gate is opened and the deity passes through it as it is believed that one who enters here will reach vaikuntam (heaven) after death. The gate is open only during the ten days of Pagal Pathu (10 day day-time festival). On the last day of the festival, the poet Nammazhwar is said to be given salvation. The performance is enacted by priests and images in the temple depicts Nammazhwar as reaching heaven and getting liberation from the cycle of life and death. At that point, a member from the crowd of devotees, who are witnessing this passion play, goes up to the centre stage and requests Vishnu to return Nammazhwar to humanity, so that his words and form in the temple will continue to inspire and save the devotees. Following this performance of the salvation of Nammazhwar, the cantors are taken in procession round the temple.
JYESTABISHEKA
The annual gold ornament cleaning festival is called Jyestabisheka (first of anointing) and is celebrated during the Tamil month of aani (June–July). The idols of all deities are abluted with water brought in large vessels of gold and silver.
BRAHMOTSAVAM
Brahmotsavam (Prime festival) is held during the Tamil month of Panguni (March–April). The preliminaries like ankurapuranam, rakshabandanam, bherira thanam, dhrajarohanam and the sacrificial offerings in the yagasala are gone through as usual. The processions go round the Chitrai street in the evenings. On the second day, the deity is taken to a garden inside the temple. The deity is taken in a palanquin through the river Cauvery to a village on the opposite shore namely Jiyarpuram on the third day.
OTHER FESTIVALS
The annual temple chariot festival, called Rathothsavam is celebrated during the Tamil month of thai (January–February) and the processional deity, utsavar is taken round the temple in the temple car. Chitra Poornima is a festival based on the mythological incident of Gaj-graha (elephant crocodile). The elephant suffered in the jaws of crocodile and god rescued the elephant. Vasanthothsavam is celebrated during the Tamil month of vaikasi (May–June) which according to inscriptions is celebrated from 1444 AD.
COMPOSER
Ranganathaswamy temple is the only one out of the 108 temples that was sung in praise by all the Azhwars (Divine saints of Tamil Bhakthi movement), having a total of 247 pasurams (divine hymns) against its name. Acharyas (guru) of all schools of thought – Advaita, Vishistadvaita and Dvaita recognise the immense significance the temple, regardless of their affiliation.
Nalayira Divya Prabhandam is a collection of 4000 hymns sung by twelve azhwars saints spread over 300 years (from the late 6th to 9th century AD) and collected by Nathamuni (910–990 AD). Divya Desams refer to 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in Nalayira Divya Prabandham. 105 of these are located in India, 1 in Nepal, while 2 are located outside of the Earthly realms. Divya in Tamil language indicates premium and Desam indicates place or temple. Srirangam temple is considered the first and foremost of all the 108 temples. Periyalvar begins the decad on Srirangam with two puranic stories according to which Krishna restored to life the son of his guru Santipini and the children of a brahmin. Thondaradippodi Alvar and Thiruppaana Alvar have sung exclusively on Ranganatha. Andal attained Sri Ranganatha on completion of her Thiruppavai (a composition of 30 verses) in Srirangam. In total there are 247 hymns of the 4000 Pasurams dedicated to Ranganthar deity of this temple. Except Madhurakavi Alvar, all the other eleven azhwars have created Mangalasasanam (praise) about the Ranganathar in Srirangam. Out of 247, 35 are by Periyalvar, 10 by Aandaal, 31 by Kulasekara Alvar, 14 by Thirumalisai Alvar, 55 by Thondaradippodi Alvar, 10 by Thiruppaan Alvar, 73 by Thirumangai Alvar, one by Poigai Alvar, 4 by Bhoothathalvar, two by Peyalvar and twelve by Nammalvar.
Kambar is a 12th-century Tamil poet who composed Kamba Ramayanam, a work inspired from the epic, Valmiki Ramayana. He is believed to have come to the temple to get the approval of his work from scholars. The Jain scholar Tirunarungundam honoured the work and it resulted in Tamil and Sanskrit scholars approving the work. The open hall where he recited his verse lies close to the Ranganayaki shrine within the temple.
Some of the religious works like Sri Bhashyam by Ramanuja, Sriranga Gadhyam by Vaikunta Gadhyam and Saranagadhi Gadhyam (Gadhyathrayam) by Ramanuja, Sri Renganathashtakam by Adi Shankaracharya, Paduka Sahasram by Swami Vedanta Desika, Rengaraja Stavam and Gunaratnakosham by Sri Parasar bhattar, Rengaraja Sthothram by Kurathazhwar, Bhagavaddhyana Sopnam and Abheethi Stavam by Swami Vedanta Desika are works that were exclusively composed in praise of Srirangam temple.
RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE
The term Kovil is generally used in Tamil to signify any temple, for many Vaishnavas the term Kovil exclusively refers to this temple, indicating its extreme importance for them (for saivas and all other Tamil people the term kovil refers to Thillai Natarajar Golden Shrine (Chidambaram Temple)). The presiding deity Ranganathar is praised in many names by his devotees, including Nam Perumal (our god in Tamil), Azhagiya Manavaalan (beautiful groom in Tamil).
The temple is considered one of the eight Sywayambu Kshetras of Vishnu where presiding deity is believed to have manifested on its own. Seven other temples in the line are Bhu Varaha Swamy temple, Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, and Vanamamalai Perumal Temple in South India and Saligrama, Naimisaranya, Pushkar and Badrinath Temple in North India.
Ramanuja was a theologian, philosopher, and scriptural exegete. He is seen by Śrīvaiṣṇavas as the third and most important teacher (ācārya) of their tradition (after Nathamuni and Yamunacharya), and by Hindus in general as the leading expounder of Viśiṣṭādvaita, one of the classical interpretations of the dominant Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy. Ramanuja renounced his family life and went to Srirangam to occupy the pontificate – Srirangam became the stronghold of him and his disciples. The doctrine of Vishishtadvaita philosophy, Sri Bhashyam was written and later compiled by him over a period of time. During his stay in Srirangam, he is said of have written "Gadhya Thrayam", which is recited in the temple during the ninth day (Panguni Uttaram) of the festival of Adi brahmotsavam. The temple is a center for the Vishishtadvaita school where Sanskrit Vedas and Tamil works are preached and taught with great reverence. He attained divinity in Srirangam. His Thaan-ana Thirumeni (the symbolic body) is preserved and offered prayers even today after eight centuries. The disciples of Ramanuja got his permission to install three metallic images, one each at Sriperumpudur, Melkote and the third, at Srirangam. The shrine is found in the fourth prakaram (outer courtyard) of the temple and the idol is preserved in the temple by applying saffron and camphor every six months in a ritualistic style. He is found seated in the Padmasana (yogic sitting posture), depicting the Gnyana-Mudrai (symbol of knowledge) with his right palm. "Kovil Ozhugu" is a codification of all temple practices, religious and administrative, shaped and institutionalised by Sri Ramanuja after receiving the due rights from Sri Thiruvarangathamudanar. A stone inscription to this effect is installed in the Arya patal vasal (main gate before the first precinct).
Pancharanga Kshetrams (also called Pancharangams, meaning the "five Rangams or Ranganathas") is a group of five sacred Hindu temples, dedicated to Ranganatha, a form of the god Vishnu, on the banks of the Kaveri River. The five Pancharanga Kshetrams in the order of their successive locations, on the banks of the Kaveri River are: The Srirangapatnam called the Adi Ranga, the first temple on the banks of the Kaveri River from the upstream side; the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam known as Adya Ranga (the last temple), Appalarangam or Koviladi at Tiurppernagar in Tamil Nadu, Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple or Mayuram at Indalur, Mayiladuthurai and Vatarangam at Sirkazhi. The Sarangapani temple at Kumbakonam is mentioned in place of Vatarangam in some references.
WIKIPEDIA
The Heydar Aliyev Center (Azerbaijani: Heydər Əliyev Mərkəzi) is a 57,500 m2 (619,000 sq ft) building complex in Baku, Azerbaijan, designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and noted for its distinctive architecture and flowing, curved style that eschews sharp angles. The main contractor, Dia Holdings, is owned by actors that are linked to Azerbaijan's ruling Aliyev family's network of offshore companies.
The center is named after Heydar Aliyev (1923–2003), the first secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan from 1969 to 1982, and president of Azerbaijan Republic from October 1993 to October 2003.
Design
In 2007, Zaha Hadid was appointed as the design architect of the Center after a competition. The Center houses a conference hall (auditorium), a gallery hall and a museum. The project is intended to play an integral role in the intellectual life of the city. Located close to the city center, the site plays a pivotal role in the redevelopment of Baku.
The Heydar Aliyev Center represents a fluid form which emerges by the folding of the landscape's natural topography and by the wrapping of individual functions of the Center. All functions of the Center, together with entrances, are represented by folds in a single continuous surface. This fluid form gives an opportunity to connect the various cultural spaces whilst at the same time, providing each element of the Center with its own identity and privacy. As it folds inside, the skin erodes away to become an element of the interior landscape of the Center.
The Heydar Aliyev Center had an official soft-opening ceremony on 10 May 2012 held by the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
Extending on eight floor levels, the center accommodates a 1,000-seat auditorium, temporary exhibition spaces, a conference center, workshops, and a museum.
The building was nominated for awards in 2013 at both the World Architecture Festival and the biennial Inside Festival. In 2014, the Center won the Design Museum's Design of the Year Award 2014 despite concerns about the site's human rights record. This makes Hadid the first woman to win the top prize in that competition.
In popular culture
The building was featured in Extreme Engineering, a documentary television series that airs on the Discovery Channel and the Science Channel. The episode called "Azerbaijan's Amazing Transformation" was aired on 22 April 2011 as part of season 9. The building was seen on The Grand Tour episode entitled "Sea to unsalty sea," with presenter Jeremy Clarkson praising the building and Hadid. The building was also featured on the "postcard" of Samra Rahimli for the postcard of Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 and in a Google Doodle in 2017.
Interior
On 29 June 2012, the Heydar Aliyev Center held the official opening of Crans Montana Forum, attended by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov, President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović, as well as foreign public figures, MPs, intellectuals, and business circles.
On 3 July 2012, the Center held the ceremony of the official seeing-off of the Azerbaijani delegation to take part in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. The ceremony was attended by the President Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva. Photo banners reflecting the Olympic movement in Azerbaijan were installed in the lobby of the Heydar Aliyev Center. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the ceremony.
After repairs following a major fire (see below), on 2 and 3 November 2013, the Moscow music theater Helikon Opera under the direction of the People's Artist of Russia Dmitry Bertman, presented performances at the Heydar Aliyev Center. On 2 November, the Helikon-Opera presented a gala concert "The Enduring Love", a program that included lyric songs by Marilyn Monroe, Tina Turner, Elton John, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and the Beatles. On 3 November, the artists performed the opera Siberia by the Italian composer Umberto Giordano staged by Dmitry Bertmann.
Exhibitions
"Life, Death, and Beauty"
On 21 June 2013, the Center held the exhibition of works by American artist Andy Warhol titled "Life, Death, and Beauty" supervised by Gianni Mercurio, dated for the 85th anniversary of the artist. The exhibition for the first time in Azerbaijan displayed over one hundred works by the artist, including featurettes by Warhol. There were shown photos of the author, portraits of the world film, music, and fashion stars, as well as other world-renowned works, including Flowers, Camouflage, The Last Supper, Male Hands Praying, and Electric Chair. On 6 August, the artist's birthday, Baku residents and visitors could freely visit the exhibition, which ran until 9 September.
"At the turn of the century"
On 1 October 2013, the Heydar Aliyev Center held a personal exhibition of the People's Artist of Azerbaijan, vice-president of the Russian Academy of Arts Tahir Salahov, titled "At the turn of the century". The exhibition was dated for the 85th anniversary of the artist. His great contribution to the development of Azerbaijani fine art was highlighted at the exhibition opening. The artistic heritage of Salahov is an integral part of the art of not only Azerbaijan, but also the entire former Soviet Union. He is recognized as one of the founders of the "severe style" in painting. The exhibition featured over 100 works by the artist, created at different times, and his works on the carpets. Among the exhibits were the portraits of Heydar Aliyev, the composer Gara Garayev and Dmitri Shostakovich, the musician Mstislav Rostropovich, the works Aidan, Morning. Absheron, Koroglu, Absheron triptych – Ateshgah, The Caspian today, Maiden Tower, and other well-known works of the people's artist. The exhibition ran until 8 November 2013.
In 2017, the center also opened its doors to the Contemporary Turkish Art Exhibition, a collection of art pieces by various Turkish artists.
"Masterpieces of History" exhibition
On 27 May 2019, the Heydar Aliyev Center hosted the "Masterpieces of History" exhibition, which included ancient artifacts from Georgia and Azerbaijan.
The majority of artifacts belong to Gajar epoch and include ceramic and metal works, canvases, miniatures and belongings of Fatali Khan, including his portrait.
The exhibition also featured photographic collection by Dmitri Yermakov, a participant of the Russian-Ottoman War of 1877-1878.
"Hyperrealistic Sculpture. Almost Alive" exhibition
On 29 November 2018, the Almost Alive exhibition was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The exhibition consisted of deformed figures of extraordinary dimensions, monochrome statues, and pieces representing various body parts.
The exhibition featured works created by Daniel Firman, Duane Hanson, Tony Matelli, Mel Ramos, Mathilde ter Heijne, Robert Graham, Allen Jones, Zharko Basheski, George Segal and other artists.
"Possible Dimensions" exhibition
On 22 May 2019, Zurab Tsereteli opened an exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The exhibition was dedicated to Zurab Tsereteli's 85th anniversary. Thirty paintings and statues brought from Moscow, Tbilisi and London were displayed at the exhibition.
Vienna Strauss Festival Orchestra
On 26 November 2018, Strauss Festival Orchestra Vienna held a concert at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The orchestra had also appeared with concerts at the Heydar Aliyev Center back in 2014 and 2016.
"Inner Engineering: Technologies for Wellbeing" lecture by Sadguru
Jaggi Vasudev, also known as Sadguru, gave a lecture in the Heydar Aliyev Center on 10 November 2018. The subject constitutes a comprehensive system derived from centuries-old yoga studies aiming at profound and sustainable personal transformation.
Fire
On 20 July 2012, after a single performance, a fire started on the roof of the building at about 11:30am. It was quickly put out by firemen, and it was initially reported that the fire only damaged the roof of the building, leaving the interior only slightly damaged, mainly because of the water used by firemen to extinguish the fire. However, the damage was later reported to have had "grave consequences and material damage on a large scale." Officials concluded the fire resulted from negligence in the use of welding equipment in the roof; three Turkish contractors were subsequently charged under Azerbaijan's criminal code. After sixteen months of repairs, it was formally re-opened on 5 November 2013.
Mini Azerbaijan
The Mini Azerbaijan exhibition on the second floor features models of 24 historical and architectural buildings. Visitors can also learn about the history and architecture of buildings exhibited in both Azerbaijani and English.
Among exhibited buildings are those dated to the Middle Ages (Maiden Tower, Momine Khatun Mausoleum), 19th century (Baku Bazaar, Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, Ismailiyya Palace), USSR era (Government House, Green Theatre), 21st century (Baku Crystal Hall, Flame Towers) as well as the buildings being constructed (Baku Olympic Stadium, State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
International relations
The Heydar Aliyev Center maintains close ties with a number of international agencies, peer structures abroad, museums and exhibition centers. The Center has organized events and exhibitions as a result of joint cooperation with different organization, museums and exhibitions of Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, France, Italy, Russia, Slovenia, Turkey and so on. At the same time, it has conducted a number of projects in Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Japan and others. Center has become a member of various international organizations.
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) The Association's major goal is to provide support to the agencies involved in the organization of events and exhibitions through resources and information, and the development of the exhibition industry. The Center enjoys the IAEE membership as of 17 September 2013.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) The ICCA is the world s leading association in the field of organizing and accommodating international events with 90 member states at the moment. The Center became the ICCA member as of 10 October 2013.
The International Association of Convention Centers (AIPC) The Association the Center acceded as of 15 September 2014 unites professional managers of convention centers and exhibitions halls, with more than 50 member states currently represented.
The Association of Event Organizers (AEO) The association unites organizations involved in the management, operation and sales of events. Sharing best practices in security and sustainability matters, as well as technical and financial issues, constitutes the major objective of the AEO, with the Heydar Aliyev Center being a member to as of 15 December 2014.
The architect firm Snøhetta designed Oslo Opera House (also the architects of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt, it has a total area of 38,500 m² and includes 1,100 rooms.The Opera won the culture award at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona in October 2008 and the 2009 Mies van der Rohe award, the European Union prize for contemporary architecture.
Vishal Kothari, Founder and Creative Head of VAK, once again waves a magic wand to conjure yet another spellbinding bejewelled collection, The Arch of Heaven. The iconic artist speaks about his labour of love.
The dominating arch silhouettes have been an integral part of world architecture since centuries. Deeply inspired by architectural elements, avant-garde artist, Vishal Kothari reveals the work that went into creating the seductive Arch of Heaven collection.
Why have you chosen the arch as the key motif for your new line?
My design vocabulary draws from art, sculpture, and motifs in architecture. I adore architects who create, build structures and edifices, homes, and places of sheer beauty. There are so many movements in architecture that leave one mesmerised … but you’ll find Art Nouveau, Gothic and, at times, Mughal influences in my work.
My design vocabulary draws from this art in old buildings, sculpture and motifs in architecture. The Arch of Heaven is for me the gateway to heaven … to paradise.
Of the many types of arches, which ones have you articulated in the collection? We can see ogee and oriental and some other stylised arches in the collection.
My arches are a nod to history from pre-existing indigenous Hindu buildings to Turkish and Iranian architecture that trickled into India with the Mughals. Arches are part of the DNA of India and many global cultures.
I call it the Arch of Heaven and it is my ode to the arches related to the Mughal history of the subcontinent. Arches represent a welcome, a homecoming. These three-dimensional sensations are a mix of many worlds … Worlds of yesterday and today, wafting between centuries.
How did you meld old-world charm and new-age sophistication?
Bridging the gap between antiquity and contemporary, I have tried to lend a modern expression to traditional Mughal design in some of my Arch of Heaven earrings and rings. The use of portrait-cut diamonds evokes the legacy of Mughal art.
Patronised by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the portrait-cut diamond originally covered miniature paintings. Portrait-cuts are among the earliest cut diamonds … in fact, these shards of diamonds are like slivers of magic. Usually colourless, with a very high clarity grade, portrait-cut diamonds are flawless and incredibly sophisticated.
My collection pays homage to the rich gem history of Mughal portrait cuts, which are also a personal favourite of mine. Crafting these cuts with precision I have tried to create a contemporary idiom in the rings, earrings, and necklaces to manifest a seamless, floating vision of diamonds!
To know more: gjepc.org/solitaire/launch-alert-vaks-arch-of-heaven-stay...