I am a cultural heritage expert and the founder of
Leyne.Co, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the traditions of the Talysh ethnic minority.
Leyne.Co, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the traditions of the Talysh ethnic minority.
With a Master’s in Tourism Management and Culture from the University of Glasgow and Lund University, I specialize in documenting oral histories and crafts of ethnic minorities in the Caucasus and Central Asia.
I have worked with UNDP in Azerbaijan and Georgia, focusing on cultural preservation and community development. Currently, I explore how food tells the story of identity, history, and heritage through my writing.
What is
Kichik Bazaar is a small neighborhood in Lankaran, Azerbaijan, where I was born and raised.
I chose to name my professional website Kichik Bazaar because everything that has shaped me as a person originates from this place. Just an 8-minute walk from the Caspian Sea, the neighborhood is defined by the salty air and the fishy scent carried by the sea breeze. It’s a place where narrow streets lead you to familiar faces, and where the distinct accents of the people reflect the diversity that makes it unique.
I chose to name my professional website Kichik Bazaar because everything that has shaped me as a person originates from this place. Just an 8-minute walk from the Caspian Sea, the neighborhood is defined by the salty air and the fishy scent carried by the sea breeze. It’s a place where narrow streets lead you to familiar faces, and where the distinct accents of the people reflect the diversity that makes it unique.
2025 TerraMetrics, Map data 2025
Imagery
Kichik Bazaar is a historic area of Lankaran, where, in the 18th century, various ethnicities from Iran and Azerbaijan settled and blended to create the unique Kichik Bazaar identity. This mix of cultures, along with the spirit of community, is what continues to define me and my work. This website is not just about my professional journey, but about honoring the place that helped shape who I am today.
About me
I am a storyteller. I document forgotten traditions, help revitalize local crafts, and write about cultural heritage and identity—bridging the past with the present to keep the history of underrepresented communities alive.
In a world where globalization and modern states threaten the traditions of ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples, I’ve made it my mission to support the preservation of their cultural heritage. Together, let’s breathe life back into forgotten traditions, helping communities reconnect with their heritage and honor stories that have been silenced for too long.
Hamosham
A women-led community dedicated to reviving traditional mountain patterns in kilim and carpet weaving.
Hamosham
DETOUR
A Cultural Bridge Between the Caucasus and the Netherlands!
Through festivals, residency programs, and educational initiatives, we’re rethinking how art is taught, shared, and experienced. Our goal? To decolonize artistic production, support emerging talent, and build a global network of creatives working toward a more inclusive and socially engaged future.
DETOUR, a cultural platform that connects the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Netherlands through art! Our mission is simple: to use multidisciplinary art as a powerful tool for social change, bridging cultures, social classes, and communities. We believe art isn’t just about creativity—it’s a form of activism that sparks dialogue and drives social engagement.
Media materials:
Baku IdeaLab is a program of IdeaLab LLC implemented in collaboration with the Eurasia Partnership Foundation, Azerbaijan and supported by the Government Offices of Sweden. The main goal of Baku IdeaLab is to create a better environment for youth-led initiatives that have a strong social impact component.
Media materials:
Awards
THE IMAGE OF RESEARCH COMPETITION 2022
Winning the Award of the best Research Image 2022
The aim of the Image of Research competition is to help young scholars creatively capture
and communicate to a public, non-specialist audience and thereby build bridges across
different research themes and projects.
This is a unique opportunity for individuals who work
in the Caucasus region to raise their profile and gives them the opportunity to showcase their
research in a creative and visually compelling way.
and communicate to a public, non-specialist audience and thereby build bridges across
different research themes and projects.
This is a unique opportunity for individuals who work
in the Caucasus region to raise their profile and gives them the opportunity to showcase their
research in a creative and visually compelling way.
European Cultural Tourism Network Award
Publications
Co-author of Development of agrotourism/ethnic tourism destinations in the Talysh Region, co-author of GUIDE BOOK
Contacts
