Hope and heritage: French-Iranian photographer Reza's 'Rising Light' exhibition shines in Baku

There's an undeniable romance to being in an international airport. For many travellers they can be great places to see people mingle as they rush to reach dream destinations, rekindle relationships, make new discoveries or simply just make it home safely.

Those are just some of the experiences and feelings conveyed in a thought-provoking exhibition by the renowned French-Iranian photographer, Reza Deghati.

His latest show, 'The Rising Light', currently on at Baku airport, aims to offer a visual journey through hope, resilience, and the transformative power of light, reflecting both personal and cultural narratives.

Deghati, who traces his roots to Azerbaijan, told Euronews the collection on display is a meditation on illumination and revival. “Azerbaijan rises toward light. Peace itself becomes light, revealing traditions, resilience, and generosity.”

A craftsman works intensely in a traditional workshop in Lahij, a 2,000-year-old settlement renowned for its traditional craftsmanship (A craftsman works intensely in a traditional workshop in Lahij, a 2,000-year-old settlement renowned for its traditional craftsmanship)

The works span four decades, capturing moments from his first visit to Baku in 1988 to the present day, forming a constellation of images that celebrate life, endurance, and the human spirit.

National Museum of Azerbaijan Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi, 22 Nov 2011 (National Museum of Azerbaijan Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi, 22 Nov 2011)

Hosting the exhibition in Baku airport was deliberate, Reza says as it's a bridge between the East and West: “Passengers become witnesses to a nation’s story, from its ancient heritage to modern vitality. The airport transforms into a gallery, connecting travelers to the rising light of Azerbaijan.”

Dancers perform for a film at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Icherisheher, a 15th-century royal residence and an important cultural heritage site (Dancers perform for a film at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Icherisheher, a 15th-century royal residence and an important cultural heritage site)

On the road from Baku to Guba passing by Shamakhi then Ismailli, 6 May 2012 (On the road from Baku to Guba passing by Shamakhi then Ismailli, 6 May 2012)

A rower trains on the Kura River in Mingachevir, home to Azerbaijan’s Olympic rowing base and a centre for international competitions (A rower trains on the Kura River in Mingachevir, home to Azerbaijan’s Olympic rowing base and a centre for international competitions)

“People everywhere seek illumination and the freedom to create, love, and endure. This exhibition celebrates that eternal ascent of the human spirit,” adds Reza.

At the very least, he hopes visitors will pause and reflect: “If one person leaves wanting to understand more deeply, then the rising light has done its work.”

The Rising Light runs at Baku airport until 27 March 2026.