On August 30, a unique event combining a classic car rally, a chovgan (traditional horse-riding game) game, and a horse show was organized in Baku by the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation (AAF) and the Equestrian Federation of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ARAF). Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva, attended the event.
The day began with a classic car exhibition along Baku Boulevard. Cars registered with the AAF for the event, along with vehicles from the permanent exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center, were displayed in the Seaside National Park. More than one hundred classic cars were showcased, ranging from different decades, representing the evolution of the automobile industry and attracting attention with their unique appearances.
Following the exhibition, a nostalgic car parade took place along a central city route: Neftchilar Avenue – White City Boulevard – Heydar Aliyev Center – Heydar Aliyev Avenue – Bina Equestrian Center. Residents and visitors enjoyed watching these vintage vehicles, each notable for both its distinctive design and historical significance.
At the Bina Equestrian Center, the event continued with a joint presentation video about the activities of AAF and ARAF. As a full member of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), AAF is active in promoting motorsport, road safety, and automotive heritage through various projects such as racing competitions, speed festivals, drifting, off-road rallies, and classic car shows. In 2024, the AAF was awarded the Heritage Promotion Cup in Kigali for its classic car exhibition.
ARAF, on the other hand, has played a key role in the preservation and international promotion of Karabakh horses. This year, they once again appeared at prestigious international events, including the Windsor Royal Horse Show in the UK (for the 9th time) and the Ethnosport Culture Festival in Istanbul, earning great admiration. Chovgan, one of Azerbaijan’s national equestrian games, has also gained worldwide recognition and is now included in international competitions.
Audiences were treated to a mesmerizing performance titled “Victory” featuring Karabakh horses, followed by a documentary on chovgan, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2013. Next year, Baku will host the 2nd Chovgan World Championship.
The highlight of the evening was a friendly Azerbaijan–Italy chovgan match, which Azerbaijan won 2:1. Awards were also presented in several categories: Best Female Rider, Best Male Rider, Most Unique Car, Most Original Car, Most Legendary Car, Oldest Car, Most Distinctive Car of the 1950s–60s, and Most Distinctive Car of the 1970s–80s. Additionally, guests with the most colorful retro outfits were recognized, with three winners receiving “Best Retro Style” awards.
The evening concluded with a concert. World-renowned tenor Vittorio Grigolo (Italy), Azerbaijani tenor Yusif Eyvazov, and soprano Afag Abbasova performed opera pieces, filling the night with artistic spirit. Later, Romanian pop star Minelli energized the crowd with a lively performance.
The event was supported by sponsors Nazar Holdings, Volvo Cars, Azerbaijan Automobiles, and Azpetrol, with organizational support from Motor House, Green Car Center, the Regional Development Public Union (RIIB), and “Nargis” magazine.
