Discovering the Land of our Origin
Following Thor Heyerdahl’s footstep to Azerbaijan
Aker Brygge, May 16th – June 6th 2021
A cultural bridge building exhibition by CAN
From May 16th to June 6th, 2021, visit the “Discovering the Land of Our Origin” exhibition at Aker Brygge, located by the main entrance to Aker Brygge Shopping Mall. Explore a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and creativity, bringing together diverse traditions and fostering unity.
En kulturell brobyggings utstilling av CAN
Fra 16. mai til 6. juni 2021 kan du besøke vandreutstillingen “Discovering the Land of Our Origin” på Aker Brygge, ved hovedinngangen til Aker Brygge Shopping. Utforsk en spennende feiring av kulturarv og kreativitet som bringer sammen ulike tradisjoner og fremmer samhold.
Photo credit: © Edmond Yang
Land of our Origin
It all began with a vision to enhance the relations between Azerbaijan and Norway by fostering mutual awareness of each country’s cultural values.
Thor Heyerdahl (1914-2002), a world-renowned explorer and archaeologist, was convinced that there were potential connective links between the Caucasus and Scandinavia. He elaborated on these ideas in his book Ingen grenser (Norwegian for No Borders), published by J.M. Stenersens Forlag in Oslo in 1999. In his research, he posited that the God of the Vikings, Odin was, in fact, a historical figure who originated from the Caucasus and subsequently migrated, along with a significant number of his people, to Scandinavia. Consequently, he suggested that Scandinavians are the descendants of those who once inhabited the region now known as Azerbaijan.
This inspiring vision led to the project called Discovering – The Land of Our Origin, initiated by CAN’s chairwoman and a distinguished fashion designer Shervin Najafpour. The objective is to facilitate a balanced, democratic, and intellectual discourse that builds stronger bridges of cultural understanding and friendship between the two nations.
Photo credit: © Edmond Yang
The creative team
Creative Art Director & Photographer
Edmond Yang is a multidisciplinary visual designer based in Norway. With over 20 years of experience he has been working with many different commercial brands in both Scandinavia and Asia. With origins from Asia, his work is influenced by the East and the West. He has exhibited in many cities throughout the years, with the latest project at Nanjing, China, and had a speech at Nanjing Art Museum.
Chairwoman of CAN & Fashion designer
Shervin Najafpour is a fashion designer of Azerbaijani Turkic origin who embraces her heritage and promotes it through her fashion brand and cultural bridge-building projects. As a second-generation immigrant born and raised in Norway, Shervin skillfully incorporates the fusion of “The West meets East,” which has become her signature style.
Blogger & Influencer
Jeanette was born and raised in Norway and has become a prominent influencer with a curious mind and a passion for travel. Through her extensive travel experiences, she has cultivated a deep love for cultural bridge-building, which she passionately expresses through the “Land of Our Origin” project, where she serves as both the model and cultural representative.
Founder & CEO of Caspian Media Group
Huseyn Javadzadeh is the CEO and founder of Caspian Media Group, a leading media company specializing in innovative solutions within the digital media landscape, as well as the production of cinematic films, documentaries, and series. The company also organizes high-profile galas, events, and international concerts, offering a wide range of entertainment experiences.
The First Official Cultural Bridge Building Project
This project draws inspiration from the remarkable friendship between Thor Heyerdahl and Heydar Aliyev, which began in August 1981. Their friendships sparked a mutual curiosity, inspiring us to explore the shared values and similarities between the two nations.
In 2019, we proudly launched the Discovering The Land of Our Origin project, with the support of Caspian Media Group and its Founder and CEO, Mr. Huseyn Javadzadeh. In collaboration with renowned Norwegian blogger Jeanette Elise Hildebrandt and Creative Art Director Edmond Yang, we embarked on a journey to Azerbaijan. Our mission was driven by the belief that ignorance breeds xenophobia. Through this exploration, we aim to bridge cultural divides and foster a deeper understanding and connection between our nations.
“Heyerdahl theorized that the ancestors of Scandinavians, including Norwegians like himself, likely originated from the region presently known as Azerbaijan.” Following in his footsteps, we sought to uncover the similarities between these two oil-rich nations and crafted a love story scenario where two individuals from different cultures meet in a narrative adorned with traditional costumes from Norway and Azerbaijan.
Photo credit: © The Kon-Tiki museum
1994
1994
1996
2000
“Borders? I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people.”
— Thor Heyerdahl
Thor Heyerdahl: Tracing Odin’s Origins
In 1981, Thor Heyerdahl was invited by the President of Azerbaijan’s Academy of Sciences to visit the renowned petroglyphs of Gobustan. Upon arriving, he was immediately struck by the remarkable similarities between the ancient rock carvings of seafaring vessels and the ships of the Vikings—symbols that seemed to echo the seafaring spirit he had long studied.
During his visit, as a guest of the Academy of Sciences, Heyerdahl eagerly explored the celebrated rock engravings, immersing himself in the region’s ancient history. The Academy’s President graciously took him on a journey across Azerbaijan, offering him a rare opportunity to witness the country’s breathtaking landscapes and meet its warm, hospitable people, including esteemed scientists.
It was only a day before his departure that Heyerdahl learned that his host was the brother of Azerbaijan’s then-President, Heydar Aliyev. This revelation marked the beginning of a deep and lasting friendship with the country. Over the years, Heyerdahl returned to Azerbaijan four times: in 1981, 1994, 1999, and 2000, continuing his exploration of the cultural and historical connections between Azerbaijan and Scandinavia.
Photo credit: © Edmond Yang
Discovering the Mystic Atmosphere of Gobustan
As we arrived in Gobustan, we were immediately enveloped by its mystic atmosphere. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, we reveled in the chance to explore the ancient petroglyphs—intricate carvings that date back between 5,000 and 20,000 years. These ancient markings, etched into the rocks, seemed to whisper stories of a time long past, inviting us to immerse ourselves in their mystery.
An intriguing detail we often encountered while researching Thor Heyerdahl’s connection to Azerbaijan was his fascination with Gobustan’s musical heritage. Thor was frequently photographed playing the Gaval Dash (Qavaldaş), a “tambourine stone” in Azerbaijani, an ancient instrument that reflects the deep cultural roots of the region. Inspired by his interest, we too took a moment to enjoy playing the Gaval Dash in Gobustan before beginning our shoots at the Gobustan Museum. The museum’s exhibitions provided us with further insight into the historical significance of the petroglyphs and showcased the region’s rich cultural and archaeological heritage.
Next, we journeyed up to the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, where we continued our photo shoots amidst the stunning, arid landscape. Despite the sweltering heat, the cool breeze from the Caspian Sea offered us a welcome respite. Our final stop was the awe-inspiring Mud Volcanoes, one of the world’s most unique and rare geological wonders, where the earth seemed to breathe and bubble with ancient energy.
Photo credit: © Edmond Yang
The project is supported by:
Official Media partners:
Discovering the Land of our Origin
Fashion Collection
Following Thor Heyerdahl’s footstep to Azerbaijan
Aker Brygge, May 16th – June 6th 2021
Land of our Origin
Fashion Collection
Inspired by Thor Heyerdahl’s theory of the connections between the Caucasus and Scandinavia, fashion designer Shervin Najafpour dedicates a collection to building cultural bridges between Norwegian and Turkic heritages. Using petroglyphs as a key design element, the collection is titled “Land of Our Origin.”
Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya, Turkey, serves as a perfect representation of this cultural dialogue. This 2,000-year-old portal to the ancient city showcases Roman ingenuity with its elegant columns, three arches, and marble frame.
Photo credit: © Ehat Lekovic
Falling in love in Azerbaijan
A mystic poet who wrote during the turn of the 14th century.
Imadaddin Nasimi
Aker Brygge, May 16th – June 6th 2021
Land of our Origin
Fashion Collection
Inspired by Thor Heyerdahl’s theory of the connections between the Caucasus and Scandinavia, fashion designer Shervin Najafpour dedicates a collection to building cultural bridges between Norwegian and Turkic heritages. Using petroglyphs as a key design element, the collection is titled “Land of Our Origin.”
Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya, Turkey, serves as a perfect representation of this cultural dialogue. This 2,000-year-old portal to the ancient city showcases Roman ingenuity with its elegant columns, three arches, and marble frame.
Photo credit: © Ehat Lekovic
When two cultures becomes one
We followed Thor Heyerdahl’s footsteps in order to find the similarities between Norway and Azerbaijan. We created a love story scenario, where two persons from two different cultures meet in a love series wearing traditional costumes from Norway and Azerbaijan.
Take a closer look with Azerbaijani model Elvin Ismayil and Norwegian influencer Jeanette Elise Hildebrandt.
Når to kulturer blir en
Vi fulgte Thor Heyerdahl’s fotspor for å finne likhetene mellom Norge og Aserbajdsjan. Gjennom en historisk scenario, møter to personer fra to forskjellige kulturer i en kjærlighetsserie iført tradisjonelle drakter fra Norge og Aserbajdsjan.
Ta en nærmere titt sammen medden aserbajdsjanske modellen Elvin Ismayil og den norske influencer Jeanette Elise Hildebrandt.
Shamakhi, Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is known as a multicultural and tolerant secular land of religious tolerance.
Aserbajdsjan er kjent som et flerkulturelt og tolerant sekulært land med religiøs toleranse.
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Many travelers are looking for an East meets West experience.
Well look no further than Baku, the capital city of the ancient state of the Shirvanshahs. Baku is an ancient city, mixed with old traditional and modern architecture.
“A flag once raised will never fall.”
— Memmed Emin Resulzade
“Et flagg en gang hevet vil aldri falle”
May 28th, 1918
Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan:
The First Parliamentary Republic in the East.
Aker Brygge, May 16th – June 6th 2021
Memmed Emin Resulzade
the brightest & most prominent political figure & the ideological leader of the Revolutionary Nationalistic Movement of Azerbaijan who declared Azerbaijani’s independence & adopted the Declaration of Independence on May 28th, 1918
The founding fathers of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic,
Memmed Emin Rasulzade, Fatali Khan Khoyski, Nasib Yusifbeyli and others.
1918
Azerbaijani flag waves in recently liberated Cultural capital of Azerbaijan, Shusha city
President Ilham Aliyev
raises Azerbaijani flag in Shusha
Azerbaijani flag waves in recently liberated historic Khudaferin bridge
President Ilham Aliyev
raises Azerbaijani flag in Jabrayil
The historic Khudaferin bridge
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his wife, first Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, visiting the recently liberated ancient Khudaferin Bridge in the city of Jabrayil.
The historic Khudaferin bridge
The historic Khudaferin bridge dates back to the 12th century and connects the banks of the Araz River
May 28th, 2021
Republic Day of Azerbaijan
“A nation rich in culture will always move forward, live and develop.”
— Heydar Aliyev
“En nasjon rik på kultur vil alltid gå fremover, leve og utvikle seg.”
First official visit to Norway in 1996
National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev with His Majesty The King. King Harald V and Queen Sonja.
Photo credit: Løchen, Per
First official visit to Norway in 1996
National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev with His Majesty The King. King Harald V and Queen Sonja.
Photo credit: Løchen, Per
“My home is where my carpet is spread.”
The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum reflects the spiritual values of carpet-weaving in this cradle of old civilization.
“Mitt hjem er der teppet mitt er spredt.”
Azerbaijani traditional clothing by Fakhriya Khalafova.
“The intangible heritage such as carpet weaving points to nation’s values, beliefs and legacy.
Here you can immerse yourself in genuine ancient traditions today.
It is one of many good reasons to visit the National Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan in the capital city, Baku.”
Photo: Jørgen Gomnæs / The Royal Court.
The land of magic carpets
The hand-woven Azerbaijani carpet of His Majesty King Harald V is an initiative from the Cultural Bridge Building organization CAN’s Chairwoman Shervin Najafpour and The Center of Young Political Scientists Chairman Ilkin Aliyev.
Det håndvevde aserbajdsjansk teppet av Hans majestet Kong Harald V er et initiative fra den kulturelle brobygge organisasjonen CAN’s leder Shervin Najafpour og The Center of Young Political Scientists organisasjonsleder Ilkin Aliyev.
Mayor of Oslo
The Mayor of Oslo, Mrs. Marianne Borgen attended the second opening of the exhibition “Discovering The Land of Our Origin, following Thor Heyerdahl’s footsteps to Azerbaijan”.
Ordføreren av Oslo, Marianne Borgen deltok på den andre åpningen av utstillingen “Discovering The Land of Our Origin, following Thor Heyerdahl’s footsteps to Azerbaijan”.
Gift to the Prime Minister
Handing the Prime Minister of Norway Mrs. Erna Solberg a gift from the project “Discovering The Land of Our Origin” in 2020.
I 2020, overrekker Shervin Najafpour en gave fra prosjektet “Discovering the Land of Our Origin” til den norske statsministeren Erna Solberg.
CAN 