In a breathtaking photo essay called “Baku Through My Lens”, Siddhartha Narayan snaps the exciting essence of Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, where futuristic buildings stand side by side with centuries-old buildings. Through his camera, he shows us a city that lives on difference — from ancient cobblestone lanes to torch-shaped skyscrapers.
Narayan’s photograph series delves into the singular duality of Baku, a city referred to as the “City of Winds”, where modernity towers over a rich cultural heritage. Ancient buildings such as the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs are juxtaposed with striking contemporary icons such as the Heydar Aliyev Center, highlighting the city’s architectural development.
Every picture is a tale — of residents sipping tea in cool courtyards, of cacophonous bazaars ringing with history, and of energy from nomads mixing effortlessly with city creativity. The interplay between light, color, and geometry in Narayan’s frames brings the city’s layers alive.
A travelogue in more than just name, the project is a love letter to Baku’s resilience, transformation, and timeless charm. In the world of a wandering soul with a storyteller’s heart, the capital city is unveiled not only as a destination — but as a personal one.
