SPEAKERS & SPECIAL GUESTS

Fuad Akhundov

An inquisitive researcher, an enthusiastic guide, and a beloved historian of Baku, Fuad Akhundov is an Azerbaijani journalist, researcher, TV presenter, lecturer, simultaneous interpreter, and tour guide.

Fuad has been a frequent and cherished guest at our events. His lectures and seminars captivate audiences with their depth, storytelling, and charm. He brings history to life with passion and precision, making each appearance unforgettable.

Mansura Mammadaliyeva

An art historian, critic, and researcher, Mansura Mammadaliyeva holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Art History from the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts. With over a decade of experience at the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, she has contributed to various departments and engaged deeply with the museum field.

Her research focuses on gender in art, the creative legacy of women artists within patriarchal systems, and the representation of women’s artworks in museum spaces. She regularly writes articles, conducts research, and delivers talks on these topics.

Currently, Mansura is advancing her curatorial skills at YARAT Contemporary Art School, specializing in the fundamentals of curatorial practice.

Anna Goncharova

An art historian and art manager with international training from MoMA, the University of Melbourne, and Sotheby’s, Anna Goncharova is the founder of cultural initiatives across three countries. With over 100 lectures and art brunches to her name, she helps audiences see the art world through a fresh and inspiring lens.

Anna has hosted numerous events with us at Cult Baku, including art meetups and engaging lectures on artists, fashion brands, and the intersection of fashion and art.

Fuad Osmanov

Fuad Osmanov is an acclaimed Azerbaijani actor and recipient of the honorary title People’s Artist of Azerbaijan(2021). With a distinguished career in theater and film, he is widely respected for his powerful performances and contributions to Azerbaijani performing arts.

Fuad Osmanov was a special guest at our “Unveiling Orwell” event, where his presence and participation added exceptional depth and emotional resonance to the program. His involvement brought a unique artistic perspective that greatly enriched the audience’s experience.

Anna Ibragimbekova

Anna Ibragimbekova is a photographer and the director of the Maksud Ibragimbekov Creativity Center in Baku. With over two decades of experience, her photography captures atmosphere, light, and reflection through a conceptual and emotionally rich lens.

The center she leads is dedicated to the legacy of her husband, Maksud Ibragimbekov — one of Azerbaijan’s most celebrated writers, playwrights, and intellectuals. His work deeply shaped Azerbaijani literature and cinema, and his humanist vision continues to inspire generations.

Anna has frequently taken part in our events as a special guest, generously sharing her artistic perspective and her connection to Baku’s cultural life.

Alex Solely

Alex Solely is an award-winning musician, composer, and pianist who represents the modern classical music scene. His work blends emotional depth with contemporary sensibilities, creating immersive musical experiences.

Alex performed his signature “A Quiet Concert” at our club — bringing this unique format to Baku for the very first time. The evening invited the audience into a space of calm, focus, and deep listening.

Katarzhina Koch


Katarzhina Koch is a graduate of the CASA Culinary Arts School and a talented chef. She is the personal chef of the Brazilian ambassador and an expert in Latin American cuisine. Her deep passion for this culinary tradition is reflected in her sophisticated menus, showcasing the rich flavors and cultural diversity of Brazilian gastronomy.

Katarzhina was the chef behind our Brazilian dinners at the club, bringing unforgettable taste and atmosphere to each evening.

Sabina Gasimova

Sabina Gasimova is the owner of Ala Miche Bakery and a passionate baker dedicated to crafting high-quality, delicious baked goods. Her creations are known for their authentic flavors and artisanal approach, bringing people together through the joy of fresh bread and pastries.

Club hosted a special brunch with Sabina, where guests enjoyed a warm and memorable culinary experience featuring her signature baked delights.

Anar Heydarov


Anar Heydarov is a specialist in strategic management, leadership, and non-verbal communication. He studied in the United States and Russia and is a graduate of Harvard Business School.

Anar joined us at the club for the event “The Art of Diplomacy and Body Language”, where he shared valuable insights into communication and leadership through presence and gesture

Aliya Aghazadeh

Aliya Agazadeh has 28 years of experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. At our event “The Art of Diplomacy and Body Language”, she spoke about the role of women in diplomacy and the importance of balancing professional strength with personal intuition.

Elena Gridnevskaya

Elena Gridnevskaya is an acclaimed international photography artist whose award-winning work captures the spirit and soul of each subject through her lens. Her photography reflects a deep emotional connection and a unique visual storytelling style.

Elena took part in our event “Photography That Changed the World”, where she shared powerful stories behind her images and offered inspiring insights into the role of photography in shaping perception and history.

Nagi Nagiyev

Nagi Nagiev brings miniature imagery to life through ceramics, drawing inspiration from timeless works like Seven Beauties and Leyli and Majnun. Each detail of his art reflects a deep reverence for history and the national cultural heritage he has devoted decades to preserving.

As part of our program, the club visited Nagi’s workshop, where guests had the chance to experience his creative process up close and immerse themselves in the world of Azerbaijani visual storytelling.

Mubariz Akperov

Mubariz Akperov is a master of metal art whose handcrafted daggers, swords, and sabers preserve Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage while earning recognition far beyond its borders. His work blends historical precision with artistic craftsmanship, often echoing the spirit of the medieval era.

As part of our program, the club visited Mubariz’s workshop, where guests witnessed the artistry behind his creations and explored the rich symbolism embedded in every blade.

Elena Hagverdiyeva


Elena Hagverdiyeva is a distinguished Azerbaijani artist and Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, known for her poetic and expressive works that explore themes of memory, culture, and nature. Her art has been exhibited internationally — in France, Austria, Georgia, Russia, Kazakhstan, and beyond.

Her creative path has been deeply connected with the legacy of the late Ujal Hagverdiyev, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, with whom she shared not only a life in art, but also meaningful joint exhibitions — including the memorable Two Hearts, One Destiny.

Elena has been a special guest at many of our events, offering thoughtful insights into her work and the wider Azerbaijani art scene.

Irada Agamoglanova


Irada Agamoglanova is an art manager at QGallery Baku, a gallery that exclusively represents some of the finest works of contemporary Azerbaijani art. With deep experience in the local art scene, she shares valuable insights on art etiquette, gallery culture, and the nuances of self-presentation at exhibitions.

As a guest at our event as a special guest, Irada offered a practical and engaging perspective on how to navigate the art world with confidence and respect.

Anar Yolchiyev

Anar Yolchiyev is a painter known for his thoughtful, structured approach to creativity and his deep respect for global artistic heritage. He challenges common myths about the artist’s image, proving that discipline, clarity, and emotional balance can coexist with true artistic expression.

Anar took part in our lecture series, where he shared some of the most unique and personal stories behind the creation of still life paintings — offering guests a rare glimpse into the process and meaning behind his work.

With his dedication and integrity, Anar sets a strong example for the new generation of artists.

Mir Azer Abdullayev

Mir Azer Abdullayev is a painter, designer, and member of the Union of Azerbaijani Artists. His work is known for vibrant colors, emotional clarity, and a refusal to use dark tones — aiming instead to evoke joy, harmony, and light.

Mir Azer led a unique masterclass at the club, where guests created artwork to the sound of classical music. The session offered a meditative and multisensory journey into his signature style and creative philosophy.

Ramina Saadatkhan

Ramina Saadatkhan is an Azerbaijani abstract artist whose work has been featured at major exhibitions, including the 59th Venice Biennale as part of the Azerbaijan Pavilion. Her refined style and strong artistic voice have earned recognition both locally and internationally.

In collaboration with the club, Ramina presented “I WILL WAIT FOR YOU IN PARADISE” — a special evening featuring her collection of silk scarves inspired by her abstract paintings. The event brought together art, fashion, and personal narrative, offering guests an elegant and immersive experience shaped by Ramina’s unique visual language.

Anna Palamar

Anna Palamar is an aesthetic cosmetologist with 18 years of experience and the founder of the Aesthetic Cosmetology Center. As a guest speaker at the club, she shared valuable insights on how to use social media effectively for business in the beauty and wellness industry.

In addition, Anna offered relaxing mini-massage sessions at Wellness Spa Seabreeze during our special event — creating a moment of calm and self-care for every guest.

Ilhama Mammadova

Ilhama Mammadova is an endocrinologist and expert in women’s health. Her work centers on the connection between hormonal balance, physical condition, and emotional well-being.

As a special guest at our event “Correction, Injection, Cult Inspection!”, she shared valuable insights into how hormonal balance affects both the body and mood, and provided professional guidance on effective and safe body correction methods.

Tatiana Polyaeva

Tatiana Polyaeva is a cosmetologist and an expert in mesotherapy and collagen therapy, with deep knowledge in the field of aesthetic medicine.

As a special guest at our event “Correction, Injection, Cult Inspection!”, she shared her professional insights into various procedures — from injections to massage — highlighting their effects on the skin and body. Tatyana also discussed the expected outcomes of these methods and emphasized the importance of making informed choices when selecting treatments.

Lala Sadikhzade

Lala Sadikhzade is a certified endocrinologist and dietitian, specializing in hormone therapy using Biopell Medical pellets.

As a special guest at our event “Hormones: The Key to a Long and Beautiful Life” held at Hope Café, she shared expert knowledge on how to balance hormones through movement, nutrition, and lifestyle — offering practical tools for long-term health and well-being.

Jale Najafova

Jale Najafova is the co-founder of Handicraft Baku and Gastro Fest, an eco-activist, and a passionate backgammon enthusiast. She is also a devoted mother of two.

Jale led a unique masterclass at our club, teaching women and children the art and tradition of backgammon. The session offered a creative and engaging atmosphere to explore this classic game and discover its cultural richness together.

Timur Lyapin

Timur Lyapin is a coffee business expert with over 15 years of experience in hospitality. As an SCA-certified trainer, Barista Hustle coach, and barista championship judge, he specializes in café management, staff training, and food service design.

At our event “Build the Coffeeshop of Your Dreams”, Timur shared valuable insights on how to create and run a successful coffee business — from concept and workflow design to team building and guest experience.

Fidan Amirbekova

Fidan Amirbekova is a blogger and SMM specialist, known for her expertise in creating content that both inspires and sells.

As a speaker at our event “Social Media as Art: Simple Steps to a Successful Blog”, she shared practical tips and strategies on building an authentic online presence, engaging audiences, and turning creativity into results.

Parvin Badalbeyli

Parvin Badalbeyli is an expert at Summer Consulting, specializing in guiding students through university selection and job applications. Her students receive offers from top global universities such as Cambridge, LSE, UCL, and other Russell Group institutions, as well as prestigious UK companies like Barclays, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan.

At our masterclass “How to Build Your Child’s Profile for Admission to Leading Universities”, Parvin shared valuable advice on creating strong student profiles and navigating the competitive admissions process with confidence.

Maya Aliyeva is a co-founder of Costume, a brand that has become a symbol of local fashion. Together with Parvin Mammadova, she plays a key role in developing collections — from initial sketches to perfect fit.

At our masterclass dedicated to fashion sketches and brand stories, Maya shared valuable insights into the creative process and craftsmanship behind Costume’s unique style, revealing how ideas evolve into finished designs.

Parvin Mammadova is the co-founder of Costume, a brand recognized as a symbol of local fashion. Alongside Maya Aliyeva, she is deeply involved in shaping collections, guiding them from the earliest concepts to the final perfect fit.

At our masterclass focused on fashion sketches and brand stories, Parvin shared her expertise on the creative development process and the vision behind Costume’s distinctive designs.