About the Film
August 1922. An American journalist, Jerry Thompson, travels to the Soviet Union and arrives in Azerbaijan. He visits the settlement of Mardakan in Baku. There, he meets an elderly man at a villa
Thompson can hardly believe what he hears. Standing before him is Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, a once-great oil producer, millionaire, and philanthropist who lost all his wealth after the establishment of Soviet rule. Haji recounts his life story to the guest, a journey that saw him rise from a humble mason to an influential oil industrialist.
Thompson can hardly believe what he hears. Standing before him is Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, a once-great oil producer, millionaire, and philanthropist who lost all his wealth after the establishment of Soviet rule. Haji recounts his life story to the guest, a journey that saw him rise from a humble mason to an influential oil industrialist. Small oil gushers are starting to erupt on the Absheron Peninsula.
With great hopes, Haji spends all his time searching for land with potential oil reserves. However, after four years, the situation on the site disappoints him — despite all efforts, oil is still nowhere to be found...
The film’s executive producer is Arzu Aliyeva, founder of Baku Media Center.
Taghiyev's Life
In 1838, a boy named Haji was born into a shoemaker's family in Baku. As the years passed, Haji Zeynalabdin would etch his name into the history of Azerbaijan as one of the most influential oil magnates and philanthropists.
Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev started working at the age of 10. Initially, he was an apprentice mason, and by the age of 15, he became a mason himself and later a contractor. During that time, Baku was experiencing an oil boom. Zeynalabdin, along with two partners, rented land in Bibiheybat. The oil he discovered after much hard work and effort transformed his life. The son of the poor shoemaker Taghi, who once carried mud, suddenly became the millionaire Taghiyev.
He dedicated a significant portion of his income to charity, the development, and beautification of his hometown, supported talented young people to study abroad, and patronized artists. His establishment of the first secular girls' school in the Muslim East in Baku placed him among the most progressive figures of his time.
For his benevolent heart and noble deeds, Taghiyev was known among the people as the "Father of the Nation." Muslim, Russian, Armenian, and Jewish charitable societies in Baku elected him as an honorary chairman.
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News
Azerbaijan Selects Taghiyev: Oil as Its Official Entry for the 98th Academy Awards
Baku, 5th September 2025 – The Azerbaijani Film Submission Committee for the 98th Academy Awards, under the Azerbaijani Union of Filmmakers, has officially chosen Taghiyev: Oil to represent Azerbaijan in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards® (2026).
Produced by Baku Media Centre with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, and the Cinema Agency, the film highlights the extraordinary life and legacy of Hajji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, the visionary oil baron, industrial pioneer, and philanthropist whose contributions transformed Azerbaijan’s cultural and economic landscape.
Premiered at the Heydar Aliyev Center in October 2024, Taghiyev: Oil the film portrays significant milestones of Taghiyev’s life—his pioneering support for female education, his instrumental role in advancing Azerbaijan’s oil industry, and his philanthropic endeavours that shaped the infrastructure of Baku. The production boasts a highly skilled creative team, including director Zaur Gasimli, general producer Arzu Aliyeva, and a strong technical crew.
“With Taghiyev: Oil, we are proud to bring an Azerbaijani story of vision, resilience, and generosity to the world stage,” said Shamil Aliyev, Chairperson of the Azerbaijani Selection Committee. “Submitting this film to the Academy Awards underscores our growing commitment to sharing national cinema internationally.”
By entering Taghiyev: Oil, Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its presence in the global film industry, presenting its unique cultural heritage and stories to international audiences.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category in December 2025, followed by the nominations in January 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles in March 2026.
The premiere night of the film “TAGHIYEV: OIL” was held.
On October 4, the Heydar Aliyev Center hosted the large-format premiere of the film “TAGHIYEV: OIL,” produced by Baku Media Center. The film portrays the life and work of the great philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev.
The film’s executive producer is Arzu Aliyeva, the producer is Orman Aliyev, and the director is Zaur Gasimli. The screenplay for the historical film was written by Ismayil Iman, Asif Isgandarli, and Zaur Gasimli. The movie was produced by Baku Media Center with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture, and ARKA, and was sponsored by Neqsol Holding, Kapital Bank, Bakcell, and Norm companies.
The first part of the “TAGHIYEV” film, titled “OIL,” will be in cinemas starting November 7.
Filming of the movie "TAGHIYEV" has ended.
The filming of the movie “Taghiyev” has been completed.
The film focuses on the extensive and fascinating aspects of the life and work of philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. The movie was produced by Baku Media Center with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture, and the Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The premiere of "Taghiyev" is expected to take place in cinemas soon.
“Taghiyev” is expected to be shown in cinemas soon. Additionally, the film is planned to be screened for international audiences as well.