The Third Royal Collection Boutique Opened in a Legendary Baku Location
Italdizain opened its third Royal Collection jewelry and watch boutique on November 11, 2024, at 3 Aziz Aliyev Street, in the heart of Baku's historic district.
At the core of the Royal Collection concept are the unbreakable intergenerational connections and deep respect for global cultural heritage, and its philosophy aims to present admirers of jewelry and horological art with the finest creations from European brands.
"The Royal Collection also takes pride in its selection of timepieces, offering collections from renowned Swiss watchmakers Omega, Tag Heuer, and Breitling. The boutique also features elegant items by the legendary S.T. Dupont accessory brand.
The architectural context of Baku’s historic center creates a harmonious aesthetic backdrop for the new boutique located in a building steeped in history. The luxurious mansion in Mikhailovskaya St., later renamed to Zevin Street and now known as Aziz Aliyev Street, was built in the 1890s just hundreds of meters away from the Maiden Tower. This building is historically significant as the revenue house of Sadikh Meshadi Mammad Zakiyev, a prominent oil magnate, public figure, and member of the Baku City Council.
The entrepreneur was among the most influential oil dealers in the country in the 19th century. The oil company he led, M. Zeynalov & Co., engaged in oil extraction, refining, and export and became one of the largest oil enterprises of the time. Zakiyev also gained the respect of his compatriots due to his wide philanthropic activity: he funded the construction of schools, hospitals, mosques, and other public buildings. The successful entrepreneur also played a key role in Baku’s economic and infrastructural development as a member of the City Council.
This mansion’s significance in Baku's history extends beyond its notable owner, boasting an impressive architectural design: this is one of the most striking and intriguing buildings in the historical center of Azerbaijan’s capital and an architectural monument of its time. The grand three-story building adorned with pilasters, ornate elements, and balconies encapsulates the spirit of the oil boom era. Over the years, it has been home to notable figures, including cinematographer Khan Yusif Babayev, statesman and diplomat Aziz Mammad Karim Aliyev, renowned opera singer Zeynab Yakhya Khanlarova, and pianist-composer Farhad Shamsi Badalbeyli.
The interconnection of cultures, generational continuity, and respect for history and heritage are integral to the philosophy of the Royal Collection. The choice of such a landmark architectural site as the home for a new jewelry boutique, showcasing iconic Italian, French, and Swiss brands of watches, jewelry, and accessories, is highly symbolic. The jewelry masterpieces by Europe’s most illustrious houses resonate elegantly and vividly within Baku’s historic context, underscoring the idea of connecting eras, traditions, and cultures.
For more details about the Royal Collection boutiques, please visit our website.