Overview
The Natavan Heritage Excellence Award is a prestigious ICESCO initiative recognizing exceptional achievements in tangible cultural heritage conservation and management across the Islamic world. Launched in partnership with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the award promotes excellence, innovation, and sustainable heritage preservation.
As heritage faces increasing threats — from urbanization to conflict to climate change — this award honors impactful work that protects identity, strengthens communities, and safeguards world heritage for future generations.
Key Dates & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Award Name | ICESCO-Azerbaijan Natavan Heritage Excellence Award |
| Focus Keyword | Natavan Heritage Excellence Award |
| Organisers | ICESCO & Heydar Aliyev Foundation |
| Eligible Regions | ICESCO Member States |
| Eligible Applicants | Institutions, NGOs, practitioners, experts |
| Eligible Projects | Tangible heritage conservation/restoration |
| Project Timeline Requirement | Completed within last 3 years |
| Priority Sites | ICESCO Islamic World Heritage List |
| Application Forms | Available below |
| Supporting Materials | Brochure + Rules of Procedure |
Table of Contents
About Khurshidbanu Natavan
Named after the renowned Azerbaijani poetess, philanthropist, and cultural guardian Khurshidbanu Natavan, the award reflects her lifelong mission to support literature, arts, architecture, and community development.
Natavan was known for:
- Restoring cultural sites, including the famous Natavan Springs
- Supporting local artisans
- Promoting literature and arts
- Preserving Karabakh’s cultural traditions
Her legacy continues to inspire cultural preservation efforts across Azerbaijan and the Islamic world.
Award Purpose & Objectives
The award seeks to:
- Showcase best practices in heritage conservation
- Promote innovative and advanced techniques
- Strengthen institutional and community-based heritage protection
- Encourage cross-country collaboration
- Recognize impactful initiatives and individuals across ICESCO member states
- Highlight projects that combine cultural, social, and economic benefits
Eligible Project Areas
Projects must relate to:
- Conservation of tangible cultural heritage
- Restoration of historical monuments
- Rehabilitation of built heritage
- Management and protection of heritage assets
- Application of innovative conservation techniques
Project Eligibility Criteria
To be considered:
- The project must be implemented in an ICESCO Member State
- The applicant may be a governmental or non-governmental institution
- NGOs must be led by nationals of ICESCO Member States
- The project must be completed within 3 years prior to the award year
- Projects within ICESCO-listed Islamic World Heritage Sites receive priority
- The project must be original and not previously submitted
- Applications must follow the official timeline
Award Eligibility Criteria (Individuals & Organizations)
Organizations & Institutions
Recognized for excellence in:
- Strategic heritage planning
- Cultural policy development
- Conservation leadership
- Resource mobilization
- Preservation advocacy
Practitioners & Heritage Experts
Including:
- Architects
- Conservators
- Curators
- Archaeologists
- Site managers
- Restoration specialists
Applicants must demonstrate:
- High technical expertise
- Innovative methodology
- Documented impact
- Sustainable conservation outcomes
About the Heydar Aliyev Foundation
Since 2004, the Foundation has led global heritage preservation projects across:
- Azerbaijan
- Italy
- Pakistan
- Bulgaria
- France
- Numerous Islamic World heritage locations
The Foundation supports cultural identity, community development, and international heritage restoration projects.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the official ICESCO application forms and attach supporting documents as required.
Key Dates
- Project Completion: Within last 3 years
- Submission Timeline: As defined in ICESCO’s annual call (strict, no extensions)
For More Information (Official Documents)
✔ Award Brochure
https://icesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Brochure-Icesco-Azerbaijan-Natavan-Heritage-Excellence-Award-1.pdf
✔ Rule of Procedure
https://icesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Rule-of-procedure-Icesco-Azerbaijan-Natavan-Heritage-Excellence-Award-1.pdf
✔ Application Form for Projects
https://icesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Application-form-for-Projects.docx
✔ Application Form for Individuals
https://icesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Application-form-for-individuals.docx
Explore more fully funded international opportunities on:
https://oppotify.com
Is the Natavan Heritage Excellence Award open internationally?
Yes — it is open to individuals and organizations from ICESCO Member States.
What type of projects can be submitted?
Tangible cultural heritage conservation, restoration, or rehabilitation projects.
Who can apply?
Governmental bodies, NGOs, institutions, architects, conservators, curators, site managers, and heritage professionals.
Does the project need to be recently completed?
Yes — projects must be completed within the last 3 years.
Is priority given to Islamic World Heritage Sites?
Yes — projects located in ICESCO-listed heritage sites receive priority.
