ISESCO and Heydar Aliyev Foundation establish prize in honor of Khurshidbanu Natavan

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation have announced the establishment of the "Natavan Prize" in honor of Azerbaijani public figure Khurshidbanu Natavan.

Report informs, citing ISESCO, that the prize will be awarded to individuals who have contributed to "achievements in promoting and disseminating best practices in the field of cultural heritage management and preservation within the Islamic world."

The press release emphasizes that effective preservation and management of heritage has a profound impact on people’s self-awareness and ensures the transmission of valuable heritage to future generations.

“In light of current global challenges such as unsustainable development, conflicts, and climate change, humanity is facing multiple threats to its heritage,” the statement says.

ISESCO notes that in response to these fast-evolving and numerous challenges, it is necessary to create an environment that encourages innovative and technology-based thinking to ensure the preservation of Islamic heritage for current and future generations.

The prize is intended to recognize and promote excellence in tangible heritage preservation, while also encouraging the visibility and recognition of heritage across the Islamic world.

“It encourages outstanding initiatives that ensure the preservation of memory and the celebration of exemplary heritage. The aim is to highlight innovative practices in heritage preservation and management, focusing on applied skills as well as the social and economic impact of the project on local communities,” the release adds.

The prize includes a $30,000 award for individual projects and $100,000 for joint projects.

To qualify, projects must:

Be implemented in a member state of ISESCO;

Be led by one of the ISESCO member countries;

Be planned for a three-year duration.

Eligible candidates include organizations, institutions, as well as professionals such as architects, conservators, and curators.

According to the terms:

The application deadline is September 30, 2025;

The shortlist will be announced on February 1, 2026;

Winners will be announced on April 18, 2026;

The publication of top projects and award ceremony will take place on July 1, 2026.