A photo album dedicated to the work of Azerbaijani photojournalist Shahvalad Ayvazov, who lives in Georgia, has been published in Tbilisi.
The publication was prepared as a joint project of Georgia’s Ministry of Culture and the Georgian Journalists’ Federation, bringing together examples from the extensive photo archive Ayvazov has built up over many years. The book, published in Georgian and English, was printed by the “CEZANNE” printing house with the support of “Creative Georgia.” The project was authored and led by Giorgi Mamatsashvili.
Shahvalad Ayvazov’s career in photojournalism spans several decades. He has documented major social and political events both in Georgia and abroad. His photographs include the April 9 protests, the Chechen war and armed conflicts in various regions.
Born in Tbilisi on June 26, 1956, the photojournalist began his career in photography during his school years. The first photographs he took with a “Smena” camera in the seventh grade influenced his decision to pursue the profession. After graduating from the Faculty of Journalism at Tbilisi State University, Ayvazov began his professional career as a photo correspondent at “Sakinform.” Since 1992, he has also worked with the Associated Press (AP).
He is a war veteran and a member of the Board of the Georgian Journalists’ Federation. He has received the “Honor” Order, the Alexander Roinashvili Diploma and the Grand Prix of the Georgian Ministry of Defense, as well as awards at international photography competitions.
He currently continues to work as a photojournalist for the Azerbaijani-language newspaper “Georgia,” published in Georgia.