Memories and Dreams in a shoemaking kiosk

Mahabbat Shirinov was born in Zangilan, a region in Karabakh that was under the control of Armenian forces for three decades until the 2020 war, after which Azerbaijan gained back its control.
In 1993, Mahabbat’s family was forced to leave their home and sought refuge in Sumqayit, the city 30 km away from the capital Baku.

In this new environment, Mahabbat set up a metal kiosk and honed his skills as a shoemaker.

Now confined to a symbolic space, he relives memories of his relocation and family through old family photos and archive tapes. He dreams of returning to his native village in Zangilan, where he can realize his parents’ dream – to restore their house.