Within the framework of the "KOYA 10" Baku session, held at Khazar University from September 8-12, 2026, a presentation titled "The City I Left, the City I Returned To — Re-encountering the Changing Face of a Capital" was delivered by Dilara Mastaliyeva, staff member of the university and assistant to the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees.

Born and raised in Baku, and having returned to her native city after living for many years in Istanbul, Dilara Mastaliyeva examined, in her presentation, the changes Baku has undergone from the past to the present, based on her personal observations.

The presentation discussed the transformation of the city's architectural character, public spaces, and urban life, and an interesting exchange of views was held around the question "Is the new Baku a continuation of the old Baku, or has it already become a different city?"

One of the special aspects of the presentation was Dilara Mastaliyeva's discussion of the development, in recent years, of the Balakhani settlement, where she spent her childhood and school years, and the fact that "KOYA 10" participants became closely acquainted with the settlement's historical and modern character during an excursion organized to it within the framework of the session. The trip generated great interest among "KOYA" participants and left them with pleasant impressions.

The presentation was met with interest by the participants. Dilara Mastaliyeva's next presentation within the framework of "KOYA" is planned to take place at the "KOYA 11" Baku session, to be held from October 2-7, 2026.