bp today presented its new research initiative that explores the pivotal role of oil in Azerbaijan’s history. The project has resulted in the publication of a comprehensive book titled “The Long Road of Our Oil to Europe: the known and unknown facts, the clear and dark pages of this journey.”
This initiative is part of bp’s ongoing commitment to supporting the research and promotion of Azerbaijan’s rich history and cultural legacy, including its remarkable energy heritage. The project not only contributes to historical scholarship but also highlights the strategic importance of oil in shaping the nation’s identity and global partnerships.
The 258-page publication is the first of its kind to chronicle the evolution of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry across four key historical periods: Tsarist Russia, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918–1920), the Soviet era, and the post-Soviet period of regained independence.
The book opens with an overview of oil production in Baku from the second half of the 19th century, highlighting early exports to foreign markets and the strategic role of oil in Azerbaijan’s emergence on the global stage. It explores parliamentary debates during the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the Azerbaijani delegation’s discussions at the Paris Peace Conference, and their efforts to leverage oil as a tool for national independence.
Subsequent chapters examine Soviet oil policy and the nationalization of the industry following the Bolshevik invasion of Azerbaijan.
The book also covers the new oil era of re-established independence, including early negotiations with foreign oil companies, the challenges encountered, and the historic signing of the “Contract of the Century” in 1994. It provides insight into the complex negotiations, political intrigues, and security threats that surrounded this transformative period in Azerbaijan’s energy history.
Based on extensive archival research and historical newspaper materials, the book is written in an accessible narrative style designed to engage a broad readership. It also features rare and valuable documents related to Azerbaijan’s oil exports and international negotiations.
The total cost of the project is 48,500 AZN (approximately $28,530), covering pre-publication and project management expenses, as well as the cost of the publication of a total of 1,000 copies of the book.
The project was implemented by the “Unextinguishable Torch” (Sönməz Məşəl) cultural relations public union. The author of the book is journalist Musallim Hasanov.
Notes to editors
bp has been present in Azerbaijan for 33 years safely, efficiently and reliably operating major oil and gas exploration, development and transportation projects. To date, together with its co-venturers, bp has invested more than $87 billion into projects it operates in the country. In Azerbaijan, we are committed to supporting sustainability efforts focusing on the areas where we believe we can make the most difference.
bp’s extensive social investment activities and capacity-building efforts in the country have had a positive impact and brought tangible benefits to people, improving their lives and making a difference.
The company’s and its co-venturers’ social investments cover such areas as building local capabilities, education, development of communities, local enterprises, the environment, sporting potential as well as research into and promotion of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Overall, since the start, bp itself and together with its co-venturers in the joint ventures that bp operates in Azerbaijan, has spent about $111 million on social investment projects in this country.
In Azerbaijan, bp directly employs around 2,398 Azerbaijani citizens who make over 90 per cent of the company’s professional staff.
For more information about bp and its co-venturers’ social investment projects please visit the bp Azerbaijan site at www.bp.com/azerbaijan.
Tamam Bayatly at bp’s press office in Baku.
Telephone: (+994 12) 525 58 95