This podcast explores the extraordinary life of Banin—born into wealth during Azerbaijan’s oil boom, yet shaped by war, exile, and independence. From her privileged childhood in Baku to losing everything after the Soviet takeover, Banin’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Her memoir The Caucasian Days captures the magic of her early years and the tragedy of historical upheaval. After moving to Paris, she rebuilt her life as a writer, mingling with literary giants like Ivan Bunin and Ernst Jünger, yet never surrendering her independence. A true cosmopolitan, Banin used her voice to defend Azerbaijan and celebrate individuality, leaving behind a literary legacy that still resonates today.   

Voiced by Galiba Abdullayeva   

Music list: Fikret Amirov, Maestro Niyazi - Rast Symphonic 

Mugham Jahangir Mammadov, Agabaji Rzayeva - Ağıllı kuklam mənim 

Soltan Hajibeyov - Karvan 

Fikret Amirov - Azerbaijan Capriccio 

Alim Gasimov - Xatirədir 

Vagif Mustafazade - Fantaziya 

Tofig Guliyev, Zeynal Jabbarzade - Axşam 

Mirza Babayev - Gəlmədi 

Mirza Babayev - Saçlarına gül düzüm 

Alim Gasimov - Durnalar 

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