Born into a family from the remote village of Soru in Azerbaijan’s Lankaran region, Salim Abbasov moved to Norway with his family at the age of four. Today, at just 15, he is making waves as both an artist and author, with his work showcased at Oslo’s prestigious International Museum of Children’s Art and his books published in both Azerbaijan and Norway.
Speaking with Media.Az, the teen shared his journey—from childhood memories of migration and adaptation to his passion for art, identity, and diplomacy.
A New Life in Norway
Salim’s parents, Idrak and Egana Abbasov, left Azerbaijan in search of better opportunities. His father, a journalist now working for Norwegian Public Broadcasting, and his mother, a child protection advocate with Barnevernet, relocated the family to Telemark after winning an international relocation program.
“I was too young to remember much,” Salim admits, “but I do remember being afraid of flying. We started out renting a home, and now we have our own house. My parents worked tirelessly to adapt, learning the language and securing jobs. My integration was easy—I learned Norwegian in kindergarten and made friends quickly.”
Two Worlds, One Heart
Though raised in Norway, Salim holds a deep connection to Azerbaijan. “The cultures are so different,” he says. “In Azerbaijan, family ties are very close—relatives you barely know will lay out a full feast for you. In Norway, even staying with close family requires advance planning.”
Despite adapting well to Norwegian life, he confesses: “The moment I land in Baku, I feel something different. It’s like a child finding peace in their mother’s arms.”
Painting Identity, Writing History
What began as childhood drawings evolved into a passion for documenting Azerbaijan’s culture and struggles, especially surrounding Karabakh.
“I started painting after the 2020 war,” he says. “Then I wrote my first book at 11—‘Nagorno-Karabakh’, in English and Norwegian, to correct misinformation. At school, some viewed Armenians as victims and us as aggressors. My book helped change that.”
Salim has since authored three books, distributed in schools, libraries, and even sent to King Harald V of Norway and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.
One of his paintings, “Khari Bulbul,” is now part of the permanent collection at Oslo’s International Museum of Children’s Art. “The exhibition received great interest,” Salim shares. “Some Armenian visitors tried to stir conflict, but the event ended peacefully.”
Looking Ahead: Diplomacy Through Culture
While art and writing remain central to his life, Salim has bigger ambitions. He will soon begin studies at an International Baccalaureate (IB) program, preparing for university, where he hopes to study international diplomacy.
“Conflicts should be solved through dialogue, not war. I want to be part of that dialogue—as a diplomat,” he says with a smile.
Salim is also collaborating with Azerbaijani author Gulzar Ibrahimova, having translated her children’s story “The Trolls’ Secret” into Norwegian and English. His books are also published with the support of the Norwegian-Azerbaijani House, and he remains active in Oslo’s Azerbaijani diaspora, which hosts events and runs a language school for second-generation children.
From a quiet village in Lankaran to international recognition in Oslo, Salim Abbasov is more than just a talented teenager—he’s a bridge between cultures, a voice for his homeland, and a symbol of how creativity, identity, and purpose can travel far beyond borders.
