Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will be the hosts of the first European Games in June 2015. The new logo designed specifically for the event was just unveiled at the 42nd European Olympic Committees General Assembly in Rome.
Designed by Adam Yunisov, a native Azerbaijani, the new logo combines five important elements of Azerbaijan culture: a flame, a wave, a Simurg bird, a carpet and a pomegranate. A flame was used because Azerbaijan is known as the ‘Land of Fire’. The wave used in the logo represents Baku Port, the largest seaport on the Caspian Sea and how its growth will mirror the growth and expansion of the European Games into the future. The Simurg bird is a mythical creature in Azerbaijan culture and it was used in the logo to represent the warmth and hospitality with which the Azerbaijani people will welcome athletes from all over Europe for this event. Carpet weaving is an integral part of Azerbaijan’s culture and represents the importance of culture and diversity in the European games. The pomegranate is the symbol of fertility in Azerbaijan culture and in the logo, it is meant to symbolize the birth of the European Games and its celebration across Europe.
"Our logo reflects the pride of our nation in its sporting heritage, our commitment to hospitality and welcoming our guests, and our position as an emerging center for sport, business and tourism in Europe and beyond", said Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijani’s Minister of Youth and Sports.
Phew! That is quite a lot of meaning, isn’t it? While the logo’s meaning seems to be a little daunting and over-whelming, the logo itself remains simple enough. In my opinion, the designer tried to do a little too much with his logo design but in the end, he did manage to produce a beautiful logo. It lacks a little cohesion in its ideas but overall, it is pleasing to the eye. Perhaps its real saving grace is the Look of the Games, which was designed by SomeOne, a London-based design practice.
The Look of the Games is absolutely stunning and beautiful. Using some of the elements introduced by Adam Yunisov in his logo for the Games, SomeOne created a visual masterpiece that is very eye-catching and attractive. Central to the Look of the Games is a pomegranate tree, which symbolizes unity in Azerbaijani culture. The new Look of the Games is both vibrant and colorful. Undoubtedly, the 6,000 participating athletes in the 1st ever European Games will wear this new brand identity with pride.
