Cultural Capital

Another 21 families (79 people) relocated to the city of Shusha have been presented with house keys.

The families were welcomed by the employees of the Special Representative Office of the Azerbaijani President in the Shusha, as well as the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the State Reserve Department of Shusha and others. (Azertac)

On July 6, the “Karabakh Declaration of the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States” was signed in Shusha.

‘Azerbaycan 24’ presents the Declaration:

“Karabakh Declaration of the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States.

The informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (hereinafter referred to as OTS) on the theme “Building a Sustainable Future through Transport, Connectivity, and Climate Action” was held on July 6, 2024, in Shusha, at the initiative of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, hosted the meeting. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, His Excellency Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Vice President of the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Cevdet Yılmaz, the Prime Minister of Hungary, His Excellency Viktor Orban, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, His Excellency Ersin Tatar, and the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, His Excellency Kubanychbek Omuraliyev participated in the meeting.

The heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States,

Considering the Turkic world as a family of Turkic peoples, who are committed to the ideas of peace, security, stability, development, and progress in the region and the world, based on their common ethnic roots, history, language, culture, traditions, and values;

Emphasizing the highest value of the contributions of the Turkic peoples on a continental scale and the role they have played throughout history in the development of global politics, economy, and civilizations;

Based on the political, economic, and human achievements of the Turkic peoples in the history of humanity;

Appreciating the successful organization of the OTS Jubilee Summit – the Astana Summit on November 3, 2023, held under the motto “TÜRKTIME,” which marked another important milestone in the future transformation of the OTS and the efforts for the integration of the Turkic world, as well as in strengthening the unity and welfare of their peoples;

Welcoming the proposal of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, to hold informal meetings of the Council of Heads of State (CHS) once a year, in addition to the regular meetings of the CHS, in accordance with the Nakhchivan Agreement on the establishment of the OTS;

Acknowledging the spiritual significance of the city of Shusha in bringing together the peoples of the wider Turkic world and declaring that the meeting held in Shusha, following the complete restoration of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is a clear manifestation of the unity of the Turkic peoples and their commitment to peace and justice;

Expressing their solidarity with the government and people of Azerbaijan in their efforts to reconstruct and rehabilitate the liberated territories, including large-scale demining activities and humanitarian mine clearance efforts, which will create conditions for the return of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijani former internally displaced persons to their ancestral lands;

Confirming that stable and multifaceted relations among Turkic states are possible through joint efforts aimed at preserving a healthy planet via climate action;

Recognizing that current geopolitical and security challenges facing the world require the Turkic states to act as a united force and the necessity of regular consultations on regional and international issues of mutual interest,

Declared that they:

1. Emphasize the historical significance of holding the informal OTS Summit in Shusha, which was the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” in 2023;
2. Reaffirm the importance of utilizing the full potential and capabilities of the Turkic states in the political, economic, transport, defense industry, humanitarian, education, and cultural fields to strengthen and deepen strategic partnership and form a collective strategy of the OTS;
3. Note the necessity of applying appropriate mechanisms and regulations for the effective implementation of the OTS’s duties and objectives through increased joint efforts and the execution of strategically significant regional projects, with more ambitious goals set considering the global potential of the Turkic states;
4. Emphasize the importance of further developing connectivity among Turkic states through the creation of relevant transport infrastructure and efficient transregional corridors, given the invaluable role of the Turkic states in the development of global trade and economy in the region and the world;
5. Call for close cooperation among member states to enhance regional connectivity and integration via the Trans-Caspian International East-West Middle Corridor, connecting Europe-Turkey-South Caucasus-Central Asia-China, as a cornerstone for sustainable development, economic prosperity, and international trade, by increasing trade volumes and attracting infrastructure investments in ports, railways, highways, and logistics hubs, and optimizing transport operations, customs procedures, and digitalization;

To this end, instruct the ministers responsible for transport to take future steps towards the optimization and digitalization of transport and transit procedures, the introduction of incentive mechanisms for the private sector to increase cargo volumes, and the establishment of regular transport services along the corridor;

6. Appreciate the efforts of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey to modernize the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line and expedite customs control of goods and vehicles along this route;
7. Welcome the historic Agreement on joint cooperation signed on June 6, 2024, between the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan to promote the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which will also contribute to the enhancement of international trade, investment, and transit potential across the entire OTS region;
8. Note with satisfaction the continuous increase in regional trade volumes and agree on the implementation of specific measures to reach the true potential of trade volumes in the coming years, emphasizing the importance of eliminating technical barriers to trade and accelerating discussions on the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) text, while adhering to international obligations;
9. Highlight the necessity of closer cooperation in responding to climate change and its impacts on the sustainable development of the Turkic states through joint climate action;
10. Promote the development of climate resilience within the framework of the “smart cities and villages” concept by encouraging the integration of clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, and by improving digital infrastructure, public services, and sustainable practices to enhance the quality of life, support economic growth, and strengthen climate action within the Turkic states, and to that end, propose discussions on the establishment of the OTS Climate and Green Digital Platform and the OTS Climate Resilient Villages Forum;
11. Emphasize the significance of strategic partnership in the energy sector among the Turkic states, including the development of cooperation in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and welcome the recent developments in the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan energy system interconnection project (Green Corridor);
12. Call for close cooperation on energy integration and interconnection among their energy systems, aiming to utilize the extensive renewable energy potential in the Turkic states and to develop extensive energy systems for the export and trade of electricity, including from renewable sources, among member states and to third countries;
13. Encourage the development of an institutional building mechanism (Twinning) in areas of common interest such as trade, energy, and transport among the relevant agencies of OTS members for the transfer of experiences;
14. Welcome the active implementation of the “Digital Silk Road” project, aiming to create a new telecommunication trunk route between Europe and Asia using the existing capacities and infrastructure of the OTS countries;
15. Promote cooperation and exchanges among the Turkic states for the further development of digital government (e-Government) infrastructures; the harmonization of e-signature/digital signature mechanisms for electronic document exchange; the integration of online public services; the safeguarding of common cybersecurity measures against cyber incidents and cyberattacks; the establishment of policies, guidelines, and partnerships on artificial intelligence; and the development of policies and best practices for the creation of data centers and cloud infrastructures;
16. Note the importance of the creation of a common platform in the form of a large language model for the successful development of artificial intelligence projects among member states and the use of the large language model to facilitate intercultural communication, develop educational platforms, improve healthcare technologies, and promote economic integration;
17. Highlight the necessity of integrating space technologies in a comprehensive manner to enhance the potential and competitiveness of national space programs, and to combine efforts for the joint development of space projects to improve the technological development level and competitiveness of joint projects;
18. Task the Secretariat with establishing a cooperation mechanism among the relevant agencies of member and observer states to collaborate in the field of environmental protection and climate agenda to strengthen regional and global responses to climate change challenges;
19. Welcome the initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan to establish a permanent Turkic Ecological Forum at the ministerial level, as declared at the Astana Summit in 2023, and its plan to hold the first meeting within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), hosted by Baku from November 11-22, 2024 (COP29);
20. Wish the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan success in hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) from November 11-22, 2024, and support Azerbaijan’s consistent efforts to achieve concrete outcomes at COP29 in line with the expectations of the Convention’s parties.

21. They express their readiness to participate in promoting the initiative to create a new global dialogue titled “Mountains and Climate” in the annual calendar of the UN Climate Change Conference and consider joining the draft document “Call to Action for Advancing the Mountain Agenda: Key Mountains within the UNFCCC Framework”;
22. They welcome Kazakhstan’s initiative to host the Regional Climate Summit under the auspices of the UN and international organizations in 2026;
23. They wish the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan success in hosting the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asian countries in Astana on August 9, 2024;
24. They reiterate their intention to continue joint activities in the field of defense industry in accordance with the national legislation of the member states and instruct the relevant bodies of the member states to take necessary measures in this regard;
25. They express deep concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and condemn the indiscriminate targeting of civilians; call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and full compliance with international law, including relevant UN Security Council resolutions; and call for a just and long-term solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict based on a two-state solution;

They support the international recognition of an independent, sovereign, and united State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, welcome the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution of May 10, 2024, determining that the State of Palestine is eligible for UN membership and should therefore be admitted to the UN, and call on all countries that have not yet done so to recognize the State of Palestine;

26. They welcome the valuable contributions of Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as observers to the OTS;
27. They appreciate the ongoing cooperation and increasing synergy between Turkish cooperation organizations such as the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA), the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the Turkic Academy, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation (TCHF), and the Turkic Investment Fund (TIF);
28. The Kyrgyz Republic reaffirms its readiness to host the 11th OTS Summit in Bishkek on October 24, 2024;
29. They take note of the proposal of the Kyrgyz Republic regarding the Council of Heads of Government/Vice Presidents;
30. They support the initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding the Charter of the Turkic World and instruct the Secretariat to finalize the draft document for adoption at the next Summit in Bishkek;
31. They welcome Hungary’s accession to the Agreement on the Establishment of the Turkic Investment Fund as a significant step in strengthening economic relations within the OTS;

The Heads of State of the OTS express their deep gratitude to His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for his significant and continuous contribution to the unity, solidarity, security, and prosperity of the Turkic world, his decisive leadership in strengthening the unified spirit of the OTS, and his chairmanship of the successful discussions at the informal Summit in Shusha, and highly appreciate the sincere hospitality of the Government and people of Azerbaijan.

The Secretary-General of the OTS is tasked with coordinating the mutual activities and joint efforts envisaged in this Declaration.

Signed in Shusha city on July 6, 2024, in Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkish, and Uzbek languages.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Vice President of the Republic of Turkey, Cevdet Yılmaz

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the opening of the first residential complex in Shusha and met with the city’s first returning residents.

The head of state and the First Lady were briefed on the work completed in the residential complex.

The initial phase, according to the relocation schedule, saw 20 families comprising 88 individuals resettled in the first residential complex. The complex consists of 23 buildings and spans a total area of nearly 8 hectares. Its foundation was laid on August 29, 2021. The complex contains 450 apartments, with 28 one-room, 195 two-room, 190 three-room, 30 four-room, and 7 five-room units.

The head of state and the First Lady then toured the complex and inspected the apartments to see the conditions provided for the residents.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva also met with the first families who have relocated to Shusha.

The head of state delivered a speech during the meeting.

Speech of President Ilham Aliyev

– Dear natives of Shusha, welcome to Shusha.

You are returning to your native Shusha after 32 years. I sincerely congratulate you on this wonderful and historic event. You lived with a longing for 32 years, but I am sure that you never forgot Shusha, you knew and believed that you would return here. I also knew it, I also believed in it, and ever since I became President in 2003, I did everything in my power to return you and all the former IDPs to your native land.

We were preparing and strengthening our country, we were strengthening our economy and creating a strong army. Most importantly, we have raised and brought up the young generation who liberated Shusha, our source of pride today, and other occupied lands at the cost of their lives. We have raised an educated, knowledgeable, patriotic, physically strong, morally healthy and pure young generation, and they liberated these lands by putting their lives on the line for 44 days on my order. We are very much indebted to them for this day, we are indebted to our glorious Army, we are indebted to our Armed Forces, we are indebted to our martyrs and disabled veterans. May Allah rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace.

The people of Azerbaijan have demonstrated such heroism and self-sacrifice that, today the whole world talks about the sons of Azerbaijan and shows respect for our nation. Because we have restored our right not through negotiations, not at the expense of any concessions from someone, but on the battlefield. We have liberated our cities and villages, we have shed blood and we have had martyrs. All the people of Azerbaijan were as united as a fist for 44 days.

The contemptible enemy had committed a miscalculation. They were so convinced of their own myths that they thought they would be able to keeps our lands under occupation forever. Their patrons behind them, the great states further reinforced this confidence in them. But we were sure, we knew that the day would come and we would return to our native lands.

For many years as President, I tried to resolve this issue through negotiations. My activity is obvious, dozens, perhaps even hundreds of meetings and rounds of negotiations were held. But there was no result. Why? Because Armenia, I want to say this again, wanted to keep our lands under occupation forever. The countries behind them, the alleged mediators wanted to make this occupation permanent.

The 44-day Patriotic War is part of our glorious history, and the people of Azerbaijan will forever be proud of this Victory. For 44 days, we were moving forward every single day. Unlike the Armenian army, not a single soldier of ours left the battlefield. According to their own confessions, they had about 12,000 deserters. Our soldiers and officers advanced every day. The victory achieved on the first day of the war, the liberation of several villages, continued all the way until the last day, and the liberation of Shusha on November 8, 2020 broke the enemy’s back. The enemy already realized that they were no longer able to resist and after that signed an act of capitulation, which was practically a surrender. We stopped the war right then. Because I had been stating from the first days of the war that the enemy should give us a timetable of when they would vacate our lands, and then we were ready to stop the war.

During those days, I received many calls from different capitals, various proposals were put forward, and some even tried to threaten me. However, I was firm in my conviction, and I was saying it both during those phone calls and in my addresses to the people of Azerbaijan: a timetable must be provided of when the enemy is getting out of our lands and then we would be ready to stop the war, and so it happened. In the early hours of November 10, 2020, Armenia signed the act of capitulation and the war stopped.

As you know, during the war, I gave interviews to a number of foreign media representatives and, of course, the questions were different. Of course, I could not say anything about our plans for the war. I was once asked about Shusha, and I said that our work would be incomplete without Shusha, and I think everyone understood that we were not going to stop until Shusha was liberated. Shusha is a symbol of our indomitable spirit. Shusha has left such a big mark in the hearts of every Azerbaijani citizen that the war could not have ended successfully without Shusha.

As a result of the anti-terror operation, we liberated our historical and ancestral lands from the invaders. We showed the power of our state and its strong political will again. We carried out the operation with great professionalism, skill and dedication, without reckoning with anyone, without considering anything and fearing anyone. Thus, Azerbaijan fully restored its state sovereignty.

A new history of Shusha begins today. I said in my address to the nation on November 8, 2020 that we would revive Shusha. Today we are seeing a reviving Shusha. It is not only about these beautiful buildings, there is a lot of large-scale construction going on in Shusha. Today, on the birthday of the National Leader, the foundation stone of a third residential complex was laid. The foundation of a second residential complex was laid on May 10 last year. A total of 450 apartments will be built in this first residential complex, about 300 in the second and about 500 in the third. A part of it is already finished. You will move into these apartments today. All the buildings have a beautiful architectural style – the traditional style of Shusha. The conditions are very nice, and I am sure that after a long pause, the residents of Shusha will live here comfortably, create, build and preserve the historical image of their hometown.

Construction work in Shusha actually commenced immediately after the Second Karabakh War. First of all, the road to Shusha had to be built. Because you know perfectly well that before the occupation, the road to Shusha passed through Khankendi. Therefore, the Victory Road was built from Fuzuli to Shusha in a short period of time. A wider highway is now under construction. A beautiful four-lane road with seven tunnels, nine viaducts and a number of bridges is under construction, and it will probably be ready by the end of next year. The restoration of Shusha’s historical monuments started immediately. First, Vagif’s mausoleum was rebuilt and its original appearance was restored. Then the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque and then the Saatli Mosque were restored. Today, we opened the Mamayi Mosque after restoration. Restoration work has already started in the Chol Gala Mosque. The Mehmandarov Mosque and Mehmandarov’s House have been restored. Four hotels are already in operation. The biggest of them, the five-star Shusha hotel reflects the modern appearance of Shusha. And yet the hotel was built in the style of traditional Shusha architecture. Also today, the Shirinsu Bathhouse was opened after major renovation. The repair and restoration in the Ashaghi Govhar Agha Mosque are nearing completion. The monument to Uzeyir Hajibayli, which was destroyed by the savage enemy, was put back in its place. The bust of Vagif destroyed by the Armenians was restored to its previous appearance and form. The reconstruction of Uzeyir Hajibayli’s house destroyed by the Armenians is in progress, it will be ready this year. Several other important events took place.

The revival of Shusha is in full swing. Everything is built on the basis of a very detailed and precise plan and in accordance with the most advanced urban planning rules. We have involved the world’s leading companies in the restoration and reconstruction work not only for Shusha, but also for all our liberated lands, so that people who used to live in harsh conditions for many years – in tents, dormitories, kindergartens and unsuitable buildings – can now live well and comfortably. In parallel with this, we are also dealing with employment issues both in Shusha and other towns and cities that have already been built, trainings are held. We are seriously dealing with and resolving employment issues for those who will return here.

The regions of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur will become one of the most beautiful places not only in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, but also of the whole world – the most modern, the most comfortable and the most beautiful. The nature of this place, its spectacular views, the scenery and water springs are complemented by modern and, at the same time, traditional buildings. A wonderful city will emerge here, I am sure each of us, every Azerbaijani will be proud of. I want to say again that we are implementing large-scale programs in all liberated territories. Today, Shusha is already the sixth residential area to which former IDPs are returning. Former IDPs are also expected to return to the village of Sus in Lachin today, so life will be brought back to at least 20 residential areas before the end of this year.

May 10 is a dear day for each one of us, including myself, of course – it is the birthday of the National Leader. His biggest dream was to see these realities, to put an end to the occupation, and it was thanks to his activity that we embarked on a path of development. You, or the older generation, remember only too well what was happening before that – anarchy, arbitrariness, chaos, struggle for power, and the placement of incompetent, cowardly and treacherous people in the government. All this was the reason for the occupation of a city like Shusha and other cities and villages of our country. Random people had assumed power. People from the street who had no education, no experience in public affairs and no knowledge got the positions of ministers of defense, secretaries of state, speakers of parliament and president, and the people of Azerbaijan suffered the bitter consequences of that. I wonder what feelings that individual who promised to defend Shusha or shoot himself in the head is experiencing now. I am sure he is not happy about this day at all. People like him, the leftovers of the PFPA-Musavat duo who aspired to come to power at the time, the vast majority of them were not happy about our victory and actually regretted it. They are still trying to cast a shadow on our Victory to this day. They collude with the Armenians in an attempt to belittle our Victory and cast a shadow on it. It was because of their aspiration to power and the treachery and cowardice of the then government that Shusha was occupied. No major forces were needed to defend Shusha – you know that perfectly well. Shusha was left completely exposed and the surrender of Shusha to the enemy paved the way for the Popular Front’s ascent to power. Look at those dates, those historic events. After a few days, they came to power, overthrew the government, staged a coup. They sacrificed Shusha, then Lachin and then Kalbajar in order to turn the people’s legitimate protests in their own favor. Thus, the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region was de facto joined to Armenia from a geographical point of view.

The people of Azerbaijan showed their greatness again in 1993. The people appealed to the National Leader and invited him to take power. Because the people of Azerbaijan were aware that only Heydar Aliyev could save them from those misfortunes. The ceasefire reached in 1994 was an enforced measure – we could never put up with the ceasefire, neither my father nor I. He did not live to see this day. We, his followers, have fulfilled his and the Azerbaijani people’s dream and achieved this historic Victory. We showed the enemy their place, and today the enemy is helpless in front of us. Today, on our demand only, four villages of Gazakh district are being returned to us without us having to resort to any other means, so to speak. They will be returned to us on our demand, and this is the way it should be. And it will be like this from now on. We have the say here, we are the leading state in the Caucasus, we are the leading state economically, politically, militarily, in all aspects, and everyone should reckon with us. Both Armenia and the foreign circles behind it, those giving them false promises, will regret if they do not reckon with us.

Today, the lands of the Gazakh district, occupied in 1990 and 1992, are being returned to us without a single shot being fired. The process of delimitation and demarcation is underway on our terms, and this is yet another victory of ours.

We never wanted war, and we don’t want it today either. We don’t need war, we needed our lands back. The activities of the Minsk Group in 28 years were aimed against the people of Azerbaijan. Their false promises and inaction were not accidental. They did not want to solve the problem. They promised these lands to the Armenians. Just like the pro-Armenian Gorbachev in Soviet times and then Yeltsin promised these lands to the Armenians, so did France and America. Even today, notice who is playing the main fiddle against us – France and America. We must clearly say that France is particularly active. And they should also know that no issue can be resolved in this region contrary to our will. The visit of some ambassador to Shusha should not be portrayed as a favor to us. If they come, let them come, but if they don’t, it’s not even necessary. As if something might change with their arrival, nothing will change. We have a say here in this land. Our policy is based on international law and justice. If we see revengeful forces raising their head again in Armenia, if France gives deadly weapons to Armenia and if we see that these weapons reach a critical level, then, let no one have any hard feelings. In any case, everyone knows what we are capable of, what our Army is capable of and how strong our determination is. No one can stand in front of us. No one can dictate anything to us or interfere in our internal affairs. We will do what we think is right. After the Second Karabakh War, we told Armenia that let’s define the border fairly. If you don’t want that, then we will say where we want there to be a border. What will he do, who will he call, let him call 100 times, but what will the result be? I want to say again to both the people of Azerbaijan and those interested in this region that no step should be taken here without our approval. I am sure they will hear my words. They know that I do what I say.

Today’s holiday, a double holiday for me and for all of us, shows again that we are peace-loving and creative people. The Armenians devastated Shusha and tried to Armenianize it. Today, I saw a cross on one of the pillars inside the Ashaghi Govhar Agha Mosque while reviewing its renovation. Can there be a cross in a mosque? Don’t those who have been turning a blind eye to this, those who have been accusing us of some criminal deeds see this? Don’t they see that they turned the Aghdam Mosque into a stable? They destroyed 16 of Shusha’s 17 mosques and tried to portray one as a mosque belonging to another nation. As soon as we got back here, we immediately got rid of the repairs that had supposedly been done there and rebuilt it. All our cities and villages were destroyed by vandals. Nobody wants to see that. But everyone should and will see it. Because neither we nor the world will forget the Armenian vandalism. No matter how hard they tried to Armenianize Shusha, they could not achieve it. Because Shusha has been an Azerbaijani city since time immemorial and preserved its Azerbaijani image even during the occupation. If Armenians considered it their hometown, they would have built Shusha, not destroyed it. Not a single stone has been left untouched. We have come to live here forever, and from now on the Azerbaijani flag will fly in these lands forever.

I heartily congratulate you again. I wish you all happiness and good health. Live here comfortably.

x x x

Then a ceremony to present apartment keys was held.

The head of state and the First Lady presented apartment keys to residents.

The residents expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

x x x

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva posed together with residents for photographs.

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, have visited the city of Shusha.

The heads of state viewed the monuments to prominent personalities of Azerbaijan, such as Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibayli, which were shot by Armenians in Shusha during the occupation.

At the initiative of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, the monuments were bought from Armenians and brought to Azerbaijan to keep at the Museum of Art in Baku. They were placed back at their original place under President Ilham Aliyev’s instructions after the de-occupation of Shusha.

Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, Aydin Karimov, briefed President Ilham Aliyev and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the master plan of the city of Shusha.

The heads of state visited the Natavan Spring and viewed the “Heydar Aliyev and Garabagh” exhibition at the Creative Center, restored by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Anar Alakbarov, informed the heads of state of the Center and the exhibition.

The Creative Center is an architectural monument of national importance. It was restored by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and opened on May 10 this year.

The “Heydar Aliyev and Garabagh” exhibition features rare photos, documents, and video materials reflecting the services of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev towards social, economic, political, and cultural development in Karabakh. The exhibition also includes photos from the National Leader’s visits to Karabakh as well as his meetings and various events held here.

The presidents then made a tour of the Saatli Mosque. The Saatli Mosque was built in 1883 on the basis of a project by Karbalayi Safikhan Garabaghi. The mosque was ruined by Armenians during the years of occupation. The mosque, whose renovation work began in December, 2021 with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s funding, was inaugurated last May.

The heads of state then visited the House-Museum of Bulbul.

Polad Bulbuloglu briefed the presidents on the House-Museum. After the liberation of Shusha from the occupation, restoration works were also carried out in the House-Museum of Bulbul, and the museum opened on August 29, 2021.

The presidents also visited the Jidir Duzu Plain, one of the symbols of Shusha.

The presidents of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan also toured the Yasaman Hotel consisting of three residential buildings built in the style of the Karabakh architectural school of the mid-19th century.

The Shusha trip made a deep impression on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Voting has begun in the liberated city Shusha in connection with early presidential elections.

According to Report‘s Karabakh Bureau, polling station has been created in the city.

The polling station, established in the building of secondary school No. 1 in Shusha, opened at 08:00.

A total of 1,222 voters are registered at the polling station.

The voting is monitored by 13 local observers.

Shusha, February 3, AZERTAC

“Shusha is ready for the snap presidential election of the Republic of Azerbaijan scheduled for February 7. Polling station No.105, situated in the premises of secondary school No. 1 in the city of Shusha, encompasses 1189 registered voters, including one first-time voter,” Elmar Jafarli, a member of the newly established polling station No.105 in the liberated city of Shusha within the Shusha-Aghdam-Khojaly-Khojavand electorate No.124, told AZERTAC`s regional correspondent.

According to him, the polling station has been equipped with necessary technical and methodical resources, including voter lists and information boards. Voting booths have been set up to allow voters to express their choices freely. Designated areas for secretaries, members, and election observers have been arranged at the polling stations. The distribution of notifications to voters regarding the date, time and location of voting has been successfully completed.

A series of events will be held in connection with the declaration of the city of Shusha as the cultural capital of the Islamic world for 2024, according to the “Action Plan for Declaring the City of Shusha as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024” approved by Prime Minister Ali Asadov, Report informs.

The list of events to be held during the year is as follows:

– Cultural Forum of the Islamic World in Shusha;

– The international conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation dedicated to the protection of cultural heritage in Shusha;

– Round table and exhibition on the vanishing intangible cultural heritage of the Islamic world;

– The presentation ceremony of the book “Economy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation”;

– Presentation of Shusha – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024 postage stamp and relevant internet resources;

– Exhibitions of images of Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, captured from space, to visually demonstrate the cultural heritage of Shusha and Islamic countries.