“There are dead bodies everywhere, – burnt to ashes, dismembered and mutilated… The Taza Pir Mosque had been seriously damaged by heavy artillery… A patrol found about 600 captive Muslim women and children, released and saw them to the Muslim part of the city… People were infurated, these feelings gradually turned into a feeling of revenge that will not be easy to prevent…”
“Nash golos” newspaper, 24 March 1918, (4 April) № 59, Baku.
Giving detailed information about the Museum of Local History, Leyla Majidova noted that the foundation of the museum was laid by Mirza Agali Aliyev in 1934.
In the end, an agreement was reached to establish relations and hold joint events with the “Genocide Memorial Complex” and the Lankaran Museum of History and Geography in Guba.
Lankaran History and Country Studies Museum
A group of employees of the Complex was sent to the “Pir Huseyn Khanagahi” historical-architectural reserve in order to cooperate and exchange experience in the field of scientific activity of the employees of the “Pir Huseyn Khanagahi” historical-architectural reserve. The management of the complex and a group of employees of the “Scientific Research, Exposition and Foundation Department” first visited the historical-architectural reserve “Pir Huseyn Hanagahi” located in the village of Gubali Baloglan, Hajigabul district.Within the framework of the visit, training and seminars on various topics were organized in order to exchange experience between the employees of both reserves. Directors of the reserve, Maharram Muslimov and Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, gave detailed information about the work done within the framework of the 2023 “Year of Heydar Aliyev”. Within the framework of the seminars and trainings, the employees of both reserves held detailed discussions on the topics of “Scientific articles”, “Foreign relations”, “Publicity in the media”, “Works done on Internet platforms”.
At the meeting, first of all, a film about the life and activities of the founder of modern Azerbaijan, the national leader, made by the Genocide Memorial Complex within the framework of the Heydar Aliyev year, was watched. Later speaking, the director of the “Pir Huseyn Khanagahi” historical-architectural reserve, Maharram Muslimov, the director of the Zagatala state nature reserve, Anar Lachynov, and the director of the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba, Dr. Rakhshenda Bayramova, said that in the 20th century, a new era had begun in the cultural life of our people, and that this era stating that it is related to the name of the great leader Heydar Aliyev, the works carried out in all 3 reserves within the framework of the “Heydar Aliyev” year of 2023 were noted and positive experiences were shared with other employees of the reserve.
In the end, the scientific workers of the reserves presented short extracts from the scientific articles they wrote about the genius leader Heydar Aliyev.
The book, which consists of 542 pages, was recommended for publication by the decision of the Scientific Council of the Institute of Oriental Studies. The scientific editor of the book is the director of the Caucasian Studies Institute of ANAS, corresponding member of ANAS, doctor of historical sciences, professor Musa Gasimli. The reviewers are Academician, Doctor of History, Professor Nargiz Akhundova, Department Head of the Institute of Caucasian Studies of ANAS, Doctor of History, Professor Gasim Hajiyev, Department Head of the Institute of Oriental Studies of ANAS, Doctor of Philosophy in History, Associate Professor Samad Bayramzade, doctor of philosophy in history, associate professor Jabi Bahramov. Chapter 1 of my monograph entitled “Massacres of 1905-1906 and the March Genocide of 1918” provides detailed information about the serious crimes against humanity of that period. Chapter 2 talks about the deportation of Azerbaijanis from their historical lands in 1948-1953, the unjustified land claims and occupation of territories by Armenians against Azerbaijan, and the treatment of Azerbaijani civilian and military prisoners by Armenia. Chapter 3 talks about “protests to Armenia’s baseless territorial claims and interference, and the tragedy of January 20, 1990 (the Neftchala and Lankaran tragedies of January 25, 1990). Chapter 4, called “Genocides in Karabakh”, describes the Agdaban genocide and the legal and political activities aimed at its recognition, the Garadaghli genocide, the genocide committed by Armenia against peaceful Azerbaijanis in Ballıgaya village of Goranboy district, the Malibayli, Lower and Yukhari Gushchular massacres Khojaly genocide which are serious crimes against humanity and civilization. The topic of the 5th chapter is the April battles and the Patriotic War. The 6th chapter, called “The policy of the state of Azerbaijan in conveying the truths of the genocide of Azerbaijanis to the world”, is dedicated to the policy of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in connection with these tragedies, as well as the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba. The appendices at the end of the book contain documents, agreements, resolutions and decisions, declarations, maps and pictures.
The Great Mardakan Castle is a castle with an ancient history in the Mardakan settlement of Baku. The castle was built in the middle of the 14th century by Akhsitan I, the son of Manuchohr III the Great, in the form of four corners. This fortress was built in honor of Akhsita I’s brilliant victory over the enemy. The castle was used as a shelter and guard post for feudal lords. The height of the castle is 22 meters, the thickness is 2.10 meters from the bottom, and 1.60 meters from the top. The inner yard is 700 square meters. From the inside, the castle is divided into 5 levels.
The first constitution of independent Azerbaijan was adopted through a national vote (referendum) held on November 12, 1995. The Basic Law of the State entered into force on November 27, 1995. The adoption of the constitution is one of the most important events in the history of our independence, and it is one of the great services of the great leader Heydar Aliyev to the statehood of Azerbaijan. This Constitution is a perfect and progressive document that regulates the process of independent state building, ensures democratic development, includes radical changes in the political, social, cultural, and economic spheres of society, and plays the role of a legal base for improving legislation.
The visitors began by laying flowers in front of the monument erected in memory of the victims of the 1918 genocide, and then proceeded to explore the museum within the complex. The guests were provided with a comprehensive presentation regarding the inhumane crimes committed by Armenian vandals in Azerbaijan in 1918, which amounted to a genocide. In conclusion, the guests were presented with a book and booklets detailing the events of the genocide, as well as a report booklet dedicated to the complex’s 10-year history.
In the assembly hall of Baku Girls’ University, the proceedings commenced with the rendition of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a solemn minute of silence to honor the indomitable spirit of the great leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who laid down their lives for the liberation of our lands. Subsequently, attendees watched a documentary chronicling the life and achievements of Heydar Aliyev, the architect of modern Azerbaijan and its national leader.
In her opening address, Dr. Sevinj Rahimova, the Rector of Baku Girls’ University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Pedagogy, extended a warm welcome to the esteemed participants, underscoring Azerbaijan’s global renown for its rich cultural heritage, artistic legacy, and steadfast national-spiritual values. She emphasized that the cultural renaissance of the Azerbaijani people in the 20th century was irrevocably intertwined with the visionary leadership of Heydar Aliyev.
Following Dr. Rahimova’s remarks, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, the Director of the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba and a Doctor of Philosophy in History, shed light on Heydar Aliyev’s pivotal role in politically and legally condemning the genocide perpetrated against Azerbaijanis. Dr. Bayramova provided a comprehensive overview of the Complex’s initiatives and activities.
Subsequent speakers at the conference included Dr. Azizaga Alakbarli, Associate Professor and Head of the “History” Department at Baku Girls’ University, who expounded on “Heydar Aliyev and the Turkic World.” Dr. Aygun Jafarova, Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs at Baku Girls’ University and Head Teacher of the Department of Azerbaijani Language and Literature, delivered a discourse on “Heydar Aliyev’s Contribution to the Study and Promotion of Azerbaijani Literature.” Dr. Elnur Kalbizade, Head of the Institute of Caucasian Studies at ANAS and a Doctor of Philosophy in History, delved into “Heydar Aliyev’s Approach to Conflicts in the Caucasus.” Dr. Elnur Mustafayev, Head of the Institute of Oriental Studies at ANAS and a Doctor of Philosophy, examined “Heydar Aliyev’s Impact on Our National and Moral Values.” Dr. Subhan Talibli, a specialist at the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba and an Associate Professor with a Doctorate in History, elucidated “Heydar Aliyev’s Contributions to the Multilateral Diplomacy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.” Finally, Dr. Jahangir Jahangirli, an Associate Professor at the Azerbaijan Academy of State Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Sciences, analyzed “Heydar Aliyev and the Ideology of Azerbaijaniism.” The concluding speech was delivered by Abutalib Turabov, the spokesperson of the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba, who discussed “Heydar Aliyev’s Impact on Azerbaijan’s Cultural Policy.”
In recognition of their scholarly contributions, the participants who presented reports during the conference were presented with certificates of appreciation.
