"Alhambra Palace"

Located in the south of Spain, in the city of Granada, the Alhambra Palace is one of the most magnificent examples of Islamic architecture, holding an irreplaceable place in world cultural heritage due to its rich history, unique architecture, and cultural significance. The name Alhambra translates from Arabic as “Red Castle,” because the palace is mainly constructed from red bricks, which is reflected in the visual features of the palace. The palace was built in the 13th and 14th centuries by the rulers of the Nasrid dynasty and became the cultural, religious, and political symbol of the last center of the Andalusian Muslim state. The history of the Alhambra Palace dates back to the 9th century. Initially built as a simple fortress, this site gradually transformed into a larger complex. During the Nasrid dynasty period (1238–1492), which marked the peak of Islamic culture in Andalusia, the palace was particularly developed. During this period, the architecture, art, and connection with nature reached a new level, with scenic gardens, wide courtyards, and high-level architectural examples decorated with impressive and intricate patterns. The main purpose of this monumental complex, located around the city of Granada, was to function as both a fortress and the residence of the ruling family. Alhambra was also constructed as a defensive fortress and a strategic location. The various sections within the fortresses and the palace symbolized the peak of Andalusian culture and created a cultural heritage for future generations.
The main part of the palace complex is divided into three sections: the Alcazaba fortress, the royal residence, and the Generalife gardens. The Alcazaba is the oldest part of the palace, built for military purposes. This fortress aimed to control and defend the entire area of Granada.
The royal residence is the main palace where the rulers of the Nasrid dynasty lived, and it houses the highest examples of architecture. The most magnificent part of the palace is the Generalife, a place for the sultans to relax, famous for its magnificent gardens, fountains, and water channels. The Generalife gardens are also rich in various water sources, such as the “Pool of Dawn,” which highlights the beautiful and symbolic significance of the area.
The interior design of the Alhambra Palace is extraordinarily rich. Its walls and arches are adorned with magnificent geometric patterns and enriched with Arabic calligraphy and carvings. The palace’s Court of the Lions is particularly famous, featuring a fountain made up of 12 marble lion statues, symbolizing the refreshing power of water in life. The Hall of the Two Sisters draws attention with its unique design, with verses from the Quran engraved and various patterns and weavings incorporated. The palace’s architecture also boasts a rich water supply system, with fountains, pools, and water channels decorated with intricate patterns and ornaments throughout the entire palace.
After the conquest of Granada in 1492, the Alhambra became the residence of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Although several changes were made during this period, the palace’s primary architecture was preserved. During the reign of King Charles V, a new European-style palace was built inside the complex, but these changes mainly affected the exterior sections, and Alhambra preserved all the characteristics of original Islamic architecture.
In the 19th century, restoration work on the palace began, and it once again became a cultural center. In 1984, the Alhambra Palace was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The palace is one of the most visited and best-preserved historical monuments in the world. Every year, millions of tourists visit this magnificent palace, experiencing the pinnacle of Andalusian Islamic architecture. Alhambra holds a special place not only in terms of architecture but also for its historical and cultural significance. This palace continues to maintain its position in history as a magnificent monument where the past, culture, and art converge.

– Ahead of the Day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis on 31 March, a video clip prepared by the Complex reflecting the 1918 genocide of Azerbaijanis was broadcast across 27 metro stations of the Baku Metro, on monitors installed by the Azerbaijan State Advertising Agency in Baku and various regions of the Republic, as well as on screens at the Baku Transport Agency, in shopping centers such as “28 Mall,” “Ganjlik Mall,” and “Metropark,” and in hotels located in the regions

31 March 2025 – Commemorative event held on the occasion of the 107th anniversary of the genocides committed against Azerbaijanis

In April 2007, during repair and excavation works at the Quba city stadium, a mass grave was discovered. It was determined that the human remains found in the grave belonged to the local peaceful population who were subjected to genocide by Armenian Dashnak-bandit groups in 1918. Shortly after, based on Decree No. 673 dated December 30, 2009, by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the “Genocide Memorial Complex” was built in Quba city with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation during the years 2012–2013. On September 18, 2013, the Genocide Memorial Complex was inaugurated with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev. Over the past 12 years, more than 1 million people, including over 200,000 foreign visitors, have visited the complex. The Genocide Memorial Complex is the only ideological center in our country that reflects Armenian vandalism. The main mission of the complex is to declare the Armenian atrocities as they were and to promote the truth about Azerbaijan both locally and internationally.

In connection with the 107th anniversary of the March 31 genocide committed against Azerbaijanis, a commemorative event was held at the Genocide Memorial Complex. The event was jointly organized by the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Executive Power of the Quba District, and the Genocide Memorial Complex in Quba city. The head of the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mrs. Sabina Hajiyeva, the head of Quba District Executive Power, Mr. Ilgar Mahmudov, heads of local institutions and enterprises, as well as the district public, participated in the event.

At the beginning of the event, participants visited the monument of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and laid flowers at the monument. Afterwards, they visited the memorial monument located within the territory of the Complex.

The participants, who became acquainted with the museum section of the complex, were introduced to the tapestry exhibition titled “Cry of the Angels”, consisting of works dedicated to the 1918 genocide of Azerbaijanis by honored artist Adil Shikhaliyev. Additionally, brochures prepared by the Quba District Executive Power in connection with the exhibition were presented to the visitors.

The participants also viewed certificates and diplomas reflecting the achievements and accomplishments of the Complex’s staff over the past year.

The commemorative event, which lasted until the evening, was attended by representatives and employees of central and local executive authorities, institutions, organizations, media representatives, students, youth, and tens of thousands of citizens.

It is worth noting that the mentioned exhibition will be on display at the Genocide Memorial Complex for a duration of two months.

A visit to the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba city was organized for religious figures and representatives of religious communities in Guba, through the joint initiative of the Guba-Khachmaz regional department of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, the Guba District Executive Authority, the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba, and the Guba and Gusar district offices of the Caucasus Muslims Board.

During the visit, the cherished memory of fellow citizens who fell victim to the genocide was honored, and prayers were recited by religious leaders. Afterwards, visitors were provided with detailed information about the events.

Later, the guests viewed the exhibition titled “The Cry of Angels” by Honored Artist Adil Shikhaliev, which reflects the deep impact of the genocide. Information was also provided about the works displayed in the exhibition.

An event was held at the Guba Genocide Memorial Complex on the occasion of the 107th anniversary of the 1918 genocide against Azerbaijanis, jointly organized with the National NGO Forum of Azerbaijan. Following a moment of silence in memory of the heroic sons and daughters who gave their lives for Azerbaijan's sovereignty, a video was screened depicting the genocides committed against Azerbaijanis.

Mehriban Aliyeva, Deputy Director of the Guba Genocide Memorial Complex, provided information about the genocides and ethnic cleansing policies carried out by Armenian Dashnaks in the early 20th century on historical Azerbaijani lands. She emphasized that genocide is not only a crime against one nation but a crime against humanity.

Later, Ramil Isgandarli, Chairman of the Board of the National NGO Forum, highlighted the significance of such events and noted that Azerbaijan made its voice heard globally during the 44-day Patriotic War. Other speakers also shared their thoughts on the topic.

It should be noted that the event was attended by representatives of the National NGO Forum, families of martyrs, and staff of the Complex.