The forum began with a visit to the Memorial Monument of the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Quba. Participants included Saida Abasova, Deputy Head of the Quba District Executive Authority, Sabuhi Bashirov, Head of the Department for the Protection of Cultural Heritage at the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, heads of local administrations and enterprises, employees of cultural institutions and museums operating in the district, historical monument guardians, representatives of ethnic groups, intellectuals, as well as young people.
The event started with an introduction to exhibitions featuring handicrafts and paintings by artists, posters, and traditional costumes from the “Alaca” National Costume House. At the plenary session, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, Director of the Complex, welcomed the young scholars and researchers studying Azerbaijan’s history and culture, as well as specialists working in this field, who participated in the forum.
Following this, Saida Abasova, Deputy Head of the Quba District Executive Authority, greeted the forum participants and wished them success in their work. Then, Dr. Gunay Hasanova, the project initiator, informed the participants about the purpose and significance of the forum. Professor Yusif Aliyev spoke about the protection of the ethno-cultural memory of the Azerbaijani people and the ongoing work in this direction.
Professor Fazail Valiyev shared his views on modern approaches to the study of historical and cultural heritage and their potential applications.
Forum participants engaged in extensive scientific presentations and discussions in four thematic areas: “History and Culture,” “Archaeology and Anthropology,” “Ethnography and Ethnology,” and “Historical Monuments and Tourism.” They exchanged ideas on how Azerbaijan’s ancient cultural heritage should be preserved today and passed on to future generations, presenting slides and posters on these topics. After the plenary session, the forum continued its work in four separate sections.
The sectional meetings and scientific discussions held throughout the day were of great importance for both field specialists and forum participants. The attendees became acquainted with Azerbaijani ethnography and interesting facts and information about the northeastern region.
The two-day forum will conclude on June 5 with a cultural program organized for the participants, including visits to monuments such as the Taghli Bridge, Red Town, three historic mosques, and the Gumbazli Bath.
Sərgidə Soyqırımı Memorial Kompleksinə aid bukletlər, kitablar və digər maarifləndirici materiallar ziyarətçilərin diqqətinə çatdırılmış, Azərbaycan xalqına qarşı törədilmiş faciələrin tarixi və hüquqi aspektləri ətraflı şəkildə izah olunmuşdur.
During the 3-day exhibition, archaeological artifacts, exhibits, and educational materials from various periods related to the Gobustan National Historical and Artistic Reserve, the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba, the “Chirag Gala-Shabran,” Pirhuseyn Khanegah, “Avey,” “Keshikchidag,” and the “Medieval Agsu City” State Historical and Cultural Reserves were displayed.
Brochures, books, and other educational materials related to the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba were presented to visitors, providing detailed explanations of the historical and legal aspects of the tragedies committed against the Azerbaijani people. Through these materials, the aim to raise global awareness about the genocide and to preserve the memory has been further strengthened.
From the very first day, the booth of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan attracted great interest from participants.
On May 22, 2025, an online masterclass titled “Written Monuments of Shusha (in the Context of Socio-Cultural and Historical Processes)” was held through the joint organization of the Institute of Oriental Studies named after Academician Z.M. Bunyadov of ANAS and the Genocide Memorial Complex in Quba.
During the webinar, which was organized for educational purposes, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, Director of the Complex, emphasized the importance of such events. She noted that Shusha, considered the cultural capital of Azerbaijan and the pearl of the entire Caucasus, is rich in historical, cultural, and architectural monuments. She highlighted that Shusha holds a unique place and role in the history of the Azerbaijani people. Founded by Turkic tribes — the ancestors of the Azerbaijani nation — Shusha has preserved its identity even in the most complex historical circumstances and has made significant contributions to our cultural heritage as a Turkic-Muslim city.
Following her remarks, PhD in Philosophy, Associate Professor Elnur Mustafayev, Head of Department at the Institute of Oriental Studies and Head of the Department for Young Scientists and Specialists, delivered a presentation. He provided detailed information about the features of written monuments found in the territory of Azerbaijan, the language, content, and linguistic styles of inscriptions engraved on monuments. He also addressed the damage inflicted on our tangible cultural heritage by Armenian vandalism, particularly in liberated territories.
At the end of the session, a discussion was held around questions related to the topic.
The exhibition of the tapestry titled “The Cry of Angels” by Honored Artist Adil Shıxaliyev, held at the Genocide Memorial Complex in Quba, concluded on May 21, 2025. The artist, Adil Shıxaliyev, donated one of his works, titled “The Prayer of Angels”, to the Genocide Memorial Complex.
It should be noted that the exhibition, dedicated to March 31 — the Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Quba District Executive Authority, and the Quba Genocide Memorial Complex. Over the course of the two-month exhibition, the artworks were viewed by nearly 8,000 visitors, both local and international.
Since March 29, the “Cry of Angels” tapestry exhibition by Honored Artist Adil Shıxaliyev has been on display for visitors at the Genocide Memorial Complex in Quba. Over the course of two months, nearly 8,000 visitors — both locals and international guests from countries such as Turkey, Russia, Italy, France, India, Pakistan, Israel, the UAE, and others — have closely viewed the works exhibited at the museum of the complex.
The tapestries displayed in the exhibition incorporated traditional weaving techniques such as palaz, kilim, carpet, and sumakh.
It is worth noting that the exhibition, dedicated to March 31 — the Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Quba District Executive Authority, and the Genocide Memorial Complex in Quba.
The works featured in the exhibition, particularly the tapestry titled “The Cry of Angels” dedicated to the massacres committed by Armenians against Azerbaijanis 107 years ago in 1918, including the Quba genocide, convey the deep emotional impact of the tragedy to viewers.
At the event, a presentation titled “My Rights, My Constitution” was delivered by lawyer Tariyel Iskəndərov, head of the Shirvan City Mediation Organization No. 1. In his speech, the speaker spoke about the historical achievements of our country in connection with the 30th anniversary of the adoption of our Constitution and the 5th anniversary of our victory in the Patriotic War. He highlighted the power of our Constitution, the restoration of our full sovereignty, as well as the unity and solidarity of our people.
At the end, participants exchanged views on the topic.
