Another webinar titled “The Genocide Events Committed Against Azerbaijanis in 1918” was held. The webinar was organized by the Genocide Memorial Complex in the city of Guba, operating under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The event, moderated by the Deputy Director of the Complex, Mehriban Aliyeva, featured a presentation by the Complex’s staff member Orkhan Huseynov. He provided information about the establishment and activities of the Complex and also introduced participants to its museum.

He noted that in the early 20th century, as a result of the policy of mass ethnic cleansing and aggression carried out by Armenian Dashnak armed groups on Azerbaijani lands, tens of thousands of innocent Azerbaijanis were killed in Baku, Guba, Karabakh, Shamakhi, Kurdamir, Salyan, Lankaran, and other regions. These events constituted one of the most tragic genocides of the 20th century committed against the Azerbaijani people.

It was emphasized that in the Guba district alone, 167 villages were completely destroyed during April–May 1918. In the mass grave located in the city of Guba, it has been established that, along with Azerbaijanis who were killed with extreme brutality and cruelty, thousands of people belonging to other ethnic groups—including Lezgins, Jews, Tats, and other minorities—were also subjected to violence.

At the end of the webinar, an exchange of views took place around questions of interest to the participants. It should be noted that more than 20 employees from reserves operating under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage participated in the webinar.

An educational event dedicated to March 31 – the Day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis was held at the Genocide Memorial Complex in the city of Guba, which operates under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The event was attended by staff members of the Memorial Complex, as well as teachers and students from the Guba branch of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University.

Opening the event, the Deputy Director of the Genocide Memorial Complex, Mehriban Aliyeva, spoke about the importance of studying the events of 1918—one of the tragic chapters in Azerbaijan’s history—and passing this knowledge on to future generations. She also provided participants with information about the activities of the Complex.

Afterwards, Bika Farmanzade, a history teacher at the Guba branch of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, delivered a speech emphasizing that the events of 1918 left a deep mark not only on Azerbaijan’s history but also on the history of the wider region. It was noted that students’ participation in such events helps expand their knowledge based on historical sources and positively contributes to the development of patriotism and civic responsibility.

As part of the event, a presentation was delivered by Nurcan Allahverdiyeva, an employee of the Memorial Complex, on the topic: “The 1918 Genocide in the Testimonies of Residents of Baku and Its Villages (based on the documents of the Extraordinary Investigation Commission).” The presentation provided detailed information about the historical context of the 1918 events, drawing on archival materials, academic research, and various sources.

At the end of the event, students toured the exhibition halls of the Memorial Complex and learned about documents, photographic materials, and archaeological findings related to the genocide.

An event was held at the Genocide Memorial Complex in the city of Guba, which operates under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the 108th anniversary of the genocides committed against Azerbaijanis. The event was attended by staff members of the scientific department of the Memorial Complex, as well as teachers and students of the Guba District Physics, Mathematics, and Informatics Lyceum.

In her opening remarks, the Director of the Genocide Memorial Complex, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, spoke about the activities of the Complex and emphasized the importance of commemorating the events of 1918 and educating the younger generation about them. She noted that educational events held at the Memorial Complex enable students to become more familiar with historical facts and to better understand the events that took place during that period.

Afshan Narimanli, a history teacher at Guba Physics, Mathematics, and Informatics Lyceum and a Doctor of Philosophy in History, stated in her speech that the events of 1918 represent one of the most tragic chapters in the history of Azerbaijan. She emphasized that informing the younger generation about historical truths, preserving national memory, and honoring the victims of genocide are of great importance. A. Narimanli also reminded students of the importance of studying history in depth and noted that such events play a significant role in fostering a spirit of patriotism.

Subsequently, Sariyya Abidova, an employee of the Scientific Research, Exposition, and Collections Department of the Genocide Memorial Complex delivered a presentation titled “Testimonies of Ethnic Groups that Witnessed the 1918 Genocides.” She provided students with detailed information about the tragic events that occurred in Azerbaijan in 1918, based on archival materials and testimonies from various ethnic groups who witnessed those events.

As part of the event, the students also toured the exhibition halls of the Memorial Complex and became acquainted with the materials and historical facts presented in relation to the genocide.

" Gulustan Palace"

Gulustan Palace holds an important place in the cultural life of Baku as one of the city’s most prominent architectural landmarks. Its position overlooking the Caspian Sea and its proximity to the city center give this building a unique aesthetic value. The palace is known as one of the main venues for official state events, international forums, and prestigious meetings. Built in a modern architectural style, the building stands out for both its monumental appearance and functional structure.
The construction of Gulustan Palace was completed in the late 20th century, and it quickly became one of Baku’s symbolic locations. Its large, bright hall provides space for large audiences. Conferences, cultural programs, and official ceremonies held here play a significant role in the country’s public and political life. The interior of the palace is equipped with elegant decorative elements and modern technical equipment.
The view from the large windows offers a clearer display of the capital’s beauty. Gulustan Palace is not only suitable for official events but also for concerts and presentation ceremonies. The high-level acoustic system and spacious stage enhance the quality of the programs held here.
Over the years, the palace has hosted internationally significant events and state-level meetings. This fact further highlights its importance in the country’s diplomatic and cultural life. The palace is a space that represents Azerbaijan’s modern face to both local and foreign guests. The area surrounding it is well-maintained and surrounded by green belts.
Gulustan Palace occupies a special place in Baku’s architectural panorama and is recognized as the venue for the capital’s official ceremonies. The events held here also contribute to strengthening the country’s international reputation. With its magnificent appearance and multifunctional capabilities, the palace serves as a symbol of Azerbaijan’s statehood traditions and modern development.

An awareness-raising meeting was held for the staff of the Shabran Regional Office of the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the latest amendments to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments” and the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Combating Corruption.”

In addition to the employees of the Shabran Regional Office, staff members of the Chiraggala–Shabran State Historical and Cultural Reserve and the Guba Genocide Memorial Complex also attended the meeting as guests.

Within the framework of the event, detailed information was provided on the implementation of legislation in the field of protection of historical and cultural monuments, the responsibilities of persons in charge of monument preservation, as well as existing legal mechanisms for combating corruption. At the same time, questions from employees responsible for the protection of monuments were answered, and an exchange of views took place on the topic.

The meeting was of great importance in terms of increasing legal awareness in the field of protection of historical and cultural monuments and organizing activities in this direction more effectively.

Another webinar titled “The Genocide Events Committed Against Azerbaijanis in 1918” was held. The webinar, organized by the Genocide Memorial Complex in the city of Guba—operating under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan—took place as a continuation of this series.

The event was moderated by the Deputy Director of the complex, Mehriban Aliyeva. During the webinar, staff members of the complex—Sariyya Abidova, Ulker Zeynalova, and Islam Aslanov—stated that in 1918, in the city of Baku and various regions of the Baku Governorate, as well as in Shamaxi, Guba, Khachmaz, Lankaran, Hajigabul, Salyan, Zangazur, Karabakh, Nakhchivan, and other territories, Azerbaijani people were brutally and mass murdered by the Baku Soviet and Dashnak Armenian armed groups.

It was emphasized that the response to all crimes committed against the Azerbaijani people by Armenians throughout history was given during the Patriotic War, which began in September 2020 and lasted 44 days. The Azerbaijani Army, under the leadership of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, avenged the atrocities committed for over 200 years within the framework of the “Greater Armenia” ideology on the battlefield. The 30-year-long occupation by Armenia was brought to an end, and the territorial integrity of the country was restored.

At the end of the webinar, an exchange of views took place around questions of interest to the participants. It should be noted that more than 25 employees from reserves operating under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan participated in the webinar.

A webinar titled “The Genocide Events Committed Against Azerbaijanis in 1918” was held. It was organized by the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba, which operates under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The event was moderated by the Deputy Director of the complex, Mehriban Aliyeva. During the webinar, the complex’s staff members—Doctor of Philosophy in History Tahmina Aliyeva, Nurcan Allahverdiyeva, and Orkhan Huseynov—stated that Armenian nationalists, at various stages of history, carried out ethnic cleansing, deportations, and genocides against Azerbaijanis in pursuit of realizing the mythical idea of a “Greater Armenia.”

One of the most horrific tragedies inflicted upon the Azerbaijani people was the mass massacres committed with particular cruelty in March–April 1918 by Dashnak-Bolshevik armed groups operating under the mandate of the Baku Soviet.

It was also noted that the government of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established an Extraordinary Investigation Commission to examine the grave crimes committed by Armenians. The government took a number of measures to preserve the truth revealed by the commission in the national memory and to communicate it to the international community. However, after the fall of the Democratic Republic, this process was halted, and further investigation and appropriate political and legal assessment of these events were prevented.

Only 80 years later—on March 26, 1998—did the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, National Leader Heydar Aliyev, sign a decree “On the Genocide of Azerbaijanis,” which gave an adequate political assessment of these tragic events and declared March 31 as the “Day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis.”

At the end of the webinar, an exchange of views took place around questions of interest to the participants. It should be noted that more than 35 employees from reserves operating under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan participated in the webinar.

"Kultepe – The Ancient Cradle of Azerbaijan’s History"

The village of Kultepe, located in the territory of Nakhchivan, is a historical monument of global significance with an ancient and rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan. Kultepe is considered one of the oldest settlements not only in Azerbaijan but in the entire South Caucasus. Archaeological research shows that life existed here during the 4th–1st millennia BCE, that is, in the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages. This fact proves that the territory of Azerbaijan was one of the important centers in the formation of ancient civilizations. During excavations, remains of ancient houses, hearths, tools, clay pottery, and various household items were discovered. The ceramic artifacts found indicate that the inhabitants of Kultepe were engaged in pottery, and that agriculture and animal husbandry were well developed. This proves that during that period people had already transitioned to a settled way of life. The examples of material culture discovered in Kultepe provide important information about the worldview of ancient people, their economic life, and social relations. According to archaeologists, this settlement also played an important role in the formation of economic and cultural connections in the region. Kultepe is a vivid example of the ancient and rich cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people. This monument shows that our ancestors created a developed economic and cultural life thousands of years ago. Preserving historical heritage and passing it on to future generations is the duty of each of us.
 

"Artistic Ceramics in Azerbaijan"

Artistic ceramics is one of the oldest branches of Azerbaijani craftsmanship and has maintained its significance to this day. This art has served both the needs of daily life and the aesthetic demands. According to experts, the emergence of this art form dates back to the Neolithic period. Primarily practiced by women, pottery evolved during the Eneolithic period through various technical achievements and artistic progress, eventually becoming an independent art form. The formation of aesthetic concepts among the local population led to an increase in the decorative features of ceramic products. Simple geometric and botanical motifs, initially intended to be protective and magical, gradually became ornamental systems as their decorative qualities were discovered.

Azerbaijani potters have created decorative works rich in various shapes and patterns. Each region has its own distinctive style and ornaments. Gobustan, Shirvan, Nakhchivan, and other regions have been centers of ceramic production. Artistic ceramics have been used to create both utilitarian and decorative objects. Ceramic tools and dishware reflect the daily life of the people. This art has been passed down from generation to generation, preserved, and lived on. In the modern era, Azerbaijani potters participate in both national and international exhibitions. Thus, artistic ceramics remain an inseparable and valuable part of Azerbaijani cultural heritage.

Within the framework of the “Heirs of Heritage” Guba Winter School project of the “Azerbaijan Children” Public Union, children from the Child Shelter–Reintegration Center of the “Azerbaijan Children” Public Union visited the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba.

After becoming acquainted with the museum of the complex, an event was organized for the visitors. The event, moderated by the Deputy Director of the Complex, Mehriban Aliyeva, featured several speakers. The Chairman of the Guba District Council of Elders, Ildirim Mammadov, spoke about the history of Guba and the ethnic groups living there, emphasizing that holding such events is essential for educating children—our future—in a spirit of love for the homeland, respect for national and moral values, and traditions, as well as for their overall enlightenment.

Subsequently, the Director of the Complex, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, welcomed the guests and provided detailed information about the complex’s activities and ongoing work.

Kamalə Agazadeh, Chairperson of the “Azerbaijan Children” Public Union, noted in her speech that the organization brings together socially active individuals and implements various programs and projects aimed at the social and legal protection of children, their comprehensive development, the discovery of their talents and abilities, and the effective organization of their leisure time.

At the end of the event, a composition prepared by the children of the Child Shelter–Reintegration Center of the “Azerbaijan Children” Public Union was presented.

It should be noted that the project was implemented at the initiative of the “Azerbaijan Children” Public Union, with partnership support from the Guba District Executive Authority and the Regional Development Public Union (RDPU).

A webinar on the topic “Genocides Committed Against Azerbaijanis” was held in “Genocide Memorial Complex" in the city of Guba

Opening the event with an introductory speech, the Deputy Director of the Complex, Mehriban Aliyeva, stated that the policy of genocide committed against the Azerbaijani people at various times is not merely a historical fact, but also a component of a systematically implemented strategy of ethnic cleansing and extermination. She emphasized that the investigation, documentation, and scholarly presentation of these crimes are of great importance both for preserving national memory and for defending the truth in the international legal and political arena.

Subsequently, Dr. Oder Alizadeh, a lecturer at the Department of History and Archaeology of Khazar University, delivered an extensive presentation on the subject. Based on archival documents and historical sources, he analyzed the political and ideological foundations of the mass massacres carried out against Azerbaijanis and discussed the impact of these events on the demographic and social development of the region.

Approximately 30 employees of reserves operating under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage participated in the webinar.